Colic, Equine - contd.
Colic is a manifestation of abdominal pain and not a true disease. There are numerous causes of abdominal pain. Many of these result in distension of the gut with fluid, gas, or ingested matter. The gastrointestinal distension may even cause decreased blood perfusion to an area within the abdomen. Traction on the root of the mesentery, which attaches the abdominal viscera to the body, produces abdominal pain, as does interruption of blood supply to the bowel.
Colicky horses will often sweat profusely, appear restless, lie down and roll, and stare at their flanks. Colic should be considered an emergency and warrants prompt veterinary care. A thorough physical exam will determine a course of action to treat the condition. While many causes exist that may trigger colic, most are uncomplicated and will respond to early medical intervention. A horse should be kept on its feet and walked while waiting for the veterinarian to arrive. However, the horse's owner should use caution, as a painful horse may suddenly drop to the ground to roll. Rolling may turn an uncomplicated colic into a twisted or torsed bowel because gas in the intestines tends to rise. A gas cap may cause a loop of bowel to twist upon itself as the horse rolls over.
Failure to respond to initial therapy or poor findings during the physical exam calls for surgical intervention. Colic surgery is a major undertaking and should ideally be performed at a referral hospital. Surgery is a costly procedure and, depending on findings during surgery, may carry a guarded prognosis. Some colics may be prevented with proper nutrition, sound deworming protocols, and periodic dental care.
