12/17/2024
June says, let's talk about colic!
Colic is the number one killer of horses! Although some colics cannot be prevented, there are a lot of things we can do to minimize the risk and help catch them quickly when they do occur.
#1 - Know your horse's normal! The average horse passes f***s 8 times per day but there are variations to this! I love when I show up to an emergency and the owner says well they've passed f***s one time but their normal for evening is 3... that's so helpful! Are they big drinkers? Do they clean up their feed quickly? All of these are questions that help me determine the severity of what your horse is experiencing.
#2 - Get your horse used to a stall or round pen for monitoring. Just because they have had a visit from me does not mean that we can turn them straight back out and sleep soundly! I like to monitor colics for 12 to 24 hours after the incident even if they are short-lived. Having them used to going into a confined area where we can monitor what they eat, drink and p**p is very helpful. I can't tell you how many times people have looked at me wide-eyed when I say they need to stay in a stall overnight. Remember it's only stressful for your horse if you haven't prepared them BEFORE disaster strikes!
#3 - Let me know right away that something isn't normal. All colics look the same in the first hour. Letting me know something isn't right with your horse allows me to plan and also provides you with the opportunity to make a tailored plan on the farm to maybe avoid a visit all together. It also makes it easier for me to jump into action if things get worse if I've had a heads up.
#4 - Think about a plan with each horse before disaster strikes. Would you do surgery? Are they insured? Are they a golden oldie that has already lived a good life and no heroics will be attempted? Thinking about all these things before you are in a vulnerable emotional state helps you make decisions you won't regret. I can help to guide you but only you know your individual situation with each horse.
#5 - Pulling food and taking a temperature are always my first step. Giving Banamine MAY be my second. It is a great drug to have on hand but please don't give it until after we have spoken and you've completed step 1! Banamine is a fantastic drug but it can mask signs if not given appropriately.
#6 - Last but not least, use common sense! Blizzard coming? Don't deworm your horse at that very moment! Major temperature swings? Don't make feed changes! Sometimes colic can't be avoided but I never want anyone to say "they wish they hadn't". Making smart choices about your horse's care based on what is happening in their environment will keep you from having this feeling of regret.
Special thanks to the world's tiniest vet assistant for staying all smiles in a whirlwind of emergencies!