For better readability, we predominantly use the generic masculine in our texts. It goes without saying that all personal designations refer equally to all genders. The abbreviated form of language is used solely to improve comprehensibility and is to be understood in an unbiased manner.

Colic in horses is a life-threatening emergency that should alarm every horse owner. The term "colic" does not refer to a single disease, but is a collective term for various types of abdominal pain and digestive disorders in the horse's gastrointestinal tract. Colic in horses can occur as a symptom of various disorders and diseases of the digestive system. Since horses are particularly susceptible to colic, it is important to recognize the symptoms early and take immediate action.

Symptoms of colic in horses

The symptoms of colic in horses can vary greatly, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. Common signs of colic include:

• Restlessness and frequent lying down or tossing and turning
• Heavy sweating and rapid breathing
• Pursed upper lip and gaze toward the stomach
• Scratching or kicking under the belly
• Loss of appetite and behavioral changes
• Increased pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature (PAT values)
• Apathic behavior or circulatory problems

In addition, missing or abnormal bowel sounds, problems with defecation, and signs of constipation can also indicate colic.

Foals can also be affected by colic. For example, colic in foals often manifests itself in frequent lying down, increased rolling, or a lack of defecation. Other typical symptoms include acute abdominal pain or a sudden deterioration in general health.

In ourAltano Group, veterinarians regularly participate in specialized training courses through the Altano Academy, e.g., on colic diagnosis and treatment. This ensures that they are well prepared to act quickly, confidently, and with the highest level of expertise in an emergency—providing reliable and targeted care when it matters most.
Since the severity of the symptoms does not always reflect the severity of the colic, horse owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their horse is suffering from colic.

Otherwise, feel free to take a look atour clinics in your area!

First aid measures for suspected colic

If you suspect colic, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly. Until the vet arrives, the following measures can help:

• Remain calm and do not leave the horse alone
• Lead the horse at a walk to stimulate bowel activity.
• Provide water, but do not give food
• Check and record vital signs such as pulse, breathing, and temperature.
• Do not administer any medication without veterinary advice.

These measures can support the horse and buy valuable time until treatment can be administered.
Thanks to thestrong network of Altano clinics and practices, rapid assistance is guaranteed around the clock in an emergency. A 24-hour on-call service and direct access to experienced colic surgeons ensure optimal care—at any time.

Causes and types of colic in horses

Colic can be triggered by various causes, including:

• Feeding errors, such as too little roughage or too much flatulent feed, which can put particular strain on the large and small intestines in the horse's digestive tract, as well as sudden changes in feed.
• Sudden changes in weather that can affect your four-legged friend's circulation and lead to problems in the abdominal cavity or abdomen.
• Stress, lack of exercise, or insufficient care for the species-appropriate husbandry and feeding of horses
• Parasite infestation, pre-existing conditions, or other diseases of the digestive system, such as inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can influence the course of colic.
• Constipation, blockage, or intestinal obstruction caused by hard feces or stomach overload, which can lead to life-threatening complications in the intestines or bowel.
• Accumulations of sand in the large intestine (sand colic), which occur particularly on grazed pastures
• Problems in the abdominal cavity, such as intestinal obstructions, which require surgery or other special treatment by a veterinarian
• Other causes include diseases of other organs, such as the liver or kidneys, as well as complications in foals or older horses.
• In older horses, a lack of tooth substance can lead to reduced chewing of feed and, especially in the case of long-fiber feed such as hay or straw, to constipation.

There are different types of colic, including gas colic, spasm colic, sand colic, constipation colic, intestinal volvulus, colic in horses caused by stomach overload, colon or small intestine displacement, and colic in horses resulting from obstruction or intestinal blockage. Each type requires specific therapy and treatment, which must be carried out by veterinarians and, in serious cases, may also require surgery.

Treatment by the veterinarian

The treatment of colic depends on the cause and severity. Antispasmodic and analgesic medications are often administered to restore intestinal activity. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, especially in cases of intestinal entanglement or obstruction. Prompt veterinary care significantly increases the horse's chances of survival.

If you need emergency assistance, please contact one of ourpartner clinics: our strong network of experienced experts will provide you with fast support around the clock.

Feeding after colic

After recovering from colic, proper feeding is crucial for the horse in order to relieve the gastrointestinal tract and support complete recovery. In the first few days after colic, the horse should only be given easily digestible feed. Mash or moistened hay have proven particularly effective, as they are gentle on the intestines and promote digestion. Fresh, clean water must be available to the horse at all times to stimulate bowel activity and reduce the risk of renewed constipation.

The return to normal feeding should be done slowly and in close consultation with the veterinarian. It is often advisable to reduce the rations initially and spread them over several small meals throughout the day. Supplementary feed such as linseed oil can help support intestinal health and calm the stomach. It is important that the horse is not overworked after colic and that the gastrointestinal tract is given sufficient time to regenerate. If you are unsure, always seek the advice of your veterinarian to avoid relapses and ensure the long-term health of your horse.

Especially after colic surgery, special measures must be taken to increase the chances of successful rehabilitation and avoid complications such as reflux.

Prognosis: Chances of recovery and risks

The chances of recovery from colic in horses depend on various factors, including the type of colic, the horse's general state of health, the speed with which treatment is initiated, and appropriate aftercare.

If colic is detected early and treated professionally, the chances of a full recovery are usually good. Close cooperation between horse owners and veterinarians is particularly important in order to ensure the best possible treatment and aftercare.

At theAltano Group, we focus on providing comprehensive care for colic patients—from acute treatment and rehabilitation to long-term prevention.

The quality of care, proper feeding, and careful monitoring after colic play a central role in preventing relapses and promoting the horse's health. Delays in treatment or inadequate follow-up care can increase the risk of complications such as recurrent colic or permanent damage to the digestive tract. Appropriate husbandry, high-quality feed, and regular veterinary check-ups can minimize the risks and improve the horse's quality of life in the long term. Ultimately, the faster and more targeted the response to the first signs of colic in horses, the better the prognosis.

Prevention: How to prevent colic

To prevent colic, horse owners should pay attention to the following points:

• High-quality roughage in sufficient quantity and of good quality
• Permanent access to fresh water
• Slow feed changes and avoidance of flatulent feed
• Stress reduction and sufficient exercise
• Regular deworming and veterinary checkups
• Hygienic husbandry and clean feeding areas
• Regular dental checkups, especially for older horses

Special care for the horse's well-being is crucial: providing high-quality roughage, avoiding too much fresh grass in too short a time, and taking weather changes into account as a cause of colic are essential to prevent all risks to the four-legged animal.

These measures can significantly reduce the risk of colic in horses.

Conclusion

Colic in horses is an emergency that requires quick recognition and correct action. Horse owners should be familiar with the symptoms, know how to administer first aid, and call a veterinarian immediately if in doubt. Targeted prevention can minimize the risk of colic to ensure the long-term well-being and health of the horse.

Is your horse showing signs of colic? At Altano clinics, it will receive prompt assistance, modern diagnostics, and attentive care.Find your local clinic now.