HORSEpower m a g a z i n e
Nov/Dec 2009
Equine Colic: The #1 Cause of Premature Death
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For animals of such size and
m astrength,
g a z horses
i n e
possess notoriously delicate digestive systems. With
stomachs that barely comprise 7% of their digestive
tract, horses need to graze almost continuously in
order for them to take in the necessary nutrients.
Horses are foragers by nature and when in the wild
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often journey up to 20 miles per day in order to
find suitable nourishment. Domesticated horses,
however, are most times not m ablea tog roam
a z and
i n for-
e According to Dr. Ward, “Colic is not a disease.
age at will. Often confined to small areas and fed
according to our schedule, horses have now become
susceptible to a variety of abdominal disturbances.
Understanding a Horse’s Digestive Tract
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Understanding the digestive process is the first
step in recognizing equine colic. Next to water, it
is energy that comprises the majority
m a g a of za horse’s
i n e
nutritional needs. Almost 90% of nutrient intake in
the form of fiber, fat, and starch is required to fulfill
daily energy demands.
To remain healthy, a horse needs to eat a high
fiber diet, the carbohydrates (starches and sugars)
of which are digested in the stomach and small
intestine. It takes only about 30 - 90 minutes for this
to be accomplished before the fiber, proteins, and
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other nutrients are passed through to the cecum
(hind gut) and colon where they are broken down
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further.
Digestive problems start when the carbohy-
drates are not properly broken down in the stomach
and small intestine and enter the cecum where
specialized enzymes are not able to process excess
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starch. Gastrointestinal distress begins when these
carbohydrates are left to ferment. John Reagor PhD,
Chief of Toxicology, Texas Veterinary
m a g aMedical
z i n Diag-
e Dr. Ward states that time is perhaps the most
nostic Laboratory is quoted as saying, “The num-
ber one cause of death from colic is from feeding
mismanagement due to starch overload.”
The Effects of Starch
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Horses only can eat 1.5% - 3% of their body
weight per day, yet they must have enough energy
density (calories per pound) for growth, reproduc-
m a g a z i n e
tion, maintenance, and performance. That is why
feeding roughage or quality hay is an essential part
of the equine diet – it is THE fundamental resource
for nutrients. While hay is important, it is relatively
low in energy and can fill up a horse without its
meeting necessary calorie requirements. That is
why grains or concentrated feeds are often used as
an additional energy resource to accommodate the
strenuous demands made on today’s horses.
Starches and sugars are key components to
energy. They are necessary to replenish muscle
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glycogen stores and are vital to anaerobic metabo-
lism that enables horses to compete in speed or
endurance related events. It is the starch sources,
processing, and intake, coupled with the quality and
timing of forage feedings and individual differences
between horses that can affect digestibility.
What are the signs of colic?
Rather it is a combination of signs that alert us
to abdominal pain in the horse.” Listed under the
general heading of colic, there are three types of
conditions and degrees of severity to which the
term applies: Parasitic/Disease Colic, Gas Colic,
and Impaction Colic, ranging from mild to lethal.
While there are many causes, colic signals its ap-
pearance in a pattern of distinct behaviors which
may vary from horse to horse but will often include
any or a combination of the following:
• Turning the head toward the flank
• Lack of appetite (anorexia)
• Pawing
• Putting head down to water without drinking
• Kicking or biting the abdomen
• Lack of bowel movements
• Stretching out to urinate without doing so
• Absence of, or reduced digestive sounds
• Repeatedly lying down and getting up
• Sweating
• Rolling, especially violent rolling
• Rapid respirations and/or flared nostrils
• Sitting in a dog-like position, or lying on the back
Take Immediate Action
critical factor if colic is to be successfully treated.
While a number of cases resolve without medi-
cal intervention, a significant percentage require
prompt medical care. If you suspect your horse is
suffering from colic, the following action plan is
suggested: Remove all food and water, and
Notify your veterinarian immediately. 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 the
gums adjacent to the teeth, releasing, then count-
ing the seconds it takes for the color to return)
• Behavioral signs (listed above)
• Digestive noises, or lack of them
• Bowel movements, including color, consistency,
and frequency
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• Any recent changes in management, feeding, or
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exercise
• Medical history, including deworming and any
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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
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(NOTE: The insurance carrier should be notified
if surgery or euthanasia is being considered)
Keep your horsem asacalmg aand
z icomfortable
n e as
possible. Allow the animal to lie down if it appears
to be resting and is not at risk of injury.
