HORSE COLIC

horse colic is often thought and misrepresented as a disease. More exactly said, colic in horses referred to a syndrome with multiple causes that lead to abdominal pain.

In 1998, $ 115 million was spent by horse owners horse colic surgery offered their horses in the United States. Even with the best care for 10-11 percent of all horses coming down with a form of colic horses die from it. Colic remains, along with aging, the number one cause of death in horses.

Oddly enough, the occurrence of colic in horses seems to be a specific race. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in a study published by the National Monitoring USDA Animal Health System (NAHMS) thoroughbred showed the highest incidence of colic, "pure blood were more likely to develop colic [10. 9 / 100 horses per year] that stock horse breeds (Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas) [3.5colics/100 horses per year], or any other horse [2.9 colics/100 horses a year.] "**

There are signs of history speak of several horse colic symptoms and responsible horse owners should take the time to familiarize yourself with these markers recognized in the industry. colic symptoms come in combination and a single occurrence of any symptom, not necessarily a true indicator of horse colic. Colic in horses can be identified when a horse becomes abnormal head to look at his flank area, present an abnormal degree of kicking on the ground, kicking or biting of the abdominal area, extending its position in the Just as urinationrestless with the horse constantly seeking or establishing an abnormal apparent desire to roll on the floor, sitting on a dog position, as when he rises back up to his feet and bowed his head down when standing in same way a horse does when he drinks, the apparent lack of animal dung in the room, sweating, rapid breathing, an elevated pulse 60 beats per minute or more, especially lethargy.

There are seven categories of colic and each category can have several sub-categories. Each category and subcategory can have its own unique set of symptoms.

impaction colic refers to a real blockage in the intestinal tract and is most often found in the large intestine. In most cases of colic impaction of the resolution is easily achieved, however, in a small number of cases, impaction colic can point to a major problem.

gas colic refers to a sudden accumulation of gas more commonly in the large intestine. Ss gas builds up the gut walls are forced to stretch causing pain to the animal.

spasmodic colic occurs when bowel contractions suddenly increased frequency and intensity.

twisted intestinal colic, also known as displacement, volvulus, torsion or cramping is a literal displacement of the intestinal tract. A portion of the intestine moves to an abnormal position and in doing so, sometimes turns on itself. This form of colic is very serious and often fatal. The surgery is often necessary for this form of horse colic to a satisfactory conclusion.

Enteritis or colitis is a form of colic in horses referred to the presence of inflammation in the small intestine (enteritis) and in the large intestine (colitis). These are serious conditions that require veterinary care and ongoing medical treatment.

gastric distension or rupture may occur when a horse gorges itself on grain, food or other substance that tends to swell in the stomach. The horse's small stomach and overload due to the inability of a sick horse, breaks his stomach. When the stomach is broken, death is inevitable.

The remaining category of colic falls under the concept of "cause unknown." In this category, colic can be a secondary indication of a larger problem, or it may be a form of colic in horses caused by a very special set of circumstances.

horse colic should never be overlooked or ignored. If the horse owner is not familiar with colic in horses, then the presence of a person with knowledge is essential. Colic in horses can often be prevented through proper management of horses.