Colic is still the word that stops a barn cold. All it means is abdominal pain, and the causes run from gas and impaction to displacements and strangulating lesions. Figuring out which one isn't your job. Your job is to spot the pain early and get your veterinarian involved.
What raises the odds
- Abrupt feed changes
- Not enough water
- Parasites
- Sand, in some regions
- Stall confinement and stress
- Dental problems that make chewing harder
When you see a horse in pain
- Take the feed away
- Note his vital signs if you can do it safely
- Call your veterinarian
- Hand-walk only if your vet advises it, and don't force a violently painful horse to move
- Never give medication unless you're told to
Depending on the case, your veterinarian may use an exam, tubing, rectal palpation, imaging, or surgery.
Lowering the everyday risk
Steady forage, clean water, gradual ration changes, dental care, and a parasite program will do more than any product on a shelf. After a horse recovers, G-Tract can support everyday digestive nutrition. For related reading, see Intestinal diseases, Dentition, and Grass, or browse the hindgut support collection.
These statements are about nutritional support. ImmuBiome supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Colic questions
Is mild pawing always colic? It can be. When in doubt, call.
Can probiotics prevent colic? No supplement prevents all colic. Good management lowers the risk, and probiotics support gut nutrition.
When is colic surgical? Your veterinarian decides that based on what the exam shows.
