How long should I wait before I start working my horse after a bout of collic?

Question

My 9 yr old OTTB had collic yesterday morning. I called the vet out, and he tubed him, and did all the normail things required for collic. He is now fine (I have lessoned his food on instruction from the vet). My question is: how long should I keep his food lessoned, I assume I would need to gradually build him back up (he is already thin); and, when should I resume doing any form of exercise with him?

Answer 1

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Answer 2

your best bet is not to listen to some of the people on here when it comes to a seroius matter like colic, talk to your vet.

Answer 3

I agree, talk with the vet regarding food. From our own experience, go straight back to work within 24 hours, just light hacking for a day or two. Take it easy, and do'nt panic about colic, its not that common and most cases are basically a "horsey" upset stomach. If its frequent, then yes, get concerned, and definitely talk in depth with your vet regarding causes.

Just by example, my horse, colic once, maybe twice in 14 years, same with school horses where I've worked too.

Answer 4

You've already received some good advice...I just want to add that one of my horses tends to colic.  I switched him to Purina Senior feed a couple years ago and he's done much better on it since it is more easily digestible.  In fact, he hasn't colicked at all since we switched (knock on wood!)  You might discuss this with your vet.  He is also a hard one to keep weight on, but does very well on the Senior formula.

Answer 5

It's best to wait a full 24 hours ONCE they are 100% back to normal, and normal diet.  Depends on how bad the colic was, and thank goodness all is well.  Colic is very painful and very triering for the horse so I would best ask you vet, seeing how's they now the heart rate, temp, depression level and so on.

Answer 6

I agree with Ressy B. People on here talk out of their *** somethings so I would just call your vet and ask over the phone. Most times vets wont charge you for just a phone call question.