FEED ADVICE – HEALTH
Colic in Horse: Understanding and Prevention Tips
Colic in horses is a term used to describe abdominal pain rather than a specific diagnosis. It can stem from various gastrointestinal conditions as well as other causes of abdominal pain not related to the gastrointestinal tract.
Key Highlights
Colic in horses is defined as general abdominal pain and can encompass various different gastrointestinal conditions.
There are 6 defined types of colic which cover a broad spectrum of conditions.
Common clinical signs include rolling, pawing, frequent glancing at the flank and an increased heart rate.
Rapid veterinary intervention is crucial, as colic can be fatal – early treatment can significantly improve the outcome and may prevent serious complications.
Understanding Colic
Colic in horses can stem from various causes, encompassing diet-related factors, stress, and environmental changes. Some of these factors include:
Dietary Factors: Rapid changes in type of feed or quantity, overconsumption of sugar, or feeding low-quality forage can disrupt the delicate balance of the digestive system, predisposing horses to colic.
Parasitic Infestation: Internal parasites, including tapeworms, pose a significant colic risk. Their presence can lead to inflammation, impaction, or obstruction of the intestines, contributing to colic episodes.
Grazing Management: Abrupt transitions from dry forage to lush pasture or inadequate turnout time can disrupt the horse’s digestive balance, leading to gastrointestinal upset and colic.
Stress and Environmental Factors: Horses are highly sensitive, and changes in routine, transportation, or confinement can induce stress, triggering colic symptoms. Additionally, environmental stressors such as extreme temperatures or social isolation can exacerbate the risk of colic.
Dental Health: Proper dental care is paramount for effective digestion in horses. Dental abnormalities, such as sharp points or malocclusions, can impede chewing and hinder the breakdown of feed particles, predisposing horses to colic.
Hydration Status: Inadequate water intake or dehydration can impair gastrointestinal motility, leading to impactions or sluggish bowel movements, common culprits of colic.
Types of Colic
There are 6 broad terms used to describe the different types of colic:
- Gas Colic: Characterised by the build-up of gas in the intestines, often due to fermentation of feed or sudden dietary changes. This accumulation causes distension and pain in the abdomen, typically manifesting as restlessness and discomfort in the affected horse.
- Impaction Colic: occurs when feed, sand, or other materials block the intestines, preventing normal passage. This blockage leads to severe abdominal pain, dehydration, and reduced appetite.
- Spasmodic Colic: caused by increased intestinal motility and muscle spasms, leading to intermittent and intense abdominal pain. It is often triggered by dietary changes, stress, or parasitic infections.
- Strangulation: occurs when the blood supply to a section of the intestine is cut off, often due to a twist or entrapment. This condition causes severe abdominal pain and rapid deterioration, necessitating emergency veterinary intervention and often surgery to prevent tissue death and further complications.
- Sand Colic: caused by the ingestion of sand or dirt, which accumulates in the horse’s intestines. This can lead to blockages, irritation, and inflammation, resulting in abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Displacement: occurs when a section of the intestine moves from its normal position, often causing a twist or blockage. This displacement can disrupt blood flow and digestion, leading to severe abdominal pain and requiring prompt veterinary intervention.
Recognising clinical signs of Colic
Behavioral changes and physical signs are crucial in recognising colic in horses.
Behavioural Changes:
Restlessness: The horse may appear anxious, pacing or unable to stand still.
Pawing: Repeatedly pawing at the ground is a common sign of discomfort.
Rolling: Horses with colic often roll to try and alleviate abdominal pain.
Sweating: Excessive sweating, particularly in the absence of exercise, is often a sign of distress.
Abdominal Stretching: The horse may stretch out as though trying to urinate, due to pain.
Lying Down and Standing Up: Repeatedly lying down and standing up can be a sign of discomfort and attempts to find relief.
Physical Changes:
Reduced or Absent Appetite: Horses with colic often refuse food or water due to pain.
