Colic
There are three different types of colic, Tympanitic, Spasmodic and Obstructive. Spasmodic is probably more common and usually lasts only a few hours.
Symptoms
Tympanitic: Acute constant pain, sweating, tense abdomen and high pulse. Loud gut sounds can be heard and the horse may look anxioud and make attempts to lie down. Constant attempts at urinating may happen.
Spasmodic: Bouts of acute pain are followed by normal periods. During the painful periods sweating, high pulse, restlessness and tense abdomen can be seen as well as the horse turning to look at his flank. The horse may try to like down and roll, which, although believed to be harmful actually is not as long as the horse does not damage himself on any nearby objects.
Obstructive: Obstructive colic causes the horse to become shocked as toxins are released into the system. The pulse rises and stays at a high rate and the mucous membranes become a dirty red colour. There may be a high temperature in the early stages with pain increasing over time intil the horse becomes cold and clammy which is when death is imminent. Impacted colic is a type of obstructive colic although less severe. As the obstruction builds up the horses stops eating and trys to pass faeces, which are increasingly dry and small. the horse will lie down and keep looking at his flank. It can be identified by an internal examination.
Cause
Tympanitic colic is caused by a large amount of food material fermenting in the gut. Spasmodic colic is caused by either migrating worm larvae or a lack of sodium and chlorine ions which interferes with the normal gut contractibility and gas pressures, and is usually found in exhausted, dehydrated horses. Obstuctive colic can occur in the stomach because of overeating or because of unsoaked sugar beet which expands when digested. It can also occur in the small intestine usually because of food impacting at the junction to the large intestine although it can also be caused by a twist or strangulating hernia. The large intestine is the most usual place for impacted colic to occur with impaction at the pelvic fixture, usually because of a sudden change in diet or due to poor quality forage being fed.
Treatment
For tympanitic colic analgesics can be used to control the pain and antibiotics and vegetable oil can be given to help reduce the fermentation. A stomach tube can also be used to relieve the pressure and allow gas and fluid to escape. Anti-spasmolytic drugs can be administered which can also be administered for cases of spasmodic colic, which helps to relieve the horse. For both obstructive and impacted colic a veterinary surgeon will need to be called immediately as in most cases of obstructive colic surgery is required. Liquid paraffin and saline are administered for cases of impacted colic by a stomach tube. This is used to help the blockage move along the gut and be passed, with some treatment being needed for a few days to make this happen completely. If this does not work surgery may be required.
Please remember this information is provided as a guide only and professional advice should be sought before any diagnosis or treatment is applied.