Colic

According to vets, digestive problems are among the top killers of miniature horses.  Colic is a generic term for any digestive disorder, but all colicky horse require immediate vet care.  Horses cannot vomit, so whatever is ingested must pass through the entire digestive tract. 
 

Links

• Petplace.com - Dr. Andrew Hoffman on causes and treatment for colic.
   
• Yourhorseshealth.com - A fantastic site loaded with professional horse colic health advice.

Symptoms of colic

Owners say that Colic is always accompanied by pain, and your miniature horse's reaction to pain will be the primary signal of a colic issue.  While every mini horse reacts differently to pain, if your horse shows any of the following symptoms you should immediately call your vet:

• Restlessness - If a normally quiet pony suddenly becomes sullen and restless.  Such ponies may tough their side with their noses or pace.
   
• Quiet Gut - All miniature horse have audible "gut sounds", easily detectable by placing your ear against the intestinal area.  If a pony has an intestinal blockage, these sounds will cease.
   
• Pacing and rolling - If your miniature horse is rolling or pacing, vets recommend that you should immediate call your vet and STOP the rolling.  Once of the major reason that colic kills horses are twisted intestine that occur because of their natural tendency to roll when in-pain. Insist that your hose stand-up until treated by your vet.
   
• No appetite - The miniature horse who will refuse their favorite treat might have a colic issue.

Causes of colic

Colic may happen for a variety of reasons, but vets say that the major causes of colic include:

• Worms - Worms (especially strongyloids) cause significant perforations to the intestinal linings and this may precipitate colic. 
   
• Lower Hydration - Rapid changes in weather (especially Spring and Fall seasons) are precipitators for colic.  For example, during a cold-spell the miniature horse may not drink as much water, causing painful gas or an intestinal blockage.
   
• Intestinal stones (Enteroliths) - Enteroliths are a mineral coating that forms around foreign objects in the intestine, similar to how a pearl is formed in an oyster.  Here are informational links on enteroliths:
   
  • Preventing Enteroliths - UC Davis
     
  • Genetic research into Enteroliths - UC Davis

   

• Anterior & Proximal Enteritis - This is an acute inflammation of the small intestine producing signs of abdominal distress, such as colic and diarrhea.  In an excellent article, Dr. Andrew Hoffman speculates that the cause is a bacterial infection.  He also notes the symptoms and characteristics of enteritis:

• Loss of appetite
• Signs of abdominal pain (paw, roll, get up and down repeatedly)
• Abrasions over the eyes or on bony areas of the body
• Dry tacky gums
• Depression
• Fever
• Lack of manure production
• Lack of thirst
• Increased respiratory rate
• Bloated appearance
• Lameness, warm feet

Older horses are more susceptible to proximal enteritis, but it is also seen in young horses one to two years of age.

The inflammation causes the affected part of the intestine to malfunction. The intestine ceases to absorb fluids, and instead, large amounts of fluid accumulate in the intestine. The fluid accumulation causes the horse to become extremely dehydrated. Although he is undergoing continual water loss, it is futile for him to drink, because he can't absorb the fluid.

Because horses are unable to vomit, the fluid causes the intestines, and eventually the stomach, to swell and become extremely painful. Eventually, if this fluid build-up is not relieved, the stomach or intestines may rupture.

Proximal enteritis is easily mistaken for a surgical cause of colic, such as twisted small intestine. Even with the best of diagnostic equipment and skills, your veterinarian may not be sure whether your horse requires colic surgery. The signs of colic, reflux, and distended small intestine may go with either problem.

USA Miniature Horse is a non-profit web site dedicated to collecting useful information about miniature horses in the United States.