quick help with colic: What horse owners need to know

<p> <strong> quick help with colic: What horse owners need to know </strong> </p>

colic in the horse: a serious Problem

The colic represents one of the most common problems in horses and often has serious health consequences. Veterinarian Dr. Julia Mack from Ohlstadt explains that colic not only requires frequent emergencies, but is also one of the most common causes of death in horses. The rapid detection and treatment are crucial for the rescue of the animal.

causes and trigger of colic

One of the main causes of colic are feeding errors, which are often caused by sudden changes in the feed structure or inadequate hygiene. The stomach is small for horses and only holds about 15 liters, which means that overload can lead to dramatic consequences, including the possibility of a torn stomach. Stress and change of weather can affect the vegetative nervous system of the animals and thus lead to digestive problems.

Even strong parasite infestation can lead to colic. In the case of a pronounced round of rodwurks, mechanical relocations in the intestine can occur, which significantly impair functionality. Early measures for prevention are therefore absolutely necessary.

First measures in an emergency

When signs of colic occur, quick action is required. Dr. Mack offers useful tips for animal owners to defuse the situation until a veterinarian can arrive. An important measure is to stop the food intake of feed and water immediately. Instead, the horse should be kept under control and moved to stimulate intestinal activity and possibly relieve pain.

Leading in a riding hall can minimize the risk of injuries, should the horse try to roll. Dangerous situations can occur in closed boxes, both for the animal and for humans.

diagnosis and treatment by the veterinarian

The rectal examination became essential for the veterinarian to determine the cause of the colic. As an immediate measure, antispasmodic agents can be administered, which are often sufficient to restore the normal intestinal movement. In the case of severe cases, invasive interventions may be required, for example with an intestinal obstruction.

The nasal throat probe also often applies to analyzing stomach contents and for relief for stomach overloads. The exact diagnosis is crucial for the further therapy approach.

aftercare and feeding according to the colic

After surviving a colic, targeted feeding is important. Dr. Mack advises to supply the horse with sufficient hay to keep the intestinal flora stable again and replace lost liquid. A gradual return to normal feeding is advisable, with frequent, smaller portions preferred to avoid overload.

Additional measures could include feeding soaked beet chips or flax seed mucus, which can have a positive effect on the intestinal movement. It is crucial to make feeding in close consultation with the treating veterinarian in order to secure the health of the animal in the long term.

FAZIT

The colic in the horse is a complex problem that can have far -reaching consequences. Through quick action, effective communication with the veterinarian and the right aftercare, horse owners can help minimize the risk and to ensure the well -being of their animals.