Reduced or Absent Gut Sounds: A decrease or complete absence of gut sounds may indicate gut dysfunction.
Elevated Heart Rate: A heart rate above 48 beats per minute is a key indicator of colic-related distress.
Tachypnoea (Rapid Breathing): Breathing above 20 breaths per minute can signal pain or shock.
Temperature Changes: Normal body temperature ranges from 37.5°C to 38.5°C. A temperature drop below 37.0°C may indicate shock or severe colic.
Diagnosis of Colic
Diagnostic procedures for colic involve thorough examinations by vets. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for providing the correct treatment swiftly.
1. Initial Examination Steps
During the initial examination of a colic horse, veterinarians focus on assessing vital signs such as heart rate and respiratory rate, as well as the hydration status and signs of abdominal pain.
- Heart Rate: An elevated heart rate (over 50 beats per minute) can indicate pain and stress. Severe colic often results in a heart rate exceeding 70 beats per minute.
- Respiratory Rate: An increased respiratory rate can accompany pain and stress.
- Mucous Membrane Colour: Checking the colour and moisture of the gums can provide clues about circulation and hydration. Pale or blue-tinged gums can indicate poor circulation or shock.
- Capillary Refill Time: Pressing on the gums and measuring the time it takes for colour to return helps assess blood flow and hydration status.
A rectal examination is often performed to assess the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. This involves a veterinarian manually examining the horse’s rectum. This can help identify specific types of colic, such as impaction, displacement, or twisted intestines.
2. Diagnostic Tools and Their Importance
Diagnostic tools play a crucial role in identifying the underlying causes of colic in horses. Technologies like ultrasound, endoscopy, and radiography aid veterinarians in assessing the severity and determining the most effective treatment plan. These tools provide detailed insights into the horse’s gastrointestinal tract, blood supply, and any abnormalities that may be contributing to the abdominal pain.
Nasogastric Intubation:
A tube is passed through the horse’s nose into the stomach to relieve built-up gas and fluid. The presence of reflux (large amounts of fluid) can indicate a blockage or severe motility issue in the intestines. This procedure also allows for the administration of medications directly into the stomach.
Ultrasound and Radiography:
Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to visualise the intestines, assess motility, and identify abnormalities such as displacements, blockages, or excessive fluid.
Radiography: X-rays can be particularly useful for diagnosing sand colic by showing the presence of sand or other foreign materials in the intestines.
Blood Tests:
Blood tests help evaluate the horse’s overall health and pinpoint specific issues.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assesses for signs of infection or inflammation.
Serum Chemistry: Evaluates organ function and electrolyte balance.
Lactate Levels: Elevated lactate levels can indicate poor blood flow to the intestines, a sign of severe or strangulating colic.
Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and can significantly impact the horse’s prognosis. Veterinary intervention should be sought at the first signs of colic to ensure the best possible outcome.
Treatment Options for Colic
The treatment for colic in horses depends on its severity and underlying cause. There are two main approaches: non-surgical management and surgical intervention.
Non-Surgical Management and Care
Non-surgical treatment focuses on pain relief, addressing dehydration, and managing the condition without surgery. The goal is to support the horse while avoiding invasive procedures when possible.
Fluid Therapy
Oral Fluids: Administered via a nasogastric tube to help rehydrate the horse and soften impactions.
Intravenous Fluids (IV): Used in severe cases to quickly correct dehydration and restore fluid balance.
Gastric Decompression
Repeated nasogastric intubation may be needed to relieve gas and fluid buildup in the stomach, particularly in cases of gas colic.
Controlled Walking
Helps stimulate intestinal motility and assists with the passage of gas or small impactions. However, excessive exercise should be avoided.
Dietary Management
Feed is temporarily withheld to allow the intestines to rest.
Small, easily digestible meals are gradually reintroduced as the horse shows improvement.
Medication Anti-Spasmodics: Drugs like Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) are used to relax intestinal spasms and relieve discomfort, particularly in cases of spasmodic colic.
