Treatment for colic depends heavily on the cause and severity — some cases resolve with basic supportive care, while others require hospitalization or emergency surgery. Acting quickly and calling your vet at the first signs gives your horse the best odds.
First Response
Remove access to feed, keep the horse calm, and hand-walk if it's trying to roll violently — but never risk your own safety doing so. Call your vet immediately and describe the symptoms you're seeing.
Veterinary Treatment
Depending on the case, a vet may administer pain relief, pass a nasogastric tube to relieve gas or deliver fluids, or perform a rectal exam to assess the extent of the problem.
The majority of colic cases resolve with medical treatment alone and never require surgery.
When Surgery Is Needed
Severe pain unresponsive to medication, a distended abdomen, or signs of a twisted or displaced intestine on rectal exam usually mean surgery is the best chance of recovery, and time is critical.
Recovery
Even after resolution, most horses need a carefully managed return to feed and normal turnout to reduce the chance of a repeat episode.
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