My horse may have had a minor case Colic?

Question

ok, so yesterday, when I fed my horse, she was half way through eating her feed and she suddenly lay down and started trying to roll-( she was also getting a little hot). we got her up instantly and took her for a 10 min walk, suspecting colic and then she was fine- went to the toilet and seemed happier. shed only had 3 hours out at grass- which is what she has been getting for the last month or so (as the grass is still quite rich- although most people turn out for longer anyway), was ridden and left for 1/2 an hour, like we always do. infact her routine was identical to what it normally is.

firstly, what could have caused it so suddenly- she was fine all day, afer id ridden etc- not hot at all, and secondly- is there any way i can prevent it from happening again?

Answer 1

If she's had a normal sized p**p, has active tummy gurgling noises when you put your ear to her belly, is not running a fever and not in obvious discomfort you do not need to call the vet.

Knowing what caused the incident, or even if it was an incident at all, is difficult because there are too many unknown variables.  She may have eaten some weeds or other plant in the pasture that upset her tummy or really gobbled a lot of grass in the short time.  She may have been trying to roll to scratch a sudden itch.  The possibilities go on and on...

All you can do is check the pasture for poisonous weeds/plants, and continue to provide the good care you seem to be offering already.  You can also put her to pasture longer wearing a grazing muzzle that will prevent her from bolting down too much grass.

In regards to temperature after a ride, sometimes my horse is not hot when we first stop but starts to sweat and heat up a few minutes later.  I always work at a slow walk for about five minutes, then I hop off and put my hand to his chest almost between his forelegs.  If it's hot and/or sticky I keep hand walking him until his chest feels cool and dry.  When it gets really hot (100 degrees +) I walk for 10 minutes, untack, rinse him off with water and continue hand walking until he's dry. Once he's cooled out I let him have access to plenty of fresh water, but not when he's super hot.

Answer 2

get the vet in to check her

Answer 3

Theres not much point in calling the vet to look at a horse who is fine right now, but might have been sick yesterday!

She may have had a bit of gas colic - its painful, but quick - or perhaps shes getting an ulcer. One of the first things I usually notice on a horse with ulcers is sudden onset tummy pain while eating.

I would call my vet and ask if he thinks its something to worry about or not. Also, you might want to make sure that you keep a bottle of banamine handy, just in case you need it!

Answer 4

It is very off that it would hit so quickly, then pass so quickly.  I would say that a vet consultation is in order, but here are a couple thoughts also:

Perhaps she ate much too fast.  Food not chewed could have upset her stomach as she gulped it down.  You could try breaking her feeding down into smaller rations fed a little at a time, or a block of non-toxic wood placed in her feeder to slow down her consumption.

You could give her a little hay before her feed to buffer her stomach against the concentrate.  Beet pulp would also work well for this.

Keep in mind that these are just ideas, the vet should really be consulted on the situation in case this is indicative of a chronic condition.

Answer 5

Sounds like a minor colic...all colic means is pain in the abdomen...whatever was bothering her passed.  Have you ever had a gas pain that lasted only until you relieved it?  Well, then...horses are not that different from people!

Answer 6

Call the vet to come check her out.