Horse colic
Updated: 12/20/2025, 1:20:49 PM Wikipedia source
Colic in horses is defined as abdominal pain, but it is a clinical symptom rather than a diagnosis. The term colic can encompass all forms of gastrointestinal conditions which cause pain as well as other causes of abdominal pain not involving the gastrointestinal tract. What makes it tricky is that different causes can manifest with similar signs of distress in the animal. Recognizing and understanding these signs is pivotal, as timely action can spell the difference between a brief moment of discomfort and a life-threatening situation. The most common forms of colic are gastrointestinal in nature and are most often related to colonic disturbance. There are a variety of different causes of colic, some of which can prove fatal without surgical intervention. Colic surgery is usually an expensive procedure as it is major abdominal surgery, often with intensive aftercare. Among domesticated horses, colic is the leading cause of premature death. The incidence of colic in the general horse population has been estimated between 4 and 10 percent over the course of the average lifespan. Clinical signs of colic generally require treatment by a veterinarian. The conditions that cause colic can become life-threatening in a short period of time.
Tables
· Diagnosis › Physical examination
5%
5%
Percent Dehydration
5%
Heart rate
Normal
Mucous membrane quality
Moist to slightly tacky
CRT
< 2 seconds
Time skin tent holds
1–3 seconds
Other
Decrease in urine production
8%
8%
Percent Dehydration
8%
Heart rate
40-60 bpm
Mucous membrane quality
Tacky
CRT
Usually 2–3 seconds
Time skin tent holds
3–5 seconds
Other
Decrease in blood pressure
10-12%
10-12%
Percent Dehydration
10-12%
Heart rate
60+ bpm
Mucous membrane quality
Dry
CRT
Usually > 4 seconds
Time skin tent holds
5+ seconds
Other
Decrease in jugular fill and quality of peripheral pulses; sunken eyes present
| Percent Dehydration | Heart rate | Mucous membrane quality | CRT | Time skin tent holds | Other |
| 5% | Normal | Moist to slightly tacky | < 2 seconds | 1–3 seconds | Decrease in urine production |
| 8% | 40-60 bpm | Tacky | Usually 2–3 seconds | 3–5 seconds | Decrease in blood pressure |
| 10-12% | 60+ bpm | Dry | Usually > 4 seconds | 5+ seconds | Decrease in jugular fill and quality of peripheral pulses; sunken eyes present |
References
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