A horse lies flat on its side in a pastur – a potential sign of colic in horses. The image emphasizes the urgency of recognizing symptoms such as restlessness, rolling or abnormal lying behavior and seeking immediate veterinary attention.

Colic in horses: Symptoms, causes and immediate help - with chen cklist

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In diesem Artikel erfährst du, was eine Kolik genau ist, welche Symptome darauf hinweisen und welche Arten von Koliken es gibt. Zudem beleuchten wir die Ursachen und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten. Um dir im Notfall zu helfen, bieten wir eine praktische Notfall-Checkliste zum Download sowie einen interaktiven Symptomtest an. Informiere dich, um das Wohl deines Pferdes zu sichern und rechtzeitig handeln zu können.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

What is colic in horses?

➡️ Must-Watch: Colic with Dr. Liz Barrett
Colic can be life-threatening — do you know the signs? Dr. Liz Barrett explains how to spot symptoms early, what actions to take, and when surgery may be necessary. A vital guide for every horse owner!

‍Colic in horses is not a specific clinical picture, but a collective term for various diseases or conditions that cause severe abdominal pain in horses. This pain is usually caused by disorders in the digestive tract and can affect various areas, such as the stomach, small intestine, large intestine or peritoneum.

‍Colic is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention from a veterinarian. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including feeding errors, stress or anatomical problems. Digestive disorders or disturbances in the movement of the intestines, such as blockages, gas accumulation, intestinal convolutions or intestinal twists, can also trigger colic.

Since colic varies in severity, the spectrum ranges from mild, self-limiting symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions that may require surgical treatment.

‍Colic is one of the most common health problems in horses and is one of the most common causes of death in this group of animals if left untreated. The term "colic" therefore does not describe a specific disease, but rather the symptom of severe abdominal pain, which can be caused by various factors.

What types of colic are there?

Colic type Description Symptoms Treatment
Constipation colic Occurs when the horse's intestines become thickened and constipated due to reduced water flow in the feces. Restlessness, reduced defecation, bloated abdomen. Fluid intake, feed adjustment, veterinary intervention.
Blockages in the small intestine Due to incorrect feeding (e.g. grass clippings) or parasites such as roundworms. Pain, flatulence, restlessness, rolling. Anticonvulsant medication, hydration, possibly surgery.
Blockages in the large intestine Caused by reduced water absorption, leads to solid intestinal contents. Reduced defecation, mild course, flatulence. Fluid intake, feed adjustment, veterinary measures.
Seizure colic Cramp-like colic due to stress, feeding errors or dental problems. Restlessness, frequent lying down and getting up, abdominal pain. Antispasmodic and analgesic medication, vet.
Gas colic Accumulation of gases in the digestive tract due to food or fermentation. Flatulence, increased rolling, bloated stomach. Relief by gastric tube, antispasmodic and analgesic medication.
Sand Colic By ingesting sand or foreign bodies on barren pastures or sandy soils. Restlessness, rolling, disturbed feeding behavior, scratching. Nasogastric lavage, surgery in severe cases.
Intestinal rotation / entanglement Twisting of a section of the intestine, blocking food and fluid. Severe pain, increased rolling, bluish mucous membranes. Immediate surgery to restore blood flow.
Intestinal obstruction Blockage of the bowel due to physical or functional obstacles. Severe abdominal pain, bloated stomach, increased rolling. Operation to remove the blockage, intensive aftercare.
Bowel obstruction Intestine slips into unnatural openings (hernias) and becomes trapped. Severe abdominal pain, breathing problems, restlessness. Operation to free the trapped bowel.
Stomach overload Excessive feed intake leads to gastric distension or congestion from the small intestine. Severe abdominal pain, increased salivation, bloated abdomen. Relief of the stomach by gastric tube, possibly surgery.

