Equine Health

What are the warning signs of severe colic in horses?

I can provide information about the signs of colic in horses. However, the available search result does not contain specific details on the warning signs of severe colic.

Colic refers to various disease conditions in horses that cause abdominal pain. Horses are prone to colic due to digestive tract issues, with a mortality rate of about 11 percent in affected horses.

Signs of colic include:

  • Pawing the ground
  • Kicking at the abdomen
  • Rolling from side to side

Anatomical features, such as variations in the diameter of the large colon and limited attachment to the body wall, can increase the risk of blockage and twisting of the digestive tract. Dietary changes also significantly influence the incidence of colic. Over 70 causes have been identified, making it challenging to determine the exact cause in each case.

Treatment for colic may include pain relief medication, mineral oil to soften impaction, or surgery.

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