Monitoring
Close observation of vital signs, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and mucous membrane colour, is crucial to assess the horse’s response to treatment.
When Surgery Becomes a Necessity: What to Expect
If the horse does not improve with non-surgical management, or if it shows signs of severe distress, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could include:
Exploratory Abdominal Surgery: To investigate the cause of colic.
Intestinal Resection: Removing damaged sections of the intestine, if needed.
The primary surgical procedure is an exploratory laparotomy, where an incision is made into the abdomen to visually inspect the intestines. This allows veterinarians to identify the exact cause of colic, such as intestinal volvulus (twist), displacement, or strangulation. Depending on the findings, surgical corrections may include intestinal resection and anastomosis, where damaged portions of the intestine are removed and healthy ends reattached.
In cases of impaction, surgical decompression is necessary to relieve pressure and restore normal function. Surgical correction of intestinal strangulation is critical to untwist entrapped intestines and restore blood flow, preventing tissue death (necrosis) and further complications.
Post-surgical care involves intensive monitoring, pain management, fluid therapy, and careful reintroduction of food under veterinary supervision to ensure the horse’s recovery. Early detection and prompt surgical intervention significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome for horses suffering from colic.
Preventative Measures Against Colic
Implementing preventative measures is crucial for preventing colic episodes. Key strategies include maintaining a consistent and balanced diet to prevent digestive issues. Avoid sudden dietary changes and ensure access to clean cold water. Regular exercise can also aid in promoting healthy gut function. Routine veterinary check-ups and proper dental care are essential. Additionally, controlling environmental factors such as stress and ensuring a suitable living environment can minimize the risk of colic.
Dietary Management and Feeding Practices
Implementing proper dietary management and feeding practices is crucial in preventing colic in horses. Key strategies include:
- Balanced Diets: Providing horses with well-balanced diets rich in high-quality forage, essential nutrients, and adequate fibre content promotes optimal gastrointestinal health and reduces the risk of digestive disturbances.
- Gradual Diet Transitions: Abrupt changes in feed composition or quantity should be avoided, as they can disrupt the delicate microbial ecosystem within the gut and predispose horses to colic – did you know that all Pure Feed’s complete feeds share the same core ingredients? This means you can switch between all of the complete feeds with no transition time without risking colic!
- Forage Management: Regular access to clean, quality forage supports proper digestion, maintains gut motility, and minimizes the risk of impaction colic.
- Supplements: using probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes can support gastrointestinal health, enhance nutrient absorption, and fortify the gut barrier function – did you know all of our complete feeds already contain pre and probiotics to make sure your horse’s digestive system is supported!
- Hydration Maintenance: Adequate water intake is essential for optimal digestive function and overall well-being. Monitoring water availability and quality ensures horses remain adequately hydrated, mitigating the risk of colic associated with dehydration – Check out our Meadow Mash or ReFuel if your horse needs help drinking!
Routine Health Care and Monitoring
Regular and routine healthcare and monitoring are essential components of effective horse management to prevent and promptly detect colic. Establishing and adhering to a consistent healthcare regimen, which includes regular dental check-ups, deworming schedules, and vaccinations, is crucial. Monitoring vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, and gut sounds on a regular basis facilitates early detection of colic. It’s important to be familiar with your horse’s baseline values to accurately assess any deviations.
Conclusion
In summary, colic poses a serious health risk to horses, demanding proactive care and attentive management from owners. Swift recognition of symptoms, immediate veterinary attention, and consistent preventive measures are crucial for preventing colic episodes. By being consistent with healthcare routines such as worming, ensuring balanced nutrition, and closely monitoring behaviour and vital signs, owners can effectively reduce the likelihood and severity of colic episodes, promoting the long-term health and happiness of their horses.
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Horse owners spend a lot of time trying to fill nutritional gaps:
✅ A supplement for this.
✅ A powder for that.
✅ An extra scoop of something else.
But what if there weren`t any gaps to fill?
