Colica - how to recognize ?

Colica is still one of the main causes of the death of horses.

About ten percent of horses at least once experience colica seizure, while more than six percent of them die.

It is the intestines disease, and it might lead to the complete stop of the intestines function, a horse feels the pain in stomach area.

Colica might be caused by an ulcer in the stomach or the pain in the womb.

Its most common causes are overeating and inadequate nourishment.

Symptoms that are most common indicators of colica are :

1. A horse rejects food,

2. It sweats,

3. It rolls,

4. It raises the upper lip,

5. Its intestines are hardly heard,

6. It has a rapid pulse and quickened breathing,

7. Its extremities are cold.

Owners could try to cure their horse until they call a vet. Taking it for walk and the massage of its stomach are advisable as the first aid.

written by Ivana Novaković