Megan Campbell, D.V.M.

The term colic simply means abdominal pain.  The pain can stem from any of the abdominal organs, but usually refers to pain originating from the gastrointestinal system.  Signs of colic include lifting of the upper lip, rolling, pawing, flank watching, and decreased appetite.

If your horse is presenting potential signs of colic, first evaluate the horse in oder to provide as much information as possible about their condition to your veterinarian.  Take note of the horses' vital signs (reference "Owner How To" from the Winter 2005 issue).  Additional information including the last time and how much the horse ate and drank, the condition of the stall, and the condition and amount of manure present should also be noted.  At this point call your regular veterinarian, prior to giving any medications.  It will be easier for the vet to evaluate the severity and type of the colic, and to proceed with th ebest course of treatment.

Colic can stem from problems associated with any of the components of the gastrointestinal system starting with the stomach and ending with the rectum.. The most common causes of colic will be reviewed.

Large Colon Impaction
With an impaction, a large mass of fecal matter becomes trapped in the large colon and does not move through normally.  Impactions can be caused by inadequate water consumption or consuming a large amount of very dry feed material causing extremely dry fecal matter.  It can also be caused by dental abnormalities leading to inadequate chewing of feedstuffs.  Horses with large colon impactions are treated with oral fluids and stool softeners, such as mineral oil or Epsom salts, given via nasogastric tube.  If the impaction is particularly bad, the horse may be referred for intravenous fluids and monitoring as well.  Many times, large colon impactions can be treated medically.  Horses with impactions are taken to surgery when they become so painful that we cannot keep them comfortable.

Large Colon Torsion
Large colon torsions are a serious surgical condition characterized by severe colic and rapid deterioration in physical condition.  Colon torsions occur when the large colon twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply to the colon.  The colon can twist on itself to varying degrees, with the greater the degree of torsion leading to more compromised bowel.  Rapid necrosis of the colon, endotoxemia, and death of the patient can occur if veterinary attention isnot sought immediately.  Large colon torsions are always surgical conditions where time is of the essence.  Post partum brood mares are at an increased risk to develop colon torsions.

Strangulating Lipoma of the Small Intestine
Strangulating lipoma are fatty tumors originating from the intestinal mesenteries in the abdomen.  These tumors are benign.  They problem occurs when these tumors wrap around a segment of small intestine causing obstructions and compromise of a segment of bowel.  Strangulating lipoma are typically seen in older, overwight horses, but can been seen in horses of varying signalments.  Horses with strangulating lipoma can range from mildly to severly colicky.  They tend to have varying degrees of physical compromise resulting from the necrotic small intestine residing in their abdomen.  Strangulating lipoma are always surgical conditions and should be referred in as soon as possible.