Colic — Recognising the Signs
Colic is one of the most common emergencies in horses, and one of the most important to recognise early. The term simply means abdominal pain — it isn't a single disease but a sign that can result from many different underlying causes, ranging from mild and self-resolving to genuinely life-threatening.
Common causes
Gas build-up or spasm within the gut
Impactions — blockages caused by dry or compacted feed material
Changes in diet, feed quality, or sudden access to rich grazing
Dehydration or inadequate water intake
Parasite burden, particularly in young or poorly wormed horses
Twisted or displaced sections of gut (a genuine surgical emergency)
Dental problems affecting the horse's ability to chew feed properly
Signs of colic
Signs can range from subtle to severe, and severity of signs doesn't always correlate directly with the seriousness of the underlying cause — so any of the following should be taken seriously:
Repeatedly looking at, biting or kicking at the flank
Pawing at the ground
Rolling, or repeatedly getting up and down
Lying down more than usual, or reluctance to move
Sweating without obvious cause
Reduced or absent appetite
Reduced or absent droppings
Stretching out as if to urinate, without doing so
Elevated heart rate
Restlessness or an anxious expression
What to do if you suspect colic
Call us immediately on 01797 252321 — don't wait to see if it resolves on its own.
Remove any remaining feed, but leave water available unless advised otherwise.
If it's safe to do so, a calm horse can be walked in hand, which may help in mild cases — but don't persist with this if the horse is distressed, or force a horse that wants to lie down and rest quietly, as this can cause injury to horse or handler.
Keep the horse as calm and safe as possible while awaiting veterinary advice, avoiding putting yourself at risk from a distressed or thrashing horse.
Monitor and note down what you observe (rolling, sweating, gut sounds, droppings) — this information helps us assess severity over the phone and on arrival.
What happens when we're called
We'll ask questions to assess likely severity and urgency
On examination, this typically includes checking heart rate, gut sounds, gum colour and hydration status, and often a rectal examination
Pain relief and other treatment will be given as appropriate
Some cases resolve with pain relief and monitoring; others require more intensive treatment, fluid therapy, or referral for surgery
Reducing the risk of colic
Provide constant access to fresh, clean water
Make dietary changes gradually, over 1–2 weeks
Maintain a consistent feeding routine
Ensure regular dental checks, so your horse can chew feed effectively
Follow an appropriate worming programme (see our Worming Programmes for Horses page)
Allow turnout and regular movement where possible, rather than prolonged stabling
Still have questions?
If you're ever in doubt about whether your horse's symptoms warrant a call, please contact us on 01797 252321 — with colic, it's always better to call early.