At Pure Feed, every complete feed is formulated to provide the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fibre, gut support and slow-release energy your horse needs, all in one feed 🩵
Most performance feeds rely on one energy source.
Pure Performance uses two.
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Energy for the jump-off.
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Horse nutrition has become surprisingly complicated, and somehow we`re still left wondering if we`ve missed something.
At Pure Feed, we started with a different question:
**What if one feed could do the whole job?**
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Most horse owners think about gut health when there`s a problem, but a healthy hindgut influences far more than digestion alone.
In fact, around 80% of the immune system is associated with the gut, and the hindgut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help break down fibre, produce energy and support normal immune function.
That`s why gut health can have a knock-on effect on:
🛡️ Immunity
🥕 Nutrient absorption
🌱 Condition
⚡ Performance
💪 Recovery
🧠 Behaviour
The challenge is that modern horses face plenty of pressures that can disrupt the hindgut environment; from travel and competition schedules to changes in grazing, forage quality and routine.
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✔️ Prebiotics
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The biggest summer feeding mistake? 👉 Assuming that because a horse is gaining weight, they`re getting everything they need. 🌱
Grass is brilliant at supplying calories, but calories aren`t the same as nutrition.
In fact, summer grazing can often be:
☀️ High in energy
⚖️ Low in certain minerals
🧬 Variable in quality protein
🦠 Missing the gut support that many horses benefit from
That`s why it`s not unusual to see horses carrying plenty of condition whilst still struggling with things like topline, hoof quality, recovery or overall performance.
The goal isn`t necessarily to feed *more*, it`s to make sure what`s missing gets replaced.
That`s why every Pure Feed complete feed contains vitamins & minerals, amino acids, pre & probiotics, fibre, salt and oil-based slow-release energy, all in one feed!
Me during the heatwave: "Drink."
My horse: "No."
Me: "DRINK."
My horse: "No."
Me: makes a bucket of Refuel
My horse: "Well, why didn`t you say so " 🍒
"I can`t believe how good my horse feels."
Not sharper.
Not stronger.
Not more explosive.
Just more consistent.
More consistent energy.
More consistent focus.
More consistent condition.
Because for most horses, performance isn`t limited by a lack of energy 👉 it`s limited by how efficiently that energy is supplied and utilised.
That`s why Pure Feed uses fibre and oil as the foundation of its feeding philosophy, supporting horses that can work, perform and recover without the highs and lows often associated with traditional high-starch diets 🩵
Most feed rooms get more and more complicated.
A balancer, chaff, nuts, supplements, gut products, a hoof supplement, oils, and even more!
Before long, you`re feeding half a dozen products just to create a balanced diet.
At Pure Feed, we took a different approach.
What if the feed already contained everything most horses need?
That`s why every Pure Feed complete feed contains:
✔️ Vitamins & minerals
✔️ Pre & probiotics
✔️ Amino acids
✔️ Biotin
✔️ Salt
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Oil for slow-release energy
All combined into one simple feeding system.
And because we believe horses thrive on fibre-based nutrition, our feeds are free from:
✖️ Molasses
✖️ Alfalfa
✖️ Soya
✖️ Wholegrain cereals
✖️ Artificial mould inhibitors
The result?
Less time worrying about what`s missing from the diet. More time enjoying your horse 🩵
"He`s living out on good grass, so he doesn`t need any feed."
It`s one of the most common things we hear this time of year.
The challenge? Grass provides calories. It doesn`t always provide balanced nutrition.
Even good doers can benefit from additional vitamins, minerals, amino acids and gut support! That`s why many owners choose a balancer or low-calorie complete feed during the summer months.
🌱 Pure Balance – concentrated nutrition with minimal calories
🌱 Fibre Balance – ideal for horses needing a little more fibre in the bucket
🌱 Pure Easy – higher in slow release energy and fibre, still low calorie
Not sure where to start? Comment diet plan below to recieve your FREE diet plan 👇
The Pure Feed range is built around one simple principle: work with the horse’s digestive system, not against it.
