“Colic” is a term that encapsulates any condition causing your horse or cattle gastrointestinal pain. There are a few main causes of colic, all with varying degrees of severity. Being able to identify the most likely causes of colic is often the first step in treatment.

• Impaction — When the intestine distends or expands, causing your horse pain, caused by a food blockage.

• Gas Colic — Similar to impaction, this is blockage in the gut that, while painful, typically resolves itself easily without any medical procedures. In both cases, however, rectal exams and removing excess manure may help promote movement.

• Bowel rupture — If your horse has been suffering from an unresolved impact or gas colic, it can lead to bowel rupture. At this point, your animal needs to be at a hospital and be preparing for surgery. Any delays risk being fatal.

• Twist — This is when the large intestine twists around itself, cutting off blood supply and trapping food and gas in the intestine. The intestine won’t distend right away, so the horse may not immediately show signs of being in pain.

So what are the signs and how do you treat colic? The most obvious signs are:

• The animal hasn’t passed any manure in a while

• They are rolling around or kicking at their stomach, or looking at it with an anxious gaze

• Disinterest in eating

• Pawing

If your animal is showing signs of colic, they may want to quietly lie down, that’s okay. Contact us to discuss the best way to treat your horse. We may recommend medication oremergent care.. Be ready with your truck and trailer, in case the animal is deemed to need emergency surgery.

Notice: Carter Veterinary Services can help with some surgeries, but, we will recommend a clinic or hospital for more serious surgeries to ensure your horse gets the best vet care possible for their condition.

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Most non-weight bearing lameness is caused by:

• Fractures

• Sole abscesses

• Infections

• Severe bruises

Do not force your horse to move at all, if they are suffering from lameness. They are likely in a lot of pain and need veterinary assistance immediately. Keep an eye out for swelling in the limbs, but be aware that it may be difficult to recognize. Allow the horse to stand quietly until the vet arrives. Ask the vet about whether or not the horse needs pain medicine in the meantime. The main thing for you to do with a severely lame horse is not force them to walk more than a few steps, unless absolutely necessary.

Treating lacerations, wounds, and bleeding in horses and cattle is to be done much the same way as you would treat a child suffering the same condition:

• Stop the bleeding with direct pressure and a bandage

• Keep the bandage on there; don’t remove it to look at the injury

• Unless otherwise instructed, do not apply a tourniquet

• Wash wounds with cold water

• Don’t put ointment on the wound, as that makes it more difficult to see and to suture

When calling us about an animal that has been wounded or is bleeding, please have the following information ready:

• Location of laceration or wound

• Depth of wound

• Is the horse showing signs of lameness?

• Is the horse in a safe location?

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A foaling mare is in a critical state. If the foal is not out within twenty minutes of the horse’s water breaking, call your local equine vet immediately. The presence of a vet during this process may be crucial for the survival of the mare and foal. If the foal is presented in any way besides with front feet first, professional veterinary support is a practical necessity. 99% of the time, foaling goes smoothly. However, a difficult birth can be catastrophic.

Learn More About Our Reproductive Support Services