Treatment for Equine Colic
Animals are prone to various diseases. Some of these may leave permanent damage while others are fatal. One example, which could go either way, is equine colic. This happens when the horse experiences pain in the abdomen and things can get worse if medical attention is not administered immediately.
If the doctor has not arrived yet, the person can do certain things, which can help in the treatment. This includes taking the temperature and monitoring the heart rate, recalling what kind of food was given the past few days as well as the water consumption and checking the color of the gums.
The veterinarian may be on call elsewhere so until help arrives, no food must be given to the horse. It will also be a good idea to walk the animal so it will not think about the pain. If the creature does not want to get up but it still continues to roll on the ground, everyone should help out and transfer the horse elsewhere so it does not inflict any damage to itself or others.
The doctor will usually give the horse some antibiotics. This will help ease the pain and it is a wait and see game after that to see if there are any improvements. Some horses recover quickly while there are those that don’t so this really depends on the animal.
There are other experts who have a natural treatment formula to treat equine colic. Instead of using drugs, herbs are used instead. Some examples of these are cape aloe leaf, ginger root, fennel, wild yam root and cayenne powder. This is mixed together with water or some alcoholic formula and then given to the horse.
Prevention of course is still the best way against any disease. This is because the cost of medicine and the professional fees of a doctor are quite expensive. Here are a few things that horse owners should do to prevent equine colic.
1. First, the person should watch the food being served to the horse. Processed grains from a reliable supplier are ideal when raising such a magnificent animal. Some people think that hay is ok but it may have bugs or other foreign objects, which could cause problems. This should be checked before this is given.
2. Aside from checking for foreign objects in the hay, the individual should also have a parasite control program. This will make sure the stable is clean at all times even if this is washed thoroughly several times a week.
3. Horses need plenty of exercise to stay fit. A short ride or simply walking with it for a few minutes everyday can help strengthen its immune system. It will also need adequate rest. There must be time given to the horse to just roam around or just lie still in the stable.
4. All multivitamins or drugs that will be given to the horse must first be examined by the vet. This is because some may make the animal sick especially if it has a sensitive digestive system.
5. The person should also make sure the horse practices proper hygiene. This means giving it a bath and brushing its teeth since deposits may soon become infections that could get worse if nothing is done to treat it.
Facts about Intestinal colic
Colic in babies can be something that just relegated as part of the development process and the hardships of child caring; but in horses, it is a different thing. Colic in horses is an emergency case. In fact, this is one of the worst nightmares of horse lovers and horse owners. This is because despite treatment, most horses will not get better, especially those who do not respond to therapy so well.
Colic is a term used to refer to abdominal pain that results from problems in the digestive organs and system. Often, colic is caused by obstructions and impactions in organs such as liver, intestines, bladder, uterus, ovaries and kidneys. Colic can also be associated with the stimulation of the nerve endings within the intestinal walls.
Other sources of pain are distentions in bowel movements. Intestinal colic may also be the result of inflammations in some parts of the body, impactions and twistings. It may also arise from rectal problems brought on by trauma in breeding in mares, manipulation of the rectum as well as some neurologic disease. Strangulations caused by lipoma may also cause intestinal colic.
The gastro-intestinal tract is made up of a series of parts appended in one long tube. The esophagus itself, where the food starts to go down, is three feet long. This empties to the stomach and then to the small intestine, which is 72 feet long. This may seem quite long when you imagine it inside the body of a horse; it does not extend straight out but are placed in stacks with twists and turns. This is perhaps the reason why problems in the intestine are so common in horses. Unlike in humans, horses have narrower tubes, which make it more likely for them to develop obstructions and impactions in these areas.
And because they have no way of relieving the pressures in their stomach and abdomen such as with vomiting, their pain tends to build up until, the pain is just too much for them to bear. Problems in small intestines tend to be more common in the southeast parts of the country than the other areas. Often, this is the consequence of feeding horses with Bermuda grass hay that is most common in those parts.
