🐎 Colic in horses
The most serious equine emergency: looking at the flank, rolling and lying down often; call the vet now.
What is it?
Colic means abdominal pain. Its causes range from simple gas to a twisted gut needing surgery, which is why every colic is treated as an emergency.
Signs
- Looking at the flank or kicking at the belly.
- Lying down and getting up often, or rolling.
- Sweating, poor appetite, little or no manure.
How does it spread?
Not contagious. Causes include sudden feed changes, too little water, worms, sand and lack of movement.
Prevention
- Make any change of feed gradual over days.
- Clean water available at all times.
- A deworming plan with your vet, enough forage and daily turnout.
🚨 When to call the vet at once
At once: remove feed, call the vet, and give no medicine unless the vet says so.
📱 How Zajel helps
Log the episode and time under Health, and record any feed change so your vet can see it.
This information is general. Diagnosis and doses always stay with your vet.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual — Colic in Horses · AAEP — American Association of Equine Practitioners