Equine Colic and your
Horse
If you have had a horse, chances are that you have heard of the
term equine colic before. You have probably done some research into
this term, and you have found that when you are talking about
equine colic, you are talking about a sign or symptom, and not
really an actual diagnosis. The term colic in horses refers to any
different type of abdominal pain, and this is usually the result of
some other sickness in your horse. So, if your horse is exhibiting
equine colic, it means that something else is wrong with him. Some
of the things that might be wrong with your horse are small
problems that will pass on their own, but some of them might be
more serious complications that could require surgery and, if left
untreated, could result in the death of your horse.
If you choose to go with surgery you are going to find that it
is usually very expensive. This is why colic results in death of so
many horses, because sometimes you are not able to know what is
wrong with your horse and you don’t get it treated. You have to be
sure that you recognize the symptoms so that you and your vet can
make a good decision regarding whether or not to do surgery.
There are several symptoms that are associated with equine
colic, and it is important that you and anyone else who is working
with your horses recognize these symptoms. Because of the wide
variety of things that might be wrong with your horse, it is
important that the colic is recognized right away and diagnosed so
it can be treated.
Some of the symptoms include a horse’s reluctance to eat
anything, which is going to indicate a problem. If your horse
doesn’t eat, you need to talk to a vet. Also, if the horse is
looking at their side, or even turning or nipping at their sides,
it might indicate that they are trying to solve their own problems.
If your horse is kicking at their abdomen, or pawing their front
legs or stomping their feet, this is also indicating that there is
pain in your horse and he doesn’t know what to do about it. If your
horse looks like he is stretching abnormally while he is trying to
go to the bathroom, there is also a problem. If your horse lies
down and rolls and thrashes and then does not get up and shake off
right away, this is indicating that there is a big problem with
your horse. Also, if your horse is sweating after light exercise,
curling his lip excessively, has cool extremities, lacks bowel
movements, or has a higher pulse or respiratory rate, this is going
to indicate that there is something wrong with your horse. See a
vet immediately for treatment of colic.
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