Some of those affected may respond to therapy. They are given conservative therapy as treatment. Others, whose cases are more severe, may need surgical interventions to treat their problems. The challenge for doctors is to know the difference between those who needs interventions and those who need surgery.
Often, severe cases wherein obstructions cannot be removed without the help of a surgeon’s hands will have to undergo surgeries. Examples of these cases are those that have displacement or torsions in various parts of the intestines and those with small incarcerations in the intestines.
Below are some signs that surgery is already needed to treat intestinal colic: severe pain in the abdominal areas, rectal remains that are not normally seen, and long durations of painful episodes despite medical therapy.
Surgeries done to treat intestinal colic may be categorized as complicated or uncomplicated, depending on the severity of the problem and how the body responds to other means of treatment. If for instance, the bowel has adequate blood supply, the problem can be corrected without going through a complicated process. Otherwise, segments will have to removed and examined.
To Bran Mash Or Not To Bran Mash
Bran mashes have traditionally been touted as being good for older horses to help them keep their weight on – the result of worn and aging teeth. Now, it seems that feeding bran mash may dangerous for your horse’s hooves. The long and short of the information is, do not feed bran if your horse has any hoof problems.
Oats or other grain brans contain phytate, which is high in phosphorus and will block absorption of calcium in the small intestine, producing a systemic calcium deficiency. Calcium is necessary for the strong bonding of keratinized cells to produce a strong hoof. But, what about the fact you were trying to regulate stool consistency? Try sugar beet pulp instead. If you are using bran to prevent sand colic, use psyllium. Really, to be blunt, you aren’t likely going to be feeding your horse so much bran mash that his hooves will be in trouble. Bran mashes are not usually the sole food given, they are used in combination with other forage and pellets. So if you do have hoof problems, what about using Biotin – a popular hoof growth supplement? Well, this is interesting, it seems research shows that if your horse has a normally functioning GI tract, a biotin supplement isn’t needed. And feeding more than the physiological amount of biotin does not improve hoof growth and strength. Ok fine, so what it the point? Point is instead of biotin or mash, feed loose salt, vitamin C, copper and zinc.
Be sure your horse has access to loose salt and not just salt blocks. On the other hand, horses fed a premixed feed often get adequate amounts of salt, so you won’t need loose salt. Copper and vitamin C are catalysts for forming healthy, connective hoof tissue. Make sure copper and vitamins are provided in adequate amounts. DL-methionine, praline, glycine and glutamic acid are major building blocks for healthy connective tissues.
Zinc is required for a healthy hoof. Without it, the hoof suffers parakaratosis, a defect in the maturation of keratin, leaving the hoof soft and structurally weak. Zinc and copper need to be in balance by the way. Bottom line? Don’t feed supplements just for the heck of it. Figure out if you really need them in the first place by talking to your Vet. And if you do, only start with one at a time so you can see if it is actually effective.
Hot Weather Cool Downs for Your Horse
- Image by National Library of Scotland via Flickr
It’s over 40 degrees in the baking sun and you can’t even walk outside without feeling like you’ve been drained of every ounce of energy you ever had. If you feel this way, imagine how your horse feels. Pretty much the same. If you are hot, so are they. Horses like weather in the 55-degree range and during the height of summer 55- degree days are fairly rare. What can you do to help cool your horse down?
Always have plenty of fresh, clean, cool water on hand.
It’s hard for them in heat like that to go too long without a drink. It’s usually a good idea not to work them too hard in high heat and humidity. It’s really punishing for their systems. And if you do work them, be VERY careful about letting them drink when you are done. Only let them have small quantities and space those quantities out over a period of time. If you’re working them slow and easy and they are not sweated up and heaving, give him a drink at least every half-hour. You might think this sounds funny, but think about it.
Don’t put your water bowl out in the full sun.
Why? Because the water in it can get so hot it can scald your horses lips. Put the bowl or bucket in the shade.
