What Is Colic in Horses?
Colic is a general term used to describe abdominal pain in horses. It can arise from various issues within the digestive tract, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. While the causes of colic are varied, many cases are closely linked to diet and feeding practices.
There are three main types of colic commonly observed in horses:
1. Tympanitic Colic (Gas or Wind Colic)
Also known as bloat, tympanitic colic is caused by the excessive accumulation of gas in the gut. This gas builds up due to fermentation of sugars and starches, causing the intestine to distend and resulting in acute, continuous pain.
2. Spasmodic Colic
The most common and usually mild form of colic, spasmodic colic occurs when there is a spasm or abnormal contraction of the intestines. It often affects younger horses and may be linked to minor digestive imbalances or parasite migration.
3. Obstructive Colic (e.g. Twisted Bowel, Sand Colic)
This more serious type of colic is caused by a physical obstruction in the digestive tract. It may involve intestinal twisting (torsion), impactions, or accumulation of sand in the gut, and often requires immediate veterinary attention
How to Tell if Your Horse Has Colic
Symptoms of Tympanitic (Gas) Colic:
- Sweating and signs of distress
- Elevated heart rate and temperature
- Tight, bloated, or firm abdomen
- Repeated attempts to lie down and roll violently
- Frequent attempts to urinate
- Noticeable flatulence
- Hollow, drum-like sound when the abdomen is tapped
Symptoms of Spasmodic Colic:
- Elevated heart rate and mild fever
- Restlessness and intermittent sweating
- Tense abdominal muscles
- Periods of acute pain alternating with normal behaviour
What Causes Colic in Horses?
Diet and Feeding Practices Are Major Triggers
- Sudden feed changes, particularly involving high levels of sugar and starch (known as non-structural carbohydrates or NSC >12%)
- Excessive fermentation in the stomach or hindgut, leading to gas build-up
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, especially in hot weather or after intense exercise
- Parasite migration, especially in horses not on a deworming program
- Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance in the gut, often caused by overfeeding high-NSC feeds
How to Prevent Colic in Horses
Through Diet
Reducing the Risk of Tympanitic (Gas) Colic
Lower the NSC content of the diet to reduce fermentable sugars
Avoid sudden changes in feed or forage
Limit access to lush spring grass, which is high in sugars
Reduce or eliminate grain-based feeds (especially those over 12% NSC)
Feed a moderate-quality grass hay as the forage base
Add digestive oils, such as coconut oil containing MCTs to reduce fermentation and support gut function
Managing Spasmodic Coli Risk
- Implement a parasite control program, including regular deworming
- Prevent Dysbiosis by feeding low NSC, high-fibre diets (<12% NSC) such as CoolStance copra
- Use oils rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which support gut integrity and have natural antimicrobial properties
- Provide supplements such as SandBuster that support digest assage
How Oil Helps to Manage Colic
Feeding oil in your horse’s diet can provide several gut-friendly benefits:
- Reduces fermentation by replacing fermentable carbohydrates with fat-based energy
- Supports digesta movement through the gastrointestinal tract
- Coconut oil, in particular, contains MCTs that help control microbial overgrowth and support gut lining health (protecting against conditions like leaky gut syndrome)
Stance Suggestions for Sand Colic
Key Takeaways: Understanding and Managing Colic in Horses
- Colic is a digestive disorder often triggered by diet, hydration, or parasites
- Tympanitic and spasmodic colic can often be prevented by adjusting feed quality and composition
- Feeds containing more than 12% NSC may increase the risk of gas colic
- Oils like coconut oil can help by reducing fermentation, improving digestion, and supporting gut health
- Feed changes should be gradual, and horses should always have access to clean water and adequate forage
- Include supplements such as SandBuster to encourage digesta flow
