Skip to main content

Colicos in horses - Symptoms and treatment

Colicos in horses - Symptoms and treatment

The equine colic is the first cause of mortality in horses and many horse owners have to face it once since it is the most frequent disease of the adult horse.Colic syndrome is defined as a abdominal pain of varied origins .

The horse is a hypersensitive animal and the external manifestations of the colic can be impressive.Some specificities of the horse can complicate the situation: a horse cannot vomit, so that the food that has reached the stomach is forced to follow its path in the digestive tract.In addition, certain parasites such as strongils cause a narrowing of the arteries of the digestive system, which can make the condition worse.

Fortunately less than 10% of horses with colic require surgery.case colic syndrome is a of the most important equine pathologies for their severity and frequency, in this article of Animals and Pets Online we will tell you everything you need to know about the colic in horses .

Symptoms of colic on the horse

Colic or colic syndrome is defined as abdominal pain, usually the origin is intestinal, less frequently the cause can be renal.The ultrasensitive nerve detectors of the intestines react to the slightest discomfort that can be expressed in ways different according to the horse.

The intensity of the symptoms is not necessarily related to the severity of the problem: some horses are very expressive or even a little actors and exaggerate the signs while others try to hide their discomfort.Signs should get your attention and make you suspect a colic:

  • Your horse has lack of appetite but the belly may be swollen, may be lethargic or otherwise agitated, not He is attentive to his surroundings.
  • He is abnormally restless: he lies down and rises frequently, or he can duck his head looking at the ground as if he wanted to bend down.
  • He has anxious looks, can yawn, sometimes the flehmen : lift the upper lip showing the inner part and mucosa of this.
  • A horse with colic syndrome can also whinny, have the ears back, perspire without reason.
  • In general, a change in behavior on your horse should get your attention.

It is not uncommon for a horse with colic to put itself in the position to urinate but not urinate anything: This is often the owners call the veterinarian telling him that "the horse does not urinate", in general in those cases there is no problem of urination but a colic syndrome.

Scratches the ground in an unusual way with their forelegs, he wallows in an unusual way to try to relieve his pain, and remains lying on his back which tends to especially relieve the foals.He looks at the belly and flanks, he can even hit the belly with one of his backs The feces may be soft or non-existent , in some cases the horse is in shock: it has cold limbs and cyanotic mucous membranes that is bluish and rapid pulse.

Keep in mind that a horse suffering from a colic can be violent due to pain: it can kick or suddenly dropping to the ground, do not let children approach a horse with colic.

Colicos in horses - Symptoms and treatment

When to call my veterinarian?

The colic is always an emergency: notify your veterinarian immediately to examine your horse and determine the cause to intervene as soon as possible.

Although some disorders such as constipation can only be a temporary nuisance, the horse's reaction suggests a serious complication.It is important to relieve your horse's pain so that it does not become damaged and does not roll over: you should call your veterinarian as soon as possible to be given a sedative.

What to do while I wait for the vet?

A horse with colic that is lying down or that rolls over can increase the risk of rupture or intestinal torsion.If the veterinarian's examination is not standing and its intervention will be limited.Important advice is to walk your horse: make him walk if he accepts to walk calmly, this favors the motility of the digestive system and stimulates traffic and can help the expulsion of gases.

Keep in mind that an important part of the deaths of horses due to colic, it is because the horse brutally bends its previous ones due to subacute pain and is violently dropped against the hard ground, which can cause gastric ruptures: that is why if your horse does not want to get up after insisting a little it is better not to force it.

Colicos in horses - Symptoms and treatment

Treatment of colic in horses

First your veterinarian will perform a general examination of your horse to assess parameters such as:

  • Heart rate
  • Frequency Respiratory
  • Rectal temperature
  • Temperature of your extremities
  • Coloring of the mucous membranes
  • Dehydration level
  • Sounds Intestinal

You can also proceed with a rectal exam to determine the position, size and mobility of the organs.You can thus determine the presence of a plug, a buildup of gases, a painful area.

