Page 765 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Types of colic and their causes

In the following sections, brief descriptions of the types of colic most commonly treated in
VetBooks.ir practice are given. They can be divided into those that can be treated medically and those

which require surgery or euthanasia.

Medical colics

SPASMODIC COLIC

Spasmodic colic occurs when the smooth pattern of peristalsis is disrupted. The peristaltic

movements become uncomfortable, irregular and ineffective at moving the food along the
gut. The horse shows periods of acute pain interspersed with periods of calm. Causes include:

• worms

• sudden change in diet, e.g. access to lush spring grass
• irregular feeding

• drinking a lot of cold water

• stress, anxiety, transport

• unaccustomed hard exercise

and
• it may accompany diarrhoea.

Signs include intermittent abdominal pain with elevation of the heart and respiratory rates.
Droppings continue to be passed. Overall, the gut sounds are increased.

These horses are starved for a few hours and they usually respond rapidly to various
medications with spasmolytic, analgesic and sedative effects. On some occasions a second

dose is required. Food is normally withheld for a few hours and gradually reintroduced. The
prognosis is good.

TYMPANITIC COLIC

Highly fermentable or unsuitable food, e.g. grass cuttings, clover and apples, can lead to
abnormal fermentation and accumulation of gas within the intestines. Too much lush grass,
and overfeeding of sugar beet pulp or new hay are also predisposing factors. It may develop

as a consequence of crib-biting or wind-sucking. There may be visible abdominal distension
and the pain can be very severe. Distension in one part of the gut can cause other parts of the

bowel to contract, further increasing the pain. The heart rate may rise to around 80 beats per