One of the most common emergencies I get called out for is colic in horses. Horse owners often panic when their animal starts showing signs of discomfort, and rightfully so. Colic is not a disease in itself but a broad term used to describe abdominal pain.
The severity can range from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening, requiring immediate surgical intervention. Recognizing the early symptoms of colic can make the difference between a full recovery and a tragic outcome.
So, what are the symptoms of colic in horses? That’s what I am going to discuss in this guide.
What is Colic in Horses?
Colic refers to abdominal pain in horses and can be caused by multiple conditions such as gas build-up, intestinal displacement, impaction, or even ulcers.
Horses are particularly prone to colic because of their unique digestive anatomy. Their gastrointestinal tract is long and complex, which makes it sensitive to dietary changes, management practices, and even stress.
When I explain colic to horse owners, I emphasize that the pain can range from very mild signs such as restlessness to severe rolling and thrashing on the ground. Some forms of colic may resolve on their own with supportive treatment, but others can become fatal within hours. That is why knowing the early warning signs is crucial.
General Symptoms of Colic in Horses
Now, I want to highlight the broad range of symptoms that can indicate a horse is experiencing colic. Each horse may show slightly different signs, and some may be more subtle than others.
The key is to observe your horse carefully and notice any deviation from its normal behavior.
1. Restlessness and Anxiety
Horses experiencing colic often appear restless or anxious. They may paw the ground, pace back and forth, or keep shifting their weight. These behaviors occur because the horse is uncomfortable and does not know how to relieve the abdominal pain.
Unlike other conditions, colic-related restlessness tends to be repetitive and persistent.
2. Looking at the Flank
Another classic symptom is when a horse repeatedly turns its head to look at or bite its flank. This behavior suggests abdominal discomfort localized in the gut. If you notice your horse glancing at its belly more than once or twice within a short period, it is time to consider colic as a possibility.
3. Lying Down More Frequently
Some horses with colic lie down more often than usual. It may be an attempt to relieve the pressure inside the abdomen. It is not unusual for horses to lie down normally, but frequent, repeated lying down in a short span should raise concerns.
4. Kicking at the Abdomen
Kicking at the stomach is another way horses express pain. They may lift a hind leg and strike toward their belly repeatedly. It is not typical behavior for a healthy horse, so when I see this, colic is always high on my list of concerns.
More Severe Symptoms of Colic
Mild signs can sometimes be overlooked, but severe symptoms of colic are usually dramatic and impossible to miss. Recognizing these urgent signs can save your horse’s life.
1. Rolling and Thrashing
When colic becomes intense, horses often roll violently on the ground or thrash their legs while down. It can be dangerous for both the horse and the handler. Rolling is the horse’s attempt to find relief from the pain, but it can worsen certain conditions such as twisted intestines. If I see a horse rolling repeatedly and violently, I treat it as a critical emergency.
2. Sweating and Heavy Breathing
Excessive sweating and rapid breathing are signs that the horse is in severe distress. Sweating can result from pain or from the physical effort of rolling. Labored breathing is equally concerning because it shows the horse is struggling not only with abdominal pain but also systemic stress.
3. Absence of Gut Sounds
When I place a stethoscope on a healthy horse’s abdomen, I normally hear active gut sounds. During colic, these sounds may decrease significantly or disappear altogether. This absence of gut motility is a red flag that the intestines may not be functioning properly, which can indicate a serious impaction or obstruction.
Subtle Behavioral Changes In Case of Colic in Horses
Not every horse with colic will show dramatic signs. In fact, some cases present with subtle behavioral changes that may easily be dismissed as fatigue or moodiness. As a veterinarian, I always remind owners to trust their instincts when they feel something is “off” with their horse.
1. Reduced Appetite
A sudden refusal to eat grain, hay, or treats is often one of the earliest symptoms of colic. Horses are naturally enthusiastic eaters, so a loss of appetite should never be ignored. While it may seem minor, it can signal the beginning stages of abdominal pain.
2. Drinking Less Water
Dehydration and reduced water intake often accompany colic. Horses with mild abdominal discomfort may avoid drinking because swallowing can worsen the pain. Reduced water intake can also make certain types of colic, like impactions, even more severe.
3. Unusual Postures
Sometimes horses stretch out as if trying to urinate, stand with an arched back, or adopt other strange postures. These positions reflect attempts to relieve abdominal discomfort. Unlike normal stretching, these postures often look prolonged or awkward.
Veterinary Examination and Diagnosis
When I arrive to examine a horse suspected of colic, my first step is to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. I check the horse’s heart rate, respiratory rate, and mucous membrane color, as these provide insight into pain level and circulatory status. I also listen to the gut with a stethoscope and perform a rectal exam if needed.
In many cases, I pass a nasogastric tube to check for fluid build-up in the stomach. It is important because horses cannot vomit, and excess fluid in the stomach can become life-threatening. Depending on findings, I may also recommend ultrasound or bloodwork to determine the underlying cause.
When You Should Call a Veterinarian?
One of the most important things I emphasize to horse owners is that colic should never be taken lightly. If your horse shows repeated flank watching, rolling, sweating, or any sudden change in behavior, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. Time is critical, especially if surgery is required.
While waiting for the vet, you can walk the horse gently to prevent it from rolling and injuring itself. Do not allow unrestricted access to feed or water until professional advice is given. Remember that early intervention can be life-saving.
Preventive Measures for Colic
Although this article focuses on symptoms, it would be incomplete without mentioning prevention. Horses thrive on consistent management, and sudden changes often trigger colic.
Providing access to clean water, offering a diet high in forage, and ensuring regular dental care all help maintain gut health. Avoid sudden feed changes, ensure regular deworming, and encourage daily turnout or exercise.
Let’s Rewind
Colic remains one of the most concerning emergencies for horse owners, but recognizing the symptoms early makes a world of difference. From subtle changes like reduced appetite and flank watching to severe signs like violent rolling and sweating, every symptom provides a clue to what is happening inside the horse’s abdomen.
If you ever suspect colic, never wait and see; call your veterinarian right away. As I tell every client, it is always better to overreact and have a healthy horse than to delay and risk a preventable tragedy. Trust your instincts and act quickly for your horse’s sake.