Another cool down tip, your horse loves cool bathes
Horses love to bathe in cool water — not ice cold – but cool spray from a hose all over their back, legs and chest. Some are fussy about water on their heads, so avoid that area. The first thing a horse usually does after being sprayed is roll in the dirt and make themselves a nice bug screen coating on their coats. The bugs are fierce in hot weather.
If you don’t have a hose with a spray attachment, then sponge his head and face off with cool water.
Even if you have a salt block out, it’s not enough for those brutally hot days. You need to have extra salt available. All you need to do is add some table salt to his hay or feed. He will eat what he needs. Most horses sweat about enough to need 4 ounces of salt daily in hot weather.
What to do when there is horse colic
Unlike with human babies, colic in horses can become really serious. In fact, it is considered as an emergency because of the potential damage that it can do to the horses. Even when treated immediately, only some will respond to treatment and medication. The condition of most will only deteriorate.
Colic in horses, like in humans, is pinpointed to a problem in the digestive system. Horses will feel pain in their abdomen, which can cause them to act wild. Horses who are suffering from colic will also cry and shout. They will also prance and buck wherever they are. This may cause injuries to themselves and also to the people who go near them.
There are several types of colic in horses. One is a colic caused by a problem with gas. This is called spasmodic colic. Another type is caused by obstructions in some parts of the body, particularly in the colon or in the intestines, where the structure is a lot narrower compared to other species. Often, impactions like this in different parts of their bodies will require treatment, from something as simple as oil and medication to fluid therapy, depending on the severity of the problem. Other types that horse lovers and owners should watch out for are colics brought on by overeating and those caused by worms.
Signs of colic in horses
There are many signs of colic in horses, primary of this is the apparent restlessness and abrupt loss of appetite. Like babies, they will also be grouchy and fitful. Appetite is one of the most important things that horse owners should observe as this can be frequently overlooked. Another possible sign of colic is that the horse will become restless at one time and listless the other time. They will unusually be lacking in energy and will be lying down for a period of time. Other times, they will be at their most active.
This is when the colic is already in its advanced form and the horse can no longer bear the pain. They will tart to paw, prance, and kick the belly. They will be looking at their sides often, and rolling their upper lip. Some will also be jerking their tails, stretching their legs and going from one place to another, unable to rest.
In severe instances, they can get so wild that they will throw themselves down and assume positions that are so unnatural. They will groan and roll and paw. Although sometimes, horses can be mighty moody sometimes, all these happening at the same period of time, recurring more than twice should already sound the alarm bells especially if the behavior is so unlike your horse’s temperament.
What to do
The first thing that you should do if you suspect colic in your horse is to not panic. This advice can be hard to take in when your horse is tearing the barn down with their wild behavior. But panic will not accomplish anything. You need a clear mind to deal with the problem. Besides, the feelings of panic will only be picked up by your horse, thereby exacerbating their own worries and fears.
The next thing that you should do is to call the veterinarian. Ask for assistance and do not attempt to solve it by yourself or to wait until the condition improves. Remember that colic is a serious matter and should be treated as soon as possible.
Horse First Aid Pack
Horse supplies run the gamut from grooming products to nutritional supplements. But there is an essential horse supply that you shouldn’t leave your barn, or your saddlebag without. Horse first aid pack might be just the thing that could save your horse’s life. Hollywood had often dramatized the situation wherein the rider shoots his horse because it is injured. Probably, he doesn’t have his first aid pack with him. No good comes from killing a horse over a minor injury if you could put it out of its agony without pulling the trigger. Plus, you know from experience that no matter how thought out or planned an outing might be, there are just some things that go awry. It’s not being paranoid, it is being prepared. Your preparation might help prevent your ride from turning into a Hollywood drama.
