Sand colic occurs in horses living in sandy areas, or horses fed from sandy ground. With impaction colic, the horse is not passing dung. These occur where partially digested feed, typically roughage, builds up in the large intestine of the horse and stops moving, resulting in a blockage or impaction. Impaction colic accounts for 10% of all colics attended by veterinarians. This type of colic can also have intestinal hyper motility. Spasmodic colic is the result of intestinal cramps or spasms. These horses can often have a lot of flatulence. Gas colic occurs when there is excessive build up of gas within the intestines of the horse. However, some types of colic are more serious then others. Studies show 4-10% of horses are diagnosed with colic annually. It is this unfortunate design which predisposes the horse to different types of colic. Horses have a unique and complicated digestive system, loosely suspended in the abdominal cavity and surrounded by other body organs. Such a broad term, means a diagnosis of colic, refers to a multitude of different underlying conditions, some of which are more serious than others. In veterinary terms “colic” simply means, abdominal pain. Probably because in spite of it’s relatively low incidence, not only can colic still strike with impunity, it also has the potential to be seriously life-threatening. From an owner’s perspective, colic is one of the most frightening conditions that can affect a horse.

Equine intestines 3d