Colic Examination

From an owner’s perspective, colic is one of the most frightening conditions that can affect a horse. Probably because in spite of it’s relatively low incidence, not only can colic still strike with impunity, it also has the potential to be seriously life-threatening.

In veterinary terms “colic” simply means, abdominal pain. Such a broad term, means a diagnosis of colic, refers to a multitude of different underlying conditions, some of which are more serious than others. Horses have a unique and complicated digestive system, loosely suspended in the abdominal cavity and surrounded by other body organs. It is this unfortunate design which predisposes the horse to different types of colic. Studies show 4-10% of horses are diagnosed with colic annually. However, some types of colic are more serious then others.