The kit must be stored in a container or bag that can keep moisture and dirt out because these encourage the growth of bacteria. You would just aggravate your horse’s infection if you used contaminated bandages. Stores that sell horse supplies carry items such as a plastic zipper bag. Aside from keeping tools, or grooming equipment, these are also good for storing first aid items. Groceries sell plastic food containers in varying sizes. Aside from keeping possible contaminants out, you could also choose one that could fit in your saddlebag. Among the things that you should include in your kit, a disinfectant probably is the most handy in most injuries. From minor scrapes and abrasions to wounds, disinfectants are essential cleansers. Just follow the manufacturers’ instructions especially when using industrial grades as excessive use could dry your horse’s skin. Antiseptic scrubs and swabs become useful for disinfecting wounds in the absence of water. These are excellent substitutes for disinfectants because t hey clean wounds with the same efficiency, but without the need for water. Ointments or wound powders are also worthy additions to your kit. They can prevent entrance of new bacteria inside the wound and speed up the healing process. However, be sure to use ointments, powders, and creams that have been approved by your vet. A fly repellent applied or sprayed on the wound lowers further infection or contamination risks considerably. Wound dressings come in sterile individual packs and they are good for covering wounds and promoting healing. There should be a supply of bandages in your kit, or at least two with a wide breadth. They are good for stabilizing fractures, splints, and securing pads over bleedings. Speaking of bleedings, cotton wool and gauze are essential for preventing excess bleeding. Salts are good for soaking diseased hooves and feet.
Aside from these medications, there are some supplies which you can buy from equine stores and regular drug stores. Petroleum jellies are good for chafing, minor burns, and skin sores. Thermometer is an investment to add to your horse supplies. Expert riders advise to keep your thermometers clipped to the tail of your horse to avoid loss. Scissors, tweezers, and forceps are tools you shouldn’t forget adding to your first aid pack. Aside from cutting bandages, they are also perfect for removing splinters and stones stuck in horses’ hooves. Lastly, these first aid pack is just for providing your horse help in emergencies before the vet arrives. These are just for preventive measures, meaning they can’t cure your horse. It is still important to call a vet after applying first aid.
Horse Health – Hoof Care
Hoof care is a vital part of maintaining your horses overall health. You should check your horses hooves daily, and at the very least, two to three times per week. You should becomve very familiar with what is normal and what is not, and to notice any problems that may be starting. Using this simple checklist may assist you in your daily grooming routine.
1. As you approach your horse make sure the symmetry is close, they do not have to be exactly equal, but very close to the same size and shape. 2. Carefully examine for defects in the wall and coronary band. Pick up the hoof, run your hand over the outside of the wall to feel for defects. Use the exact procedure for the coronary band and then squeeze it gently, these two procedures will also show tender spots and moisture bearing areas. 3. Carefully inspect the sole. Check the coloring in each hoof. They should be the same in color. A clearly delineated dark spot indicates a bruise or puncture wound. 4. Look and compare the frogs. The two front hooves should be similar in size and shape and the same with the rear hooves. You should lightly press each frog with your hoof pick, in most areas, with the exception of desert areas, they should be slightly spongy. 5. If your horse is shod, grasp the shoe and see if it wiggles. Check for missing clinches, if the shoe is loose you may choose to remove the shoe before your horse loses it on her own and possibly taking a chunk of her hoof with it.
If you keep a good close eye on your horses hooves, you can avoid a lot of issues by catching the problem before it gets severe. I would recommend you work into your daily hoof cleaning a few simple steps. Use your hoof pick from heel to toe. If it is tightly packed you may need to loosen it up a bit before it is removed. Once all the debris is removed, check all the areas of the hoof and make sure there is not a bad odor as this is a clear cut sign of thrush. Make sure there are no pebbles or stones lodged anywhere, even under the shoe.
Your horses hooves should exhibit a natural glossy luster of the hoof wall. A smooth uniform surface free of cracks, rings, dishes and flares; a concave sole that touches the shoe then you can be pretty sure that your horses hooves are in good health.
