COLIC IN HORSES; YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE!!!!
Colic refers to any pain or discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.The common causes are overfeeding, underfeeding, poor dental health, inadequate consumption of water , excessive consumption of water after exercise and changes in the quality and quantity of feed.
The structure of the equine stomach predisposes it to colic hence adequate care must be ensured in horse management; the stomach of the horse is small and without muscles ,the stomach is connected to the small intestine where breakdown of food occurs and the digested matter is further metabolized in the cecal before the waste is expelled.Feed consumed in large quantities within a short period of time will not move rapidly into the small intestine, its the fermentation of feed in the stomach that results in distention with gas resulting in colic pain,which could be fatal if there is a twisting or turning of intestines,resulting in displacement of abdominal structures.
The signs of colic in horses are pawing ,chewing and kicking at abdomen,dog -sitting posture, restlessness,getting up and sitting down,sweating ,dullness and refusal of feed and water. Flared snares,depression,cool extremities,depression,lack of bowel movement and reduced/absent gut sounds.
Treatment depends on severity and whether surgery is necessary; 1) analgesic.2)sedative.3)lubricants/laxatives.
When pain is not resolved after analgesic use,surgery will be necessary to correct it.
HOW TO PREVENT COLIC.
1)do not overfeed.
2)give enough roughage.
3)avoid excess grain feeding.
4) proper dental health,to ensure proper chewing of feed to prevent gobbling.
5)do not feed on ground.
6) make dietary changes gradually.
7)de worm regularly; blockage in large/small intestines can also cause colic.6
COLIC IN HORSES; YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE!!!!
Colic refers to any pain or discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.The common causes are overfeeding, underfeeding, poor dental health, inadequate consumption of water , excessive consumption of water after exercise and changes in the quality and quantity of feed.
The structure of the equine stomach predisposes it to colic hence adequate care must be ensured in horse management; the stomach of the horse is small and without muscles ,the stomach is connected to the small intestine where breakdown of food occurs and the digested matter is further metabolized in the cecal before the waste is expelled.Feed consumed in large quantities within a short period of time will not move rapidly into the small intestine, its the fermentation of feed in the stomach that results in distention with gas resulting in colic pain,which could be fatal if there is a twisting or turning of intestines,resulting in displacement of abdominal structures.
The signs of colic in horses are pawing ,chewing and kicking at abdomen,dog -sitting posture, restlessness,getting up and sitting down,sweating ,dullness and refusal of feed and water. Flared snares,depression,cool extremities,depression,lack of bowel movement and reduced/absent gut sounds.
Treatment depends on severity and whether surgery is necessary; 1) analgesic.2)sedative.3)lubricants/laxatives.
When pain is not resolved after analgesic use,surgery will be necessary to correct it.
HOW TO PREVENT COLIC.
1)do not overfeed.
2)give enough roughage.
3)avoid excess grain feeding.
4) proper dental health,to ensure proper chewing of feed to prevent gobbling.
5)do not feed on ground.
6) make dietary changes gradually.
7)de worm regularly; blockage in large/small intestines can also cause colic.6
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