In some cases, the veterinarian may perform a naso-gastric intubation with a catheter: pass the catheter through a pot to reach the esophagus and then to the stomach, so it can determine if the stomach is overloaded with water and food and proceed to decompression.In addition, it allows you to introduce medications directly into the stomach.

Once the diagnosis is made, the veterinarian decides if he can treat himself there l horse or if it should be transferred to a clinic in case it is more serious and could then perform blood tests.If the colic is treatable in situ the veterinarian will give your horse analgesic to relieve him.

Once the veterinarian is gone, it is not over: you must watch your horse for several days to control a possible recurrence, especially once the analgesic stops working.The horse will be fasted for a while before gradually feeding it Again, the fasting time and rest time of your horse depends on your veterinarian: you should follow his advice and directions .

Let your horse eat and defecate again It is not enough: all the parameters determined by your veterinarian during the examination of your horse must return to normal values ​​to consider that the colic has been resolved.

Colicos in horses - Symptoms and treatment

Causes and prevention of colic

Colicos are emergencies since 5% of colic are very serious and can cause the death of the horse.90% of colic have a digestive origin and only 10% are extra-digestive, for example , may have a uterine or urinary origin.Understanding the triggers of colic is essential not only for good treatment but also to prevent colic and reduce the risk to the fullest.

When the cause is digestive, colic may be due to an impact that is an accumulation of food that forms a plug, a dilation of organs, a displacement or an intestinal torsion.These digestive pathologies may be due to a change in food, to drinking fountains that freeze in winter, to stress.

  • The most frequent cause of colic is parasitism : the migration of the larvae of the estrongilos damages the intestinal wall rich in blood vessels.vessels are clogged and stop properly irrigating the i I do not testify to what causes the pain of the horse.It is suspected that flat worms may also cause colic.You should check your horse regularly 2 to 4 times a year, alternating products to avoid creating resistance.
  • Certain horses frequently have colicus while some never have, if your horse tends to suffer colicus you have to re-evaluate its food ration, its exercise and its way of life.For example a horse has colic repeatedly from A few weeks ago, speaking with the owners, the veterinarian realized that the problems began after changes in the feed in the stable: the quality of the hay did not suit this horse.
  • The food transition is very important when winter comes and that you pass your prairie horse to the box or when the good weather arrives and that you release it in a meadow.Its digestive system contains a flora composed of good bacteria and enzymes that are different according to the regime of the horse.A too rapid change of food does not allow your horse to adapt and does not manage to properly digest food which causes diarrhea, intestinal cramps and colic.Think to make the change progressively in some days at least.
  • The cause may be in the water : it is important to ensure that the horse always has access to fresh, clean water.In winter we must check that the pipe does not freeze.The lack of water causes dehydration that will first affect the organs of the digestive system, in this case the stools will be hard and dry, the digestive transit will slow down.If you realize that this was the cause not l and give too much water to your thirsty horse: it is better that you give warm water in several shots.Indeed a lot of blow water or too cold water can carry a colic.Also keep in mind that a horse accustomed to drinking in a bucket does not Directly understand the operation of the automatic drinking troughs: you will have to teach it and you should check that it drinks by watching the water meter in its box increase.
  • Many colicos would not occur if the horse were in a meadow: if your horse is in a box you must provide enough exercise and make sure that it eats enough fibers and that it eats small frequent amounts.Indeed, the horse has a small stomach and it is better that he eat at least twice a day than once or even if you can feed him three times.On the other hand, check the condition of his teeth regularly: teeth in poor condition do not allow good chewing and can be a risk factor. l>

There are many other causes of colic in cases of foals, pregnant mare or a stallion, however they are not as well known.By applying these tips you can reduce the risk of colic on your horse and in case it suffers a colico will know how to recognize it.

Colicos in horses - Symptoms and treatment

This article is merely informative, In Animals and Pets Online we do not have the power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in the event that it presents any type of condition or discomfort.

If you wish read more articles similar to Colicos in horses-Symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Intestinal Problems section.