Equine Colic
The diseases that animals and humans face are very different. Perhaps because of the biological structure or simply because a person can describe the pain while a dog, a cat or a horse is unable to do the same.
It takes practice to be able to diagnose a problem with an animal. Sometimes, a sudden change could be nothing or this could be fatal. One good example is equine colic that happens to horses.
Horses that suffer equine colic usually experience from abdominal pain. Veterinarians are unable to pinpoint the exact cause but attribute the problem to the food being given to the animal. Something new may have been given which causes gas to build up
Stress and lack of exercise could also be the culprit. Studies show that equine colic happens more often to those raised in stables than those in the field.
When the horse feels restless, decides to kick its own belly, paws or rolls on the ground, stands outstretched or has a curl on the upper lip, the owner should call a vet because these are the usual symptoms of the disease.
This can only be confirmed with a more thorough exam given by the doctor that will reveal an increase in heart rate and temperature. Some medicine may be given but if it still refuses to eat, there is a very high chance that the horse will die.
Treatment must be administered almost immediately since most horses die within 48 hours. Unfortunately, even if the animal survives, it may happen again which is why preventive measures must be taken.
Here are some of these steps;
1. The owner or those who are in charge of taking care of the animal should follow the regular feeding schedule as well as make sure the stable is clean at all times. There must always be a sufficient supply of clean drinking water especially when the weather is hot to prevent dehydration.
2. Parasite could bring other diseases that could also make the horse sick. It will be a good idea to set up a parasite control program to prevent this from ever happening.
3. The ideal diet for a horse is processed grains. If this is not yet being used, it is advisable to do this from now on.
4. Taking the horse out for a ride will give it the much needed strength to fight off certain diseases.
5. Some owners give horses multivitamins and other drugs. Before doing so, this should be checked by the veterinarian since this could be the root cause of equine colic.
6. It is okay to give the horse hay every so often. Before doing so, it will be a good idea to check it for foreign objects that could also cause problems when it is digested.
7. Horses are unable to brush the teeth like humans. So, the person has to take care of that as part of the hygiene, which is just like cleaning the stable of waste daily.
There are many types of equine colic that vets classify. These cases range from mild to severe. Since horses owners may not be able to distinguish one from the other, it is always advisable to get help immediately so the problem can be treated before it is too late.
Equine Parasites
Internal parasites – out of sight, out of mind – can kill your horse. While they may be out of sight, they are doing extensive damage internally. At a minimum, parasites can steal nutrients from your horse and cause gastrointestinal irritation. The bad news is, uncontrolled they can cause colic, intestinal ruptures and death.
The three top things you must provide for your horse for his good health are clean water, high quality feed and a good de-worming program. And this will make you really stop and think. Did you realize that are more than 150 parasites that infest horses? The most common are large stronglyes (aka bloodworms), small stronglyes, ascarids, pinworms, bots, tapeworms, threadworms and lungworms. And think about this, some of these species lay up to 200,000 eggs a day. Those numbers are staggering.
The thing with all these parasites is that they may all be present in your horse at the same time, just in different lifecycle stages. So yes, while your horse may look healthy and happy, you don’t know what is going on inside. These silent killers can damage tissues and vital organs, major blood vessels, cause obstructions and ulcerations in the digestive tract. Pinworms can really irritate horses and cause intense anal itching.
Some signs of infestation may (and may is the operative word, since you won’t always see signs of problems externally) include dull, rough coat, weight loss, tail rubbing (hair loss), colic, depression, coughing/nasal discharge, loss of appetite etc. The best thing to do if you see some of these signs is talk to your Veterinarian about getting a fecal examination. Won’t I see them worms in the manure? Answer is no, you won’t, but the eggs will be visible to the Veterinarian under a microscope. By counting the types and number of eggs, the Vet can then tell you which de-worming program will work. This test in combination with a good worming program will keep your horses protected from the ravages of pests.
