is not a specific disease but rather a general term used to describe abdominal pain in horses
Colic
It is one of the most common and serious medical emergencies in equine veterinary practice, ranging in severity from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions that require immediate surgical intervention.
Colic
TRUE or FALSE
Equine cannot vomit
TRUE
The pain associated with colic stems from several underlying mechanisms, often acting in combination:
- Intestinal distension
- Intestinal ischemia and strangulation
- Inflammation
- Increased or abnormal gut motility
- Obstruction
- Tension on the mesentery
gas, fluid, or feed material buildup can stretch the intestinal wall, leading to severe pain. The horse’s stomach is small and can’t easily vomit, making it prone to painful distension if there’s a blockage further down the tract.
Intestinal distension
this is the most dangerous form of colic
Intestinal ischemia and strangulation
It occurs when a section of the intestine twists or becomes entrapped, cutting off its blood supply. The lack of blood flow causes the tissue to die (necrosis), releasing toxins into the bloodstream that can lead to shock and death.
Intestinal ischemia and strangulation
conditions like enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine) or colitis (inflammation of the colon) cause pain due to the inflammatory response, which can also disrupt normal gut motility and lead to fluid imbalances.
Inflammation
spasms or cramping of the intestinal muscles can cause sharp, intermittent pain. This is often seen in mild cases and may be linked to changes in diet or stress.
Increased or abnormal gut motility
a physical blockage, such as an impaction of dry feed material, sand, or even foreign objects, prevents the passage of ingesta (food material). This blockage leads to fluid and gas buildup behind it, causing distension and pain.
Obstruction
the mesentery is the tissue that suspends the intestines within the abdomen. Displacements or twists can stretch the mesentery, causing significant pain.
Tension on the mesentery
is the tissue that suspends the intestines within the abdomen
mesentery
Classification of Colic
A. Non-Surgical Colic (Medical)
B. Surgical Colic
These are generally less severe forms of colic that can often be resolved with medical treatment, such as pain relievers, fluids, and laxatives.
Non-Surgical Colic (Medical)
Non-Surgical Colic (Medical)
- Spasmodic Colic
- Impaction Colic
- Gas Colic (Tympanic Colic)
- Sand Colic
- Inflammatory Colic
this is one of the most common and least severe types of colic
Spasmodic Colic
It’s characterized by painful intestinal spasms and can be caused by dietary changes, stress, or parasites. It often resolves on its own or with minimal intervention.
Spasmodic Colic
this occurs when a blockage of feed material, typically in the large intestine, causes an obstruction. Causes include dehydration, poor dental health, a lack of fiber, or consuming coarse, indigestible feed like straw.
Impaction Colic
a buildup of excessive gas in the intestines, often due to the rapid fermentation of high-starch or high-sugar feeds, leads to painful distension.
Gas Colic (Tympanic Colic)
occurs in horses that ingest sand or dirt, which accumulates and can cause chronic irritation or a complete impaction.
Sand Colic
refers to conditions like enteritis or colitis, where inflammation of the intestinal lining causes pain.
Inflammatory Colic
Surgical Colic
- Displacement
- Strangulating Obstruction
- Enteroliths
These are often life-threatening and require immediate veterinary attention and surgical intervention.
Surgical Colic
a segment of the intestine moves from its normal position. For example, a common displacement is when the large colon shifts to an abnormal location, which can obstruct the passage of ingesta.
Displacement
