Bought 6 year old gelding in 10/07 and moved him to new stable. After herd integration and 14 weeks after purchase, he had a colic episode. A simple impaction according to vet. Ran fecal which returned positive for minimal worms. Vet suggested switching from coastal bermuda hay to a timothy/alfalfa mix, administer 5-day Panacur, and look for another stable in which to board him. Those being the contributing factors along with my increasing his feed due to weight loss (now attributed to worms), weather and hay.
The present stable does is somewhat overgrazed (10 horses on about 10 acres with 2/acre pond). Other horses are not on same deworming schedule (8-week) and owner does not enforce, nor does she have proper manure management.
My horse exhibits stress by eating manure and eating wood which may attribute to colic.
My horse had colic again 2 weeks ago and vet says again to switch hay and move to a new facility — we do not know the colic episode. Could it be ulcer?
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Why Does My Horse Colic?2 comments to Why Does My Horse Colic? |
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Horses can colic from even bad water (stale, dirty, drastic change in temperature, etc.) Your horse could be getting too much feed as well. I found with my horses that if I feed beet pulp, it helps deter the colic. But please check this out with a vet first. The pulp is dried when I buy it (from a feed store) but I soak it in water for about an hour before feeding. It swells up to almost 3 times its original size. I only give a cup (soaked) in the morning and 1 cup in the evening.
I don’t know how much you know about horses but when you change their feed, you must do it gradually. Over a course of a couple weeks is safe. NEVER change them from one feed to another quickly or you’ll be asking for trouble. Even if you change them from one quality of hay to a very different quality of hay, it can colic a sensitive horse.
I don’t mean to scare you, only ensure that you are aware that horses are sensitive when it comes to feeding and some more than others. If it’s an ulcer, get it on meds immediately. My little miniature gelding had ulcers last year. It was brought on from stress (from being moved for a few weeks and he was bullied by a Zedonk) The medication was a constant 3 week paste type, cant remember the name but it was spendy. But it was worth it. He is now a very happy little boy and very healthy. Good luck with your gelding. Ask your vet about feeding and see what he/she can help you with. God Bless!
Is there a way you can board your horse at another stable? Maybe where the owners are bit more sensitive to horses care and needs?
You say that deworming is not enforced at the barn you are at. Since all the horses are together and your horse is eating manure do to stress, he is probably getting worms from the other horses which may cause him to colic. I really think you should move barns as your vet suggested. Worms are dangerous enough, and your lucky your horse has survived two colics. I’m sure you love your horse and don’t want this to happen again. Have you told your vet about your horse eating manure? This is not normal- and yes may be due to stress- but could also be due to another underlying problem. Even if not, you don’t wan your horse at the barn if he’s stressed.
You mentioned you were wondering if it could be an ulcer. I think it is. I think for sure you need to get him checked for one. I’ve had a horse with an ulcer, (he got it while at his previous home and we treated him right away after purchase). I suggest your vet checks for an ulcer, (maybe this is the reason for the manure eating). And whatever the result may be, also have your vet check everything, as if you checking before purchasing a horse. There could be something seriously wrong.
Best of luck! I’m so sorry about the colicing, but you definitely need to get everything checked out. I hope everything works out! Just be sure to fix any problem the vet finds, no matter how small. You owe it to him. Again, I’m so sorry, and I hope he’s alright!