Signs of colic in horses

Colic in horses can manifest itself through various signs. As a horse owner, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms early so that you can intervene and contact the vet in good time. Below you will find the most common symptoms that can indicate colic:

Symptom Description
Restlessness The horse appears nervous and moves more frequently than normal.
Frequent lying down and getting up The horse often lies down and then gets up again quickly.
Rolling The horse rolls on the ground, often in an attempt to relieve the pain.
Flank biting The horse bites or looks repeatedly to the flank.
Disturbed eating behavior The horse refuses to eat or eats very little.
Excessive sweating Heavy sweating without external exertion.
Increased scratching The horse is constantly scratching the ground with its hooves.
Changed manure production Less or no manure production, or the manure is unusually hard.
Bloating The horse's belly is distended or looks unusual.
Increased heart and breathing rate Faster heartbeat and breathing rate than usual.
Apathy or lethargy The horse appears exhausted and shows little reaction to its surroundings.
Increased urination without success Frequent urination, but only small amounts or no urine at all.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your horse, you should contact the vet immediately, as colic can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

Does my horse have colic? - The colic symptom test

Colic can manifest itself in different ways. This symptom test can help you to identify the first signs. If you are unsure, always consult a vet.

Does my horse have colic? – Colic Symptom Checker

Colic can present in various ways. This symptom checker helps you identify **early signs**. If you're unsure, always consult a veterinarian.

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Important note: This online test is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a professional assessment by a veterinarian. The test does not guarantee the accuracy of the results. Always consult a vet if you are unsure or suspect colic. We accept no liability for actions based on the results of this test.

What causes colic in horses?

The causes of colic have been studied by scientists for several decades, as they are very diverse. In addition to age, husbandry conditions and breed, there are other factors that can trigger colic in horses:

  • Stress
  • Infections
  • Dental problems
  • Lack of exercise
  • Feeding errors
  • Sand deposits in the intestine
  • Weather change
  • Anschoppungskolik

Feeding errors

Feeding errors are one of the most common causes of colic in horses. If horses do not have regular access to feed or are fed the wrong feed, digestive problems can quickly arise. For example, feeding too much grain or highly fermenting feed such as maize and fresh grass often leads to gas colic. 

A lack of hydration also plays a major role: horses need sufficient water to aid digestion. Horses that eat on sandy soils can also suffer from constipation colic due to sand deposits in the intestines.

➡️ Must-Watch: Colic – The Result of Incorrect Feeding?
Is your horse’s diet putting them at risk? Learn how feeding mistakes, poor hay, or dehydration can trigger colic — and what you can do to prevent it and support recovery through proper nutrition.

Stress and lack of exercise

Stress and lack of exercise are also decisive risk factors for colic. Horses are running animals that need a lot of exercise to promote intestinal activity. Too little exercise, as is often the case with horses kept in boxes or during long journeys, can lead to digestive disorders. Stressful situations, such as noisy environments, unusual housing conditions or feed changes, also affect the digestive system and increase the likelihood of colic.

Weather and housing conditions

Sudden changes in the weather, especially in cold temperatures in winter, affect digestion in horses. The risk of constipation colic often increases in winter, as horses are more susceptible due to a lack of fluid intake and eating dry hay. Unfamiliar or inadequate husbandry, for example when changing pasture, can also increase the stress level and therefore the risk of colic. It is particularly important to acclimatize horses to new conditions slowly when making such changes.

Diagnosing colic in horses

The diagnosis of colic by the vet requires a thorough examination to determine the type of colic and its cause. 

  • Vital signs are checked
    • Heart rate
    • Respiratory rate
    • Mucous membrane color
  • Abdominal sounds are assessed
    • The vet listens for gut sounds to detect signs of constipation or other colic types
  • Rectal examination
    • Used to feel for blockages or gas accumulations in the intestines
  • Additional diagnostics (if needed)
    • Ultrasound to assess intestinal movement and structure
    • X-rays to detect impactions, displacements, or abnormal gas patterns

Colic in horses treatment

The treatment of colic depends on its cause and severity.

