I cannot confirm a direct causal link between stress and colic in horses due to appetite changes, but I can provide information about colic in horses. Colic in horses refers to various disease conditions that manifest as abdominal pain. Dietary changes significantly influence the occurrence of colic, and more than 70 causes have been identified, which makes it difficult to determine the cause in individual cases.
What are the Signs of Colic in Horses?
Signs of colic include:
- Pawing the ground
- Kicking at the abdomen
- Rolling from side to side
What are the Anatomical Risk Factors for Colic?
Anatomical features of the equine digestive tract, such as marked variations in the diameter of the large colon and limited attachment of the large colon to the body wall, predispose the horse to colic. These factors increase the potential for blockage of the digestive tract with ingested material (impaction) and twisting of the tract.
How is Colic Treated?
Treatment for colic may involve:
- Pain relief medication
- Oral administration of mineral oil to soften impaction
- Surgery
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