That’s why our range is cereal-free (with the exception of Pure Performance).
Instead of relying on traditional cereal grains as a primary energy source, we prioritise highly digestible fibre and superfibres. These ingredients provide a more natural route to energy production in the hindgut, supporting a steadier release of fuel rather than the rapid spikes often associated with starch-heavy diets.
Cereals have long been used in horse feeds for energy density, but they can place a greater digestive load on a system that is fundamentally designed for forage fermentation. By reducing reliance on them, we aim to support a more stable gut environment and more consistent overall condition.
The result is a range designed to be suitable for a wide variety of horses, from leisure horses to performance types, without compromising digestive health or nutritional balance.
Want to learn more about our cereal-free feeds? Tap the link in bio to learn more 🩵
“Mine lives out 24/7 on good grass… do they really still need a balancer?” 👀🌱
Short answer: very often, yes.
Because grass supplies calories brilliantly… but it doesn’t always supply nutrients in the right balance for modern horses, especially those in work, restricted grazing, poor doers or horses with higher nutritional demands.
The tricky bit?
Grass quality changes constantly depending on:
☀️ Sunshine
🌧️ Rainfall
🌱 Growth stage
🧪 Soil mineral levels
🐴 Grazing pressure
So while your field may look rich and healthy, key nutrients like copper, zinc, selenium, amino acids and vitamin E can still be lacking.
That’s where a balancer or complete feed comes in 🩵
At Pure Feed, our feeds are designed to help fill the nutritional gaps that forage and grazing alone may not cover, without unnecessary sugar, molasses or feeding huge bucket feeds.
Why that matters 👇
✔️ Supports hoof quality & skin condition
✔️ Helps maintain topline & muscle function
✔️ Supports immunity & recovery
✔️ Helps balance forage-based diets
✔️ Supports gut health & fibre digestion
Think of grass as the base of the diet…
and balanced nutrition as the part that helps everything function properly around it 🌾🧬
Hoof supplements are one of the most commonly purchased products in the horse world.
But what if the nutrients that support hoof growth were already in your feed? 👀
Every Pure Feed complete feed contains added biotin as standard, alongside the amino acids, vitamins and minerals needed to support hoof growth and horn quality.
Because whilst hoof oils, dressings and supplements all have their place, hooves are built from the inside out.
✔️ Added biotin in every feed
✔️ Essential amino acids
✔️ Balanced vitamins & minerals
✔️ Complete nutrition in every bucket
Your horse can stand in a field full of grass…and still be missing key nutrients 👀🌱
Because while grazing looks “natural”, modern pasture isn’t always nutritionally complete, especially for horses in work, restricted grazing, mixed grazing systems or poorer-quality field conditions.
Grass nutrient levels constantly change depending on:
☀️ Weather
🌱 Growth stage
🌧️ Rainfall
🐴 Grazing pressure
🧪 Soil mineral content
Which means the same field can provide very different nutrition throughout the year.
That’s why many horses can still benefit from targeted vitamin & mineral support, even when the grass looks lush or if they`re a good doer 🩵
At Pure Feed, we believe forage should always come first… but it shouldn’t have to do all the heavy lifting alone.
A well-balanced diet helps support:
✔️ Hoof quality
✔️ Muscle function
✔️ Energy metabolism
✔️ Immune health
✔️ Skin & coat condition
✔️ Gut health and fibre digestion
Need help figuring out which feed would suit your horse? Check out our diet plan service, link in bio 🩵
If you turned your horse’s feed label over… would you actually know what you’re looking at? 👀
A lot of feeds focus on calories first. At Pure Feed, we focus on what those calories are bringing with them 🌱
Because a horse’s bucket should support far more than just weight maintenance ⬇️
🧬 Amino acids to help support muscle repair, topline and recovery
🦠 Pre & probiotics to support a healthy hindgut microbiome
⚡ Oil-based slow-release energy for stamina without the starch spikes
💧 Salt & hydration support to help maintain fluid balance during work and warmer weather
🌾 Highly digestible fibre sources to support gut function and digestive health
🦄 Vitamins & minerals balanced to support normal bodily function, immunity and performance
🐴 Added biotin to support hoof quality and skin condition
And the best bit?
