Could Waiting For A Horse to Roll Delay Colic Care?

By Dr Chris Mortensen, PhD Equine Physiologist

When people think of colic, they often picture a horse pawing, sweating and rolling. These signs are serious. But waiting for a horse to roll before calling the vet can delay care.

Colic means belly pain. Early signs are easy to miss. Watch for a horse that:

• Leaves feed or hay

• Seems unusually quiet, dull or unsettled

• Looks at its flank

• Paws, stretches out, or lies down and gets up

• Produces less manure, or manure that is drier or looser than usual

A horse does not need to roll to have colic. Passing manure also does not mean everything is fine. Some horses show only mild signs at first, but problems can worsen quickly.

If you suspect colic, call your vet immediately. Tell them what you have seen, when it started, how much the horse has eaten and drunk, and whether it has passed manure.

Follow your vet’s directions about food, medicine and walking. Do not give drugs unless your vet tells you to. Do not force a horse to walk until it is exhausted.

You know your horse best. If something feels “not quite right," make the call early.