Severity Treatment Method Purpose / Application
Mild Walking the horse Encourages gut motility and prevents the horse from lying down
Mild Withholding feed Reduces strain on the digestive system during observation or early recovery
Mild to Moderate Antispasmodic medication Relieves intestinal cramps and spasms (e.g., butylscopolamine)
Mild to Moderate Nasogastric tubing Drains gas or fluids from the stomach via a nasal tube
Mild to Moderate Laxatives / Mineral oil Softens impactions and supports bowel movement
Mild to Severe Pain relief (analgesics) Reduces abdominal discomfort and prevents stress (e.g., flunixin meglumine)
Moderate to Severe Fluid therapy (oral or IV) Rehydrates the horse and supports circulation, especially in cases of dehydration/toxemia
Severe Surgical intervention Required for intestinal torsions, displacements, or complete obstructions
Severe (Post-surgery) Post-operative care Includes pain management, fluid therapy, antibiotics, and gradual refeeding

Prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly increases the horse's chances of survival.

Colic Surgery in Horses

Colic surgery becomes necessary when medical treatment fails or life-threatening conditions like intestinal twists, displacements, or complete blockages are present. Early diagnosis significantly improves the outcome.

When is surgery required?

  • No response to pain medication or tubing
  • Severe or recurrent abdominal pain
  • Suspicious rectal or ultrasound findings
  • Excessive gastric reflux or gas buildup

What happens during surgery?

Under general anesthesia, the abdomen is opened, and the intestines are examined. The surgeon may untwist, reposition, or remove affected sections of bowel if needed.

Recovery and risks

Post-operative care includes pain management, IV fluids, antibiotics, and gradual refeeding. Full recovery takes several weeks.

Risks include:

  • Anesthetic complications
  • Post-operative infections
  • Adhesion formation
  • Recurrence of colic

Despite the risks, survival rates can reach 70–80% with timely intervention and proper care.

How to prevent colic in horses

While not all colics are avoidable, many cases can be prevented through careful management, nutrition, and stable routines. These preventive measures reduce the risk of digestive disturbances significantly.

Key prevention strategies:

  • Consistent feeding schedule with high-quality forage
  • Provide ample access to clean water at all times
  • Avoid sudden feed changes – transition gradually over 7–10 days
  • Ensure regular turnout and movement to promote gut motility
  • Keep stress low through stable routines and gentle handling
  • Monitor manure output and appetite daily
  • Deworm regularly and perform fecal egg counts
  • Have teeth checked at least once per year to ensure proper chewing
  • Avoid sand ingestion (especially in dry regions) with slow feeders or rubber mats
  • Schedule routine vet checks, especially in older horses or those prone to colic

Colic prevention starts with attentive horse care and an understanding of each horse’s normal behavior and digestion patterns.

FAQs – Colic in Horses

What is the number one cause of colic in horses?

The most common cause is digestive disturbance, often due to sudden feed changes, low water intake, or poor-quality forage. Impaction colic is particularly frequent in dry or cold conditions.

What are the first signs of colic in horses?

Early signs include restlessness, pawing, looking at the flank, lying down and getting up repeatedly, reduced manure output, or sweating without exertion.

How do you treat colic in horses?

Treatment depends on severity. Mild cases may respond to antispasmodics, painkillers, or nasogastric tubing. Severe cases may require surgery.

What can be mistaken for colic in horses?

Conditions like gastric ulcers, tying-up, laminitis, or even hormonal changes in mares can mimic colic symptoms.

Does colic in horses go away on its own?

Rarely. Even mild cases should be monitored by a vet. Delaying treatment can be dangerous if the condition worsens.

Should you walk a horse with impaction colic?

Yes, gentle walking can help stimulate intestinal movement, but avoid exhausting the horse. Always consult a vet first.

What food causes colic in horses?

Sudden changes in diet, moldy hay, high-starch feeds, or large grain meals are risk factors. Always introduce new feeds gradually.

What does a vet do for colic in horses?

The vet will assess vital signs, check for gut sounds, perform a rectal exam, and possibly use ultrasound or nasogastric intubation. Treatment may include medication, fluids, or surgery.

Can colic in horses be prevented?

Yes – with consistent feeding, ample water, regular turnout, and careful feed transitions, many colics can be avoided.

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Nele SchimmelpfennigDISCOVER CMH.TV

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