Colic describes abdominal pain, and the first clues can be easy to miss.
Horses show discomfort in different ways. A small change from your horse’s normal routine can be useful information, especially when you notice several signs together or a change that is sudden, persistent, or worsening.
Knowing what is normal for your horse—their appetite, energy, manure, and usual behaviour—makes it easier to recognize when something is different. You do not need to identify the cause before you call; your observations help your veterinarian decide how urgently your horse should be assessed.
01 · What to notice
Look for a change from normal.
One sign does not tell the whole story. Pay attention to the pattern, how quickly it appeared, and whether your horse’s comfort is changing.
- Pawing, looking at the flank, stretching, or repeatedly changing position.
- Restlessness, unusual quietness, lying down more than usual, or repeated rolling.
- Sweating, a tense expression, reduced appetite, or less interest in water.
- Changes in manure production, including fewer or drier piles than expected.
02 · If you are concerned
Keep things calm while you call.
Call your veterinarian promptly and describe what you have observed, when it started, and whether it is changing. Follow the practice’s instructions about checking your horse and keeping them comfortable while help is arranged.
Until you have spoken with your veterinarian, keep your horse somewhere safe and easy to observe. Remove access to feed unless your veterinarian advises otherwise, and do not give medication without veterinary direction. Avoid putting yourself at risk if your horse is distressed or repeatedly rolling.
- When you first noticed the change and whether it is getting better or worse.
- Your horse’s appetite, water intake, manure production, and recent activity.
- Any recent changes to feed, turnout, travel, medication, or routine.
- Your horse’s location, health history, current medications, and safe access for the veterinary team.
03 · The next step
Every horse is different. Your veterinarian can help interpret changes in context and decide what care is appropriate.