Colic – “The Tummy Ache That Can’t Wait”
Colic is just a fancy word for a stomach ache — but in horses, that can mean anything from “I drank water too fast” to a twisted gut. It’s the one we all dread because it can change fast.
What to look for:
• Pawing
• Rolling or repeatedly lying down
• Flank-watching
• Stretching out as if to urinate
• Not eating
• Quiet or absent gut sounds
• The classic flehmen (funny lip curl)
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What NOT to do:
• Don’t give random meds. Bute isn’t great for abdominal pain — best to wait for the good stuff unless I’ve advised otherwise.
• Don’t wait hours hoping it will pass. Time matters.
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What TO do:
• Remove feed (especially hay).
• Keep them safe, and allow gentle walking only if they’re comfortable.
• Take a heart rate — higher rates can mean more serious pain.
• Check gum colour and capillary refill time — this gives clues about hydration and shock.
• Take a rectal temperature if safe to do so.
• Call early — colic is time-sensitive and early intervention saves lives.
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A very important note about Hendra:
Now seriously… this is where having your horse vaccinated for Hendra makes ALL the difference.
It is incredibly sad to arrive to a very sick horse and have my treatment options reduced to almost nothing because the horse isn’t vaccinated.
And before anyone yells from up the back —
I absolutely respect your right to choose not to vaccinate…
but I need you to respect my right not to catch a virus that could kill me.
Hendra vaccination keeps everyone safe: horses, owners, and your vet.
Bonus pic:
“Does this stomach tube make my eyes pop?”
(Featuring me, wearing a perfectly fashionable tubing-scarf after cleaning the equipment from a colic call 
)
)This blog post is provided by Dr Lauren Jones of Kentaro Veterinary Services servicing the Coffs Harbour District of NSW
