An article covering the conditions and diseases of the horse, including symptoms and treatments.

Flatulent colic

also called Gas or Tympanitic colic results from over-distension of the stomach or intestines by gas, produced from the bacterial fermentation of food, and is normally very painful. Normally this gas is able to move down the length of the intestinal tract unimpeded, but if there is an obstruction to the passage, a build up occurs in front of the obstruction. This type of colic, therefore, is a secondary symptom occurring after impactions, displacements or catastrophe. Two of the most common causes are, for example eating grass clippings or large amounts of grains. The large quantities of carbohydrates cause an excess of fermentation in the large intestine. The symptoms can include rolling violently, and sweating. The vet should be called immediately and if the horse is in danger from hurting itself by rolling, it should be walked quietly. The vet will usually administer anti-spasmodic drugs using a stomach tube, or injection. Inserting a tube into the gut can disperse the gas build up and an exploratory operation under anaesthetic may be required to discover the site of the distension. Stall confinement could be linked to large colon impaction because of a reduction in water intake and changes in feeding patterns. It appears that changes in feed type together with adequate exercise may be important in maintaining normal large intestine function in horses. Care should be taken to ensure a gradual change in feed when horses are confined to the stall and careful observation of horses should be made under these conditions. (http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/rirdc/articles/disease/colic.htm).

Spasmodic colic

is the result of increased peristaltic contractions in the horse's gastrointestinal tract. It can be the result of a mild gas buildup within the horse's digestive tract or from damage to the intestine wall from migrating or hatching nematode larvae. The signs of colic are generally mild (lying down and getting up constantly, sweating, diarrhea, the pulse rate may rise to 68-92 beats per minute, respiration can increase to up to 80 per minute and the temperature will rise) and respond well to spasmolytic and analgesic medication.

Impaction colic

is caused by the impaction of food material in the large intestine, usually where the internal diameter narrows, It is generally caused by hard to digest food being fed over a period of time. Affected horses tend to look dull, off colour, getting up and down a lot, and rolling. The vet should be called and they will usually insert their hand into the rectum to feel where the blockage is. A painkiller may be given, along with large amounts of liquid paraffin or a similar product, introduced via the stomach.

Ileal impaction

The ileum is the last part of the small intestine that ends in the cecum. Ileal impaction can be caused by obstruction of ingesta. other causes can be obstruction by ascarids (Parascaris equorum) or tapeworm (Anaplocephala Perfoliata).Twisted Gut – or Intestinal Catastrophy. This is the most dramatic and most serious form of colic. The intestine becomes twisted, and gas often accumulates and the blood supply impeded. This may cause tissues to die and pain is acute. Prognosis is poor but surgery is becoming more successful if caught soon enough. Symptoms include an increased pulse and thready in it’s nature; profuse patchy sweating; extreme pain which can cause the horse to become violent; the eye membranes become a deep red colour; audible sounds from the bowel; breathing is accelerated during pain spasms, on rectal exam the bowel may cling to hand. Immediate veterinary help must be sought. Circulatory collapse and shock generally develop in untreated cases.