The number one killer of horses is colic. Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored. Many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic – and seeking qualified veterinary help – can the chance for recovery be maximized.

Recognizing Colic

A major problem for you as a horse owner is identifying the signs of colic. That's because signs can vary greatly between individuals and may also depend on the severity of the pain. However, among the more common signs are:

• Turning the head toward the flank

• Pawing

• Kicking or biting at the abdomen

• Stretching out as if to urinate without doing so

• Repeatedly lying down and getting up or attempting to do so

• Rolling, especially violent rolling

• Sitting in a dog-like position, or lying on the back

• Lack of appetite (anorexia)

• Putting head down to water without drinking

• Lack of bowel movements, as evidenced by the small number of manure piles

• Absence of, or reduced, digestive sounds

• Sweating

• Rapid respiration and/or flared nostrils

• Elevated pulse rate (greater than 52 beats per minute)

• Depression

• Lip curling (Flehmen response)

• Cool extremities

Taking Immediate Action

Time is perhaps the most critical factor if colic is to be successfully treated. While a number of cases resolve without medical intervention, a significant percentage do require prompt medical care, including emergency surgery. If you suspect your horse is suffering from colic, the following action plan is suggested:

1. Remove all food and water.

2. Notify your veterinarian immediately.

3. Be prepared to provide the following specific information:

• Pulse rate
• Respiratory rate (breathing)
• Rectal temperature
• Color of mucous membranes
• Capillary refill time (tested by pressing on gums adjacent to teeth, releasing, then counting the seconds it takes for color to return)
• Behavioral signs, such as pawing, kicking, rolling, depression, etc.
• Digestive noises, or lack of them
• Bowel movements, including color, consistency and frequency
• Any recent changes in management, feeding, or exercise
• Medical history, including deworming and any past episodes of abdominal pain
• Breeding history and pregnancy status if the patient is a mare, and recent breeding history if the patient is a stallion
• Insurance status and value of the horse (NOTE: The insurance carrier should be notified if surgery or euthanasia is being considered).

4. Keep horse as calm and comfortable as possible. Allow the animal to lie down if it  a       appears to be resting and is not at risk of injury.

5. If the horse is rolling or behaving violently, attempt to walk the horse slowly.

6. Do not administer drugs unless specifically directed to do so by your equine practitioner. Drugs may camouflage problems and interfere with accurate diagnosis.

7. Follow your veterinarian's advice exactly and await his or her arrival.

Diagnosing the Case

Your equine practitioner will establish the severity of the colic and identify its cause. His or her examination and/or treatment may include the following procedures:

• Observation of such signs as sweating, abdominal distension (bloating), rapid breathing, flared nostrils, and abnormal behavior

• Obtaining an accurate history

• Passage of a stomach tube to determine presence of excess gas, fluids, and ingesta

• Monitoring vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration (TPR), color of the mucous membranes, and capillary refill time

• Rectal palpation for evidence of intestinal blockage, distension, or other abnormalities

• Blood test for white cell count and other data

• Abdominal tap in order to evaluate protein level and cell type in the peritoneal fluid 

• Analgesics or sedatives to relieve pain and distress

• Laxatives to help reestablish normal intestinal function

• Continued observation to determine response to treatment

• Transport

• Surgery

Attributing the AAEP

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Radiology

With the help of computer enhancement this modality allows for accurate evaluation of bone for evidence of arthritis, fractures and other joint abnormalities. Rare Earth screens and an intensifying grid aids in providing a sharp image. The image processing center allows us to digitalize all of our diagnostic images. Once the image is in a digital format, several options are available. The image can be computer enhanced (sharpened or zoomed), archived for future review/comparison, emailed to another veterinarian, or uploaded to the Veterinary Specialists Network for consultation with other specialists.

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Ultrasound

Soft tissue injury is best evaluated by using an ultrasound. Tendon and ligament strains can be diagnosed and monitored with accuracy. We also use the ultrasound to help us diagnosis pregnancy in mares and in routine reproductive exams. The ultrasound is a great tool in predicting ovulation because it has the ability to measure follicles more accurately than palpation alone.

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Lameness Evaluations

Lameness is any abnormality in a horse's gait which is an indication of a structural or functional disorder in one or more limbs of a horse that is apparent during motion or in the standing position. Lameness is most often due to a muscle , joint or bone abnormalities.

How a lame horse is examined depends largely on the type of lameness. Some lameness cases are easily diagnosed by history, presentation and a physical examination. However, other lameness disorders (often mild lameness), may require joint flexions, diagnostic nerve/joint blocks, radiography, ultrasonography, nuclear scintigraphy and other diagnostic procedures.

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Pre-Purchase

A pre-purchase exam includes a physical exam, soundness exam, radiology, endoscopy, ultrasonography, routine blood work and drug screening. Each pre-purchase exam is tailored around the buyers needs and intended use of the horse.

Deciding exactly what should be included in the purchase examination requires good communication between you and your veterinarian.

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