Etiquetas:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

10 reasons to walk your dog

The dog is an animal that needs to walk 2 to 3 times a day, But do you know why that is so? In this article of Animals and Pets Online we will explain why it is so important to walk with your dog, why the garden does not replace the walk and many other things that, perhaps you do not know. Do not forget This is a very important habit that you must carry out on a daily basis.Not doing so can be very harmful for your pet, do not forget it.Keep reading and discover 10 reasons to walk with your dog . 1.They must make their needs The first reason, and the most important , to take a dog for a walk, is to allow him to do his needs until he is satisfied. Apart from puppies that are not yet able to go outside or who are learning to urinate, it is very negative to allow our dog to urinate and defecate at home.In addition to causing a bad smell, we will be creating an unhealthy environment important that can lead to serious health problems in dogs and humans. 2.It allows them to ...
1 comment
Read more

Bach flowers for cats

In the last few years we hear frequent talk of Bach flowers, also applied to our Companion animals.There are more and more numerous cases treated with this therapy, as well as veterinary professionals who are trained in this discipline.In this article of Animals and Pets Online we will focus on cats to discover what Bach flowers are, which These are the benefits and uses they can have for our cats.If you've ever heard of these Bach flowers for cats , you're interested in reading! What are Bach flowers? The 38 extracts of flowers and plants discovered by the English doctor Edward Bach in the early twentieth century are called.This doctor chose plants that acted on different conditions that could experience the human beings, such as fear, sadness, anger or hyperactivity.Prepared these plants in the form of dilutions that conserved with alcohol in a dropper to facilitate their use.Various drops were administered directly several times a day or put in the water or even in t...
Post a Comment
Read more

British shorthair - British shorthair cat: features and photos

The british shorthair , Also known as British shorthair cat , it is considered one of the oldest and most popular breeds in Britain.Are you thinking of adopting one? Do you want to know more about this breed? In this breed of Expert Expert we will show you everything you need to know about british shorthair, including features, character or all the colors that are allowed according to the standard, such as the classic "blue", white or smoked. Here we explain everything about the British shorthair or British shorthair cat: British shorthair origin The British shorthair is considered one of the oldest feline races .Some theories suggest that it was the Roman invaders who tried to invade Great Britain in the first century BC .who wore the direct ancestors of the breed from Egypt.These cats crossed with native cats, giving way to cats of robust constitution and dense fur. According to different standards, You can consider that the morphology of this breed has varied m...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to avoid the smell of wet dog?

If you have ever bathed your dog, enjoyed a day of Beach or pool next to it, or just out for a walk on a rainy day, surely you know the famous "wet dog smell".This peculiar and unattractive aroma that dogs emit when they are wet, is so recognized in our culture that many use the expression "wet dog smell" to refer to something or someone that smells really bad. If you wonder how to avoid the smell of wet dog in your best friend, you have entered the right place.New Animals and Pets Online article, we explain why dogs smell bad when they get wet, and we offer you home remedies and infallible tips to prevent the smell of wet dog in your home.You can't miss it! Why do dogs smell bad when they get wet? Do you wonder what causes wet dog smell? How to remove bad dog smell? Then, you should know that this is something inherent to the nature and organism of our hairy animals.Although we can decrease the intensity of this smell, we should not attempt to neutralize...
Post a Comment
Read more

Salmonellosis in rodents

Today rodents have become excellent companion animals and there are numerous people that in their house they have guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, gerbils, squirrels, chinchillas or irons. Rodents are active and sociable pets that although they require care they are easy to keep in good condition, however, they are susceptible of contracting multiple diseases and can even transmit some of them to humans, as is the case of salmonellosis. In this article of Animals and Pets Online we show you how to prevent salmonellosis in rodents. What is salmonellosis? Salmonellosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhimurium , which is usually found in chickens and their eggs as well as in some reptiles such as turtles. This pathogen is also known as Salmonella Enterica , a term that refers to the intestine since it mainly affects this body area, hence It manifests mainly through diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, not only in humans, since these signs are also visible in infec...
Post a Comment
Read more

