1. Mid America Technology Center
Colic
Mid America Technology Center

2. The term “colic” actually means abdominal pain
The term “colic” actually means abdominal pain. It is NOT a disease; more accurately it is defined as a clinical presentation characterized by a variety of symptoms.
Colic Definition

3. The primary cause of abdominal pain in colic is distension (the act of expanding by pressure from within or the state of being stretched beyond normal dimensions) of the stomach or the intestines.
This distension may be caused by:
Accumulation of gas, fluid, or feed due to an obstruction (blockage) of the digestive tract
Improper action of the peristaltic movements (wave-like motion) which force material through the digestive tract.
Pain is also produced when the peritoneum (a transparent membrane that lines the abdominal cavity) is stretched during attacks of “colic”.
What causes colic?

4. What causes distension?
When obstructions or lack of peristaltic movements prevent the passage of materials through the digestive system, pressure results in a reflex reaction which causes adjoining areas to contract in spasm.
The distension also causes further secretion of fluid into the intestines, increasing the pressure and distension.
Past a certain point, reflex attempts to clear the obstruction, cease, and the fatigued muscles quit contracting, this is called paralysis of the intestines and is a period when the horse may appear almost free from pain.
What causes distension?

5. Effects Increased secretion of digestive juices Dehydration
Imbalance in chemical systems in the body
Shock
If the cause of distension is not removed, death often occurs within 12 to 48 hours
Effects

6. Signs Sweating Rolling Kicking Biting Looking back at belly
Violent pawing
Sitting like a dog
Bloated belly
Male horses can stretch out but do not urinate
Unusual positions
Elevated pulse
Rapid and shallow breathing
Below normal temps due to shock
Signs

7. In order to differentiate between the causes of colic, the vet may perform rectal examination
Intestinal contents and their positions will indicate to the vet the presence or absence of intestinal motility and the location of the obstruction or impaction
Should only be done by vet due to possible damage to sensitive tissue structures.
Passage of the stomach tube also should only be done by vet.
Stomach contents or gas can help the vet decide the type of disorder and the sensitivity of the condition.
Most will note pulse respiration and temp. The presence or absence of intestinal sounds indicates excessive or absent intestinal movements.
Diagnosis

8. Excellent when pain is caused by excessive activity of the intestines
Good for pain due to impaction
Very poor for pain caused by twisting of the intestines
The pulse should be less than 80 beats per minute for a favorable prognosis.
Prognosis

9. Most common (90%): Parasitic obstruction and damage to the intestines
Strongyles cause severe damage to intestinal arteries
Parasites can cause colic if they become large enough or numerous enough to block a segment of the intestine.
Causes

10. Impaction of the colon or cecum occurs when material passes through the stomach in an undigested form and collects in the cecum or large colon.
Impaction colic causes:
Limited exercise
Course food
Enteroliths(mineralized salts surrounding a pebble/small object)
Heavy parasite infestation
Consumption of foreign material
Decreased water intake
Consumption of bedding
Impaction

11. Completely cuts off the passage of fecal material in the intestines.
Twist

12. Spasmodic Colic A gut that moves too much.
Nervousness and excitability
Sometimes induced by sudden weather changes or barometric pressure changes
Distress from transport or athletic competition
Toxic plants
Blister beetles
Certain drugs and dewormers
Spasmodic Colic

13. Gas Colic Bowel movements cease together, it is called an ileus.
Fermentation continues, but gas does not move towards the rectum.
The death of certain types of bacteria release end toxins that can result in shock, laminitis, or death
Gas Colic

14. If a horse ingest excessive sand it accumulates in the large colon, it obstructs passage of food materials.
Prevention:
Do not feed hay on the ground
Feed 1 cup a day of psyllium for 5 consecutive days each month. This is a laxative that may disturb normal electrolyte and fluid balances.
Sand Colic

16. Colic Surgery