It’s all already built into the feed 🩵
Just complete, fibre-focused nutrition designed around what horses actually need to thrive.
Halfway through the season and suddenly your horse feels… flat? 👀
By mid-summer, many competition horses are working harder, travelling more, sweating more and burning through energy reserves faster, but simply throwing more starch at the problem isn’t always the answer. ⚡
At Pure Feed, we focus on controlled, fibre-based energy to support horses through the busiest part of the season without the unnecessary fizz. 🌱
Why fibre-first refuelling matters 👇
✔️ Slow-release energy supports stamina and consistency
✔️ Added oils provide safe calories without huge starch spikes
✔️ Essential amino acids help support muscle recovery and topline
✔️ Electrolytes & gut support become increasingly important as workloads and temperatures rise
✔️ Highly digestible formulations help horses maintain condition even during intense competition periods
The goal isn’t just more energy 👉 It’s usable energy, sustainable condition and horses that recover well enough to go again next weekend 💪
Most horse feeds are built around adding things in. At Pure Feed, we built ours around taking the confusion out 🩵
No separate chaff.
No balancing products.
No complicated feed charts stuck to the tack room wall.
Just scientifically balanced, fibre-based nutrition designed to support the horse as a whole 👉 from gut health and energy metabolism to muscle recovery and condition.
What makes us different? 👇
✔️ Complete nutrition in every feed
So every mouthful contributes towards a balanced diet; not just calories.
✔️ Low sugar & starch, no molasses, no alfalfa
Carefully formulated to support horses needing a more controlled, fibre-focused diet.
✔️ Gut-first formulation
With high fibre levels, pre & probiotics, and highly digestible ingredients to support the hindgut microbiome.
✔️ Real-world feeding that actually works
From happy hackers to top-level competition horses, we create feeds that are practical, consistent and easy to feed correctly.
Because feeding well shouldn’t mean feeding more products 👀
🏇 Worked hard. Sweated hard. Recovered properly?
When your horse exercises, they don`t just lose water. They also lose electrolytes, burn through nutrients and create muscle fatigue that needs supporting before the next ride.
That`s why we created Pure Refuel 🩵
Refuel combines:
⚡ Electrolytes to replace what`s lost through sweat
💪 Essential amino acids to support muscle recovery
🦠 Live yeast to support gut health
🍒 Cherry for to tempt the fussiest of horses
🌱 Low sugar & starch formulation
💧 Quick-soaking mash to encourage fluid intake
Whether you`ve just finished a competition, a training session, a fun ride or a long day travelling, Refuel helps support recovery from the inside out 🩵
🚨 Good doers need nutrients too 🚨
One of the biggest feeding myths we see? 👀
"My horse gains weight easily, so they don`t need hard feed."
The reality is that calories and nutrition aren`t the same thing.
A horse can be carrying plenty of condition while still falling short on important nutrients needed for healthy hooves, muscle function, immunity, coat quality and overall wellbeing 🌱
That`s where a feed balancer comes in 🩵
Designed to provide concentrated nutrition without unnecessary calories, a balancer helps support your horse`s diet when they don`t need large bucket feeds.
Why do owners choose Pure Balance? 👇
✔️ Low calorie, nutrient-dense formulation
✔️ Vitamins & minerals to help balance forage and grazing
✔️ Added amino acids to support topline and muscle maintenance
✔️ Pre & probiotics for digestive support
✔️ Biotin for healthy hooves
✔️ No molasses or added sugar
Think of it like this...
Your horse may not need more feed 👉 they may just need more nutrition. 🧬
Perfect for good doers, native types, horses on restricted grazing, and anyone looking to support a balanced diet without adding unnecessary calories 🩵
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