You can give wormer four ways, oral paste syringe, oral liquid syringe, nasogastric tube and as a feed additive. In many cases horses will not eat something they smell in their feed, so if you can work with the other two methods, you’d accomplish worming effectively. Nasogastric tubes are best left for a Vet to administer wormer. Make sure you give the proper dose and at the proper time – usually every 6 to 8 weeks. (foals will differ, check your wormer labels)
All three methods are effective. The key is that the deworming product must be given in the proper dose (given by weight) at the proper time, and that they actually swallow the wormer. To make sure they do swallow the dose, you can do one of two things – insert your thumbs into either side of their mouth to make them open their mouth and swallow the paste or liquid they were holding in their mouth, or put your hand under their chin and tip their head up so they must swallow.
For the best worming schedule, talk to your Veterinarian. The requirements of the herd may vary if you have all ages and stages of equines from foals to old campaigners.
Equine Colic – Would You Know What To Do?
“I think your horse has colic.” Words to strike fear into any horse owner’s heart. But what is colic? What signs should you look for?
Colic refers to pain originating in the abdomen. Generally horses do not tolerate abdominal pain very well. So if there is any disturbance of gut function they tend to show signs of pain.
Signs of mild discomfort might be stretching, standing as if to urinate, and pawing the ground. If he is more painful the horse will get up and down, and roll to try to get more comfortable. He will start sweating. More serious cases will get up and down and roll constantly.
If you think your horse has colic, you should call an experienced equine vet straight away. He or she will be able to provide emergency pain relief and decide whether further treatment is necessary.
What can you do while you wait for the vet to arrive? Taking your horse for a walk often helps. It may encourage his guts to work normally and soothe the pain. It may also prevent him lying down to roll. If he is lying down quietly then let him stay there.
It used to be thought that a horse could cause a twisted gut by rolling. That is probably not true. But it is best to prevent him rolling if you can. That way you will prevent him injuring himself by banging himself on the stable walls. But be careful that you don’t get injured yourself. Horses often forget all their normal manners when they are in pain.
There are many different reasons for horses to get colic. But often the signs look similar regardless of the cause.
What will the vet do to investigate the problem? He or she will listen to the abdomen with a stethoscope to tell whether there is more or less activity in the gut than normal.
The heart rate gives a good indication of the severity of the pain and the seriousness of the problem. A horse with a normal heart rate probably does not have a serious problem. Whereas a high heart rate is not such a good sign.
A very useful part of the examination is the rectal examination. By feeling the intestines, the vet may be able to identify the cause of the problem. It goes without saying that this is a very skilled procedure, that is potentially hazardous for both the vet and the horse. But for an experienced equine vet the information it gives is invaluable in deciding the nature of the problem. It may reveal a blockage, or a swollen loop of intestines as a result of a twist or other intestinal catastrophe.
In all but the most straightforward cases the vet may pass a tube through the nose into the stomach . It sounds unpleasant but often may make the horse more comfortable by releasing the pressure in the stomach. It can also give the vet useful information about whether the stomach is emptying properly.
Sometimes the horse is in so much pain that it is impossible for the vet to examine him properly without first giving a dose of sedative or pain killer.
Only by considering all of the signs revealed by a careful examination is the vet able to make a tentative diagnosis. Even then it may not be possible to tell exactly what is going on.
Sometimes, after the first examination, it will be apparent that the horse needs emergency surgery. But more usually the vet will decide to treat the horse with a short-acting pain-killer and review his condition after a couple of hours. Most cases show a rapid improvement. But some will either not respond to the treatment, or they will improve at first, only to start showing signs of pain again later.
Rather than having to call the vet out several times, it is usually better to transport these cases to a specialist equine practice where they can be monitored closely and surgery can be performed if necessary.
Fortunately the vast majority of cases respond to medical treatment. But if surgery is needed – it is important to operate early. The chance of a successful outcome is much better if the operation is carried out before too much damage has occurred.