Colic in Horses
Colic means abdominal pain and can range from gas cramps to life-threatening intestinal obstruction or torsion. Early assessment and clear communication with your veterinarian make the biggest difference.
In the first hour
Confirm a rectal temperature, record full vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, mucous membranes/capillary refill time, gut sounds if safe), and remove all feed. Water is OK. Walk briefly only if it clearly reduces pain and it’s safe to do so. Do not give medications unless your veterinarian directs you. Note manure output, urine, last feed/water, and any recent changes (diet, travel, dewormer, new supplements). Call your veterinarian promptly; trailer only if they advise it.
First 12-Hour Owner Plan
Follow your veterinarian’s specific instructions; the steps below outline typical owner tasks after the initial assessment while watching for relapse or red flags.
Continue vitals trending
Record HR, RR, mucous membranes/CRT, temperature, gut sounds, and pain score every 30–60 min initially, then per vet advice.
Water access as directed
Offer clean water; some cases need small, frequent sips or temporary restriction. Electrolytes or fluids only if your vet approves.
Feed hold, then gradual re-intro
No feed until your vet allows. When cleared, start with small soaked hay/grass in divided portions; avoid grain/concentrates until advised.
Give only the drugs and doses your vet orders (e.g., NSAIDs, spasmolytics). Note times/doses; report inadequate pain control immediately.
Controlled activity
Hand-walking schedule only if it reduces discomfort and your vet approves. Stall rest for horses that worsen with walking or look exhausted.
Track manure, gas, and urination
Log number/size/consistency of piles and passage of gas. No manure, worsening distension, or recurring pain—call your vet.
First-hour plan: owner-safe steps
01
Make the area safe & pull all feed
Clear obstacles; use a well-bedded stall or safe paddock. Remove hay, grain, treats. Offer clean water only.
02
Time pain episodes and start a log
Record start time, behaviors (pawing, flank-watching, rolling), manure/urine, and recent changes (diet, travel, deworming).
03
Check vitals every 15–30 min
Heart rate, respiratory rate, mucous membranes & capillary refill, gut sounds (if you can), and temperature. HR ≥60 bpm raises urgency.
04
Walk only if it clearly helps and is safe
Short, calm walking may ease mild gas pain. Do not exhaust the horse; do not force walking if the horse wants to rest or is unsafe.
05
Call your veterinarian early
Call promptly for persistent pain, HR ≥60 bpm, no manure, abdominal distension, depression, or any deterioration. Share your log and vitals.
06
Prepare for exam or trailer only if advised
Have halter/lead, light, and water ready. Do not give NSAIDs, mineral oil, or oral fluids unless your vet instructs. Hook up trailer only if directed.
Red Flags for Horse Colic: When to Call or Trailer Now
These signs indicate an emergency and need immediate veterinary guidance. Walk only if it clearly reduces pain and it’s safe; do not give feed or medications unless your veterinarian directs you. Trailering should follow your vet’s advice—some cases are safer kept on site.
Heart rate ≥60 bpm or rapidly rising
A resting HR at or above 60 beats/min (or climbing) is linked with more serious colic. This warrants urgent veterinary assessment.
Unrelenting or violent pain
Repeated rolling, thrashing, sweating, or pain that returns immediately after short relief suggests a surgical lesion such as torsion or severe obstruction.
No manure + marked bloating or absent gut sounds
Little to no feces with abdominal distension and very quiet gut sounds points to obstruction/impaction—call your veterinarian at once.
Abnormal gums or prolonged CRT
Dark red, purple, or pale gums—or capillary refill time >3 seconds—indicate poor perfusion/shock and require urgent care.
Post-foaling mare with colic
Mares within days of foaling are at higher risk for large-colon torsion or uterine vessel issues. Treat as an emergency.
Fever or diarrhea with colic
Colic with fever, foul diarrhea, or rapid dehydration suggests colitis/enteritis (e.g., PHF). Isolate water/feed sources and call now.
Likely Causes of Horse Colic by Season & Context
Use these patterns to inform your history and biosecurity while you wait for veterinary advice. They help prioritize risk—they are not a diagnosis.
Gas / spasmodic colic
Common with sudden diet change, lush pasture, stall rest, or stress. Pain often comes in waves and may improve temporarily with walking.
Impaction colic
Dehydration, coarse/dry hay, poor dentition, or reduced exercise. Signs include reduced manure, small dry feces, and gradually worsening discomfort.
Large-colon displacement/volvulus
Severe, quickly escalating pain; more common in broodmares post-foaling. Requires urgent veterinary assessment; surgery may be needed.
Gastric ulcer-related pain
Intermittent mild colic, worse after grain or fasting, dull appetite, girthiness. More common with high-starch diets or intense training.
Sand enteropathy
Horses on sandy soil or over-grazed lots. May show recurring mild colic, diarrhea, weight loss, or ‘sand sounds’ in the abdomen.
Enteritis/colitis
Inflammation or infection of the small/large intestine. Often includes depression, fever, reduced gut sounds, and dehydration—with or without diarrhea.
What to Tell Your Veterinarian
Colic can deteriorate quickly. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Do not administer medications, oil, or oral fluids unless your vet directs you. Trailer only if advised.
Exact start time, behaviors (pawing, flank-watching, rolling), response to walking/rest, and how the pattern has changed.
Heart rate, respiratory rate, mucous membranes and capillary refill time, temperature, and gut sounds—logged every 15–30 minutes.
Time of last normal manure, number/size/consistency of piles, passage of gas, water intake, and urination frequency/appearance.
New hay or grain, pasture access, reduced exercise, recent travel, weather swings, stall rest, or barn moves.
Any NSAIDs, ulcer meds, antibiotics, sedatives, or supplements given (with times/doses); recent deworming; prior colic episodes or abdominal surgery.
Age, sex, use; broodmare postpartum timing; foal age; known metabolic or orthopedic limits that affect safe handling or trailering.
Horse Colic FAQ: Fast Answers for Owners
What is colic in a horse?
Colic describes abdominal pain from many causes, from gas or impaction to displacement or torsion. Some forms are medical; others are surgical emergencies.
When is colic an emergency?
Call urgently if heart rate is ≥60 bpm or rapidly rising, pain is unrelenting or violent, there is no manure with bloating/quiet gut sounds, gums are abnormal (very red, purple, or pale) or CRT >3 seconds, or the mare has recently foaled.
Should I let my horse drink or eat?
Remove feed immediately. Water is OK unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Do not attempt to drench or syringe fluids.
Is walking helpful for colic?
Short, calm walking can help reduce mild gas pain and prevent rolling, but stop if pain worsens or it is unsafe. Do not exhaust the horse.
Which vitals should I check and report?
Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, mucous membrane color and capillary refill time, and gut sounds if safe. Report manure/urine output and pain timeline.
Can I give pain medication before the vet arrives?
Only if your veterinarian specifically instructs you. Some drugs mask important findings and certain combinations are unsafe.
Useful links
Owner-safe references to check while you contact your veterinarian and track vitals.