Page 770 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

These are given when worms are suspected as a contributory factor. Strongylus vulgaris,

cyathostomes and tapeworms can all cause colic.
VetBooks.ir Intravenous fluids

Theses are sometimes necessary for medical colics. Horses with impactions that persist for
more than a couple of days may benefit from their administration to prevent dehydration.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are given at the discretion of the vet, depending on the clinical and laboratory

findings. They are rarely necessary but may be given if the bowel wall is damaged and
bacteria and toxins are released into the circulation. They are used for cases of peritonitis.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be useful as a supportive treatment for medical colics. It helps with pain

relief, restoration of normal gut motility and relaxation of the horse.

CARE OF THE PATIENT

Your vet will advise on:

• how often you need to check the horse following treatment

• the signs to look for
• feeding including grazing

• exercise and return to work

• prevention of further attacks.

Surgical colics

Approximately 7% of colic cases are caused by conditions that require surgery for the horse
to have any chance of survival. For a variety of reasons (see below), a portion of the gut may

lose its blood supply and die. This is known as infarction. The normally pink intestine goes
through a series of colour changes from red to purple, bluish black or grey-green (Figure

17.10). Bacterial poisons which are called toxins, leak from the damaged gut wall and the
horse goes into shock. Unless surgery is carried out promptly, the horse will die.