If the horse is rolling or behaving violently,
attempt to walk it slowly.
Do not administer drugs unless specifically
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directed to do so by your equine practitioner. Drugs
may camouflage problems and interfere with an
accurate diagnosis. m a g a z i n e
Follow your veterinarian’s advice exactly and
await his or her arrival.
ColIC PrEvEnTIon ProgrAm
• Forage (Hay or Pasture)
Provide quality forage (a minimum of 1% of body-
weight) daily. If feeding hay, the best way to determine
its quality is to have a laboratory analyze the nutrition-
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al content. If analysis is not an option, use the follow-
ing guidelines. Choose fresh, clean, sweet smelling hay.
Beware of mold or weed contaminated hay and hay
m a asgblister
infested with bugs such a z beetles
i n e as these fac-
tors can cause colic. Look for green, fine textured hay
with small stems (the majority of essential nutrients
are contained in the grass or leaf portion).
• Grain or Concentrate
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Feed a grain or concentrate that minimizes starch
content and includes other energy sources such as fat
and digestible fiber.
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Always feed grains/concentrates at least twice a
day and never feed more than 0.5% of body weight at
any one feeding. Meals should be evenly spaced and
if a meal is late, never feed more to make up for it. It
is better to feed extra hay and reduce the amount of
concentrates before going back to a normal feeding
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schedule.
Processed feeds enhance digestion in the stomach
and small intestine, contributing to a higher level of
nutrient absorptionmwhile a gsimultaneously
a z i n e decreasing
the threat of starch contamination in the cecum and
colon.
Feed by weight, not volume according to the manu-
facturer’s recommendations and by using your horse’s
weight and body condition as guides. Because feeds
vary according their densities, be sure to weigh the
feed container first and then subtract its weight from
the total to determine the correct portion of feed.
When making a dietary change, take seven to ten
days to complete the transfer. This will allow sufficient
time for the residing microbial flora to become accus-
tomed to the new feed or hay source.
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“Colic is not a disease. Rather it is a
combination of signs that alert us to
abdominal pain in the horse.”
• Parasite/Disease Control
Deworming is an important aspect of colic preven-
tion. Have your veterinarian take a fecal sample to
establish a baseline assessment of the parasite level in
your horse or herd in order to determine an appropri-
ate deworming schedule. In addition to the danger of
parasite infestation, regular treatment is necessary for
maintaining optimum utilization and absorption of
nutrients.
• Pasturing
Research has shown that horses colic less on pasture
then when in a restricted environment. Through
pasturing horses are more likely to meet their daily
exercise and nutritional requirements, while also
reducing many problems associated with confinement.
When introducing horses to pasture, it is essential to
do so gradually, especially lush, high moisture pasture
to avoid digestive problems.
• Dental Care
A horse’s teeth need to be floated at least once a year
for feeds to be processed completely. Horses with den-
tal pain often shortcut chewing, which inhibits particle
size reduction and salivation, two vital aids to proper
digestion. Improper feed consumption can increase
the risk of abdominal disturbance while decreasing the
nutritional benefits of the ration.
• Water/Salt
As with all animals, water is a life source for horses.
Fresh, clean water should always be available in order
to avoid the risk of dehydration, which can cause im-
paction colic in the colon and cecum. Salt should also
be provided free choice.
After exercise, cool down a horse by walking before
allowing it to drink unrestricted, but some water is
necessary. Follow the rule, “six sips and walk”.
• Exercise
Feed should be administered at least two hours prior
to or after exercise. Grain feeding should be withheld
eight hours prior to strenuous exercise; hay should be
given in many small portions throughout the day of an
event with water available at all times.
• Stress
Minimize stress whenever possible; it is important
to ensure your horse feels comfortable in its environ-
ment. When introducing a horse to an established
herd be aware that a shift in positioning will occur
which may create anxiety. Additionally, horses often
form close bonds with one another and may become
stressed if separated.
This article is presented by Nutrena, makers of SafeChoice™.
SafeChoice™ is a nutritionally balanced safe-energy feed designed for
horses in all stages of growth and proven effective in reducing the risks of
colic, developmental orthopedic disease (DOD), laminitis, and tying up.