10 things that dogs teach us

Who says we can't learn something every day, and even more so if Does that knowledge come from our own dogs? Many people believe that it is we, the human beings, who teach our best furry friends to live, however, many times the case is the opposite. Dogs are reminders that the best lessons can come from the most unexpected places.If we are receptive, we can learn more than we think , especially when we refer to important aspects of life that we are used to take for granted. Dogs are great teachers for us human beings.Continue reading this article of Animals and Pets Online where we will check you with a very special list: 10 things that dogs teach us .Has your dog taught? Leave us a comment at the end of the article and share your experience. 1.They are never too old to stop playing Having a space to remember and bring back that time when we played, without measuring the time and consequences, is something that dogs teach us every day.The game for them, puppies and adult...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to know if my dog ​​is hot?

With the arrival of high temperatures our dogs will also feel warm and we must be attentive to their well-being to avoid problems derived from the rise in their body temperature, which can become as serious as the potentially fatal heat stroke.This is what happens when, due to misinformation, the dog is left locked inside from the car, for example, or take a walk at undue hours.To prevent this from happening, in this article of Animals and Pets Online we will see how to know if a dog is hot , as well as tips to keep it cool, independently of his mantle or his age. What is the normal temperature of a dog? The normal temperature of dogs is about 37.8-39.2ºC , therefore we should not take as a reference the human parameters.In addition to this data, before how to know if our dog is hot, we must be clear about the following concepts : Dogs' hair serves as protection from the sun and as a temperature regulator , so it is not recommended to shave it and it may be counterprodu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Distribution of the wild cat in Spain

The wildcat in Spain is distributed in the most recondite, rugged and lonely forest areas of our peninsula.It is an animal that is very negatively influenced by the proximity of the human being. The proliferation of urbanizations throughout the Spanish territory has pushed back the habitat of this beautiful wild feline.In this article Animals and Pets Online I will discover some places where this jewel of nature is still found. Discover the distribution of the wildcat in Spain , yes, never with the intention of harming the species, rather as a tool to enjoy the wild animals that still inhabit the peninsula. Personal experience A few years ago I was riding a bike through a very secluded forest, close to the tiny town of Espoya.Pueblo next to Capellades, in the province of Barcelona, ​​I stumbled upon leaving a bend in a stony path with a wild cat perched on a thick and thick tree . I hope the big cat got scared as much as I did, which I guess lost a few months of life as a ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mediterranean rock fish

In the Mediterranean sea coast there is a very rich fauna and diverse.There are surface, medium and deep water fishes.And among the fish that live in the depths of the coast, the Mediterranean rock fish stand out. Many of these fish are masters of camouflage and can adopt an indistinguishable aspect, identical to that of the rock where they are seated.Others live hidden among the cracks and fissures of the underwater rockery. If you continue reading the Animals and Pets Online we will show you the most characteristic rock fish of the Mediterranean . Small size rock fish In the riverside rocks, part of which emerge out of the water, there are several species of small-sized rock fish .Next we will relate the most common ones. Maiden- Coris julis -, beautiful fish of vivid colors. Vaqueta -Serranus scriba -, very common serranido of the shallow waters. Castanuela- Chromis chromis -, a very small fish that lives in small shoals among the rocky shoals. Barriguda- Par...
Post a Comment
Read more

Syringomyelia in dogs - Symptoms and treatment

Dogs have a complex organism, they even bear some similarities with the anatomy and Human physiology, therefore, are many structures susceptible to some disease. Some of these diseases that can affect our pets are neurological , affecting the central nervous system and finally causing important physical disorders that must be treated.In this article of Animals and Pets Online we talk about one of these disorders, the syringomyelia in dogs and show you what are your symptoms and treatment . What is syringomyelia? Syringomyelia is a pathology that originates from a anatomical disorder known as Type-Chiari Malformation or CM . This malformation consists of a size of skull that is too small to properly accommodate the brain mass.This disproportion is evidenced mainly in the caudal fossa or back of the cranial structure.This eventually causes an alteration in the normal movement of the cephalo-spinal fluid, which results in syringomyelia. Syringomyelia is a disorder that...
Post a Comment
Read more