ColicMid America Technology Center

Colic Definition

• 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.

What causes colic?

• 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 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.

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

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

Diagnosis

• 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.

Prognosis

• 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.

Causes

• 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.

Impaction

• 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

Twist

• Completely cuts off the passage of fecal material in the intestines.

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

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

Sand Colic

• 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.

Colic Surgery