Page 759 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

In the terminal stages the horse may become very quiet and depressed as a result of

developing toxaemia.
VetBooks.ir When to call the vet

If the horse exhibits anything more than mild abdominal discomfort for a few minutes, the

vet should be consulted. Even if the horse is better when the vet arrives, discussion of the
case may help to avoid future recurrences. If the colic needs surgical treatment, early referral

increases the chances of a successful outcome.

Immediate action

• Stay calm and keep spectators away.

• Remove the hay net but allow access to water.

• If the signs are mild, keep the horse in a stable and ensure there is plenty of bedding.
• If the horse is lying down quietly, do not force it to get up, it will be in the position it

finds most comfortable. Remove buckets and any fixtures and fittings which could cause

injury if the horse starts rolling.
• A few minutes of quiet walking may distract the horse and stop it from rolling. Gentle

exercise encourages normal gut motility. Do not walk the horse to the point of
exhaustion.

• When the horse is rolling violently and continually in a stable, it is likely to become cast.
In these cases it is often safer to move it to a field or riding arena. Take care to keep the

horse well away from hazards such as ditches and fences.

Note the following information for your vet.

• Has the horse passed any droppings? If so, when and what consistency, i.e. firm, loose?
• Are there audible stomach rumbles and noises?

• Is the pain intermittent or continuous?

• Have there been any changes in the diet?

Do not:

• offer the horse any food

• administer any kind of colic drench; these old-fashioned remedies are unlikely to do any
good and may accidentally enter the lungs with serious consequences