Equine Colic: The #1 Cause Of Premature Death

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Nov/Dec 2009 www.horsepower-magazine.com

Equine Colic: The #1 Cause of Premature Death

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For animals of such size and m astrength, g a z horses i n e possess notoriously delicate digestive systems. With stomachs that barely comprise 7% of their digestive tract, horses need to graze almost continuously in order for them to take in the necessary nutrients. Horses are foragers by nature and when in the wild often journey up to 20 miles per day in order to find suitable nourishment. Domesticated horses, a z and i n fore however, are most times not m ablea tog roam age at will. Often confined to small areas and fed according to our schedule, horses have now become susceptible to a variety of abdominal disturbances.

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Understanding a Horse’s Digestive Tract Understanding the digestive process is the first step in recognizing equine colic. Next to water, it is energy that comprises the majority of za horse’s m a g a i n e nutritional needs. Almost 90% of nutrient intake in the form of fiber, fat, and starch is required to fulfill daily energy demands. To remain healthy, a horse needs to eat a high fiber diet, the carbohydrates (starches and sugars) of which are digested in the stomach and small intestine. It takes only about 30 - 90 minutes for this to be accomplished before the fiber, proteins, and other nutrients are passed through to the cecum (hind gut) and colon where they are broken down m a g a z i n e further. Digestive problems start when the carbohydrates are not properly broken down in the stomach and small intestine and enter the cecum where specialized enzymes are not able to process excess starch. Gastrointestinal distress begins when these carbohydrates are left to ferment. John Reagor PhD, m a g aMedical z i n Diage Chief of Toxicology, Texas Veterinary nostic Laboratory is quoted as saying, “The number one cause of death from colic is from feeding mismanagement due to starch overload.”

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The Effects of Starch Horses only can eat 1.5% - 3% of their body weight per day, yet they must have enough energy density (calories per pound) for growth, reproducm a g a z i n e tion, maintenance, and performance. That is why feeding roughage or quality hay is an essential part of the equine diet – it is THE fundamental resource for nutrients. While hay is important, it is relatively low in energy and can fill up a horse without its meeting necessary calorie requirements. That is why grains or concentrated feeds are often used as an additional energy resource to accommodate the strenuous demands made on today’s horses. Starches and sugars are key components to energy. They are necessary to replenish muscle

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glycogen stores and are vital to anaerobic metabolism that enables horses to compete in speed or endurance related events. It is the starch sources, processing, and intake, coupled with the quality and timing of forage feedings and individual differences between horses that can affect digestibility. What are the signs of colic? According to Dr. Ward, “Colic is not a disease. Rather it is a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse.” Listed under the general heading of colic, there are three types of conditions and degrees of severity to which the term applies: Parasitic/Disease Colic, Gas Colic, and Impaction Colic, ranging from mild to lethal. While there are many causes, colic signals its appearance in a pattern of distinct behaviors which may vary from horse to horse but will often include any or a combination of the following: • Turning the head toward the flank • Lack of appetite (anorexia) • Pawing • Putting head down to water without drinking • Kicking or biting the abdomen • Lack of bowel movements • Stretching out to urinate without doing so • Absence of, or reduced digestive sounds • Repeatedly lying down and getting up • Sweating • Rolling, especially violent rolling • Rapid respirations and/or flared nostrils • Sitting in a dog-like position, or lying on the back Take Immediate Action Dr. Ward states that time is perhaps the most critical factor if colic is to be successfully treated. While a number of cases resolve without medical intervention, a significant percentage require prompt medical care. If you suspect your horse is suffering from colic, the following action plan is suggested: Remove all food and water, and Notify your veterinarian immediately. Be prepared to provide the following specific information: • Pulse rate • Respiratory rate (breathing) • Rectal temperature • Color of mucous membranes • Capillary refill time (tested by pressing on the gums adjacent to the teeth, releasing, then counting the seconds it takes for the color to return) • Behavioral signs (listed above) • Digestive noises, or lack of them • Bowel movements, including color, consistency, and frequency

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• Any recent changes in management, feeding, or exercise • Medical history, including deworming and any m a g a z i n e past episodes of abdominal pain • Breeding history and pregnancy status if the patient is a mare, and recent breeding history if the patient is a stallion • Insurance status and value of the horse (NOTE: The insurance carrier should be notified if surgery or euthanasia is being considered) Keep your horsem asacalm as g aand z icomfortable n e possible. Allow the animal to lie down if it appears to be resting and is not at risk of injury. If the horse is rolling or behaving violently, attempt to walk it slowly. Do not administer drugs unless specifically directed to do so by your equine practitioner. Drugs may camouflage problems and interfere with an accurate diagnosis. m a g a z i n e Follow your veterinarian’s advice exactly and await his or her arrival.

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Provide quality forage (a minimum of 1% of bodyweight) daily. If feeding hay, the best way to determine its quality is to have a laboratory analyze the nutritional content. If analysis is not an option, use the following guidelines. Choose fresh, clean, sweet smelling hay. Beware of mold or weed contaminated hay and hay m a asgblister a z beetles i n e as these facinfested with bugs such tors can cause colic. Look for green, fine textured hay with small stems (the majority of essential nutrients are contained in the grass or leaf portion).

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Feed a grain or concentrate that minimizes starch content and includes other energy sources such as fat and digestible fiber. m a g a z i n e Always feed grains/concentrates at least twice a day and never feed more than 0.5% of body weight at any one feeding. Meals should be evenly spaced and if a meal is late, never feed more to make up for it. It is better to feed extra hay and reduce the amount of concentrates before going back to a normal feeding schedule. Processed feeds enhance digestion in the stomach and small intestine, contributing to a higher level of a gsimultaneously a z i n e decreasing nutrient absorptionmwhile the threat of starch contamination in the cecum and colon. Feed by weight, not volume according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and by using your horse’s weight and body condition as guides. Because feeds vary according their densities, be sure to weigh the feed container first and then subtract its weight from the total to determine the correct portion of feed. When making a dietary change, take seven to ten days to complete the transfer. This will allow sufficient time for the residing microbial flora to become accustomed to the new feed or hay source.

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Nov/Dec 2009 www.horsepower-magazine.com

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“Colic is not a disease. Rather it is a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse.” • Parasite/Disease Control

Deworming is an important aspect of colic prevention. Have your veterinarian take a fecal sample to establish a baseline assessment of the parasite level in your horse or herd in order to determine an appropriate deworming schedule. In addition to the danger of parasite infestation, regular treatment is necessary for maintaining optimum utilization and absorption of nutrients.

• Pasturing

Research has shown that horses colic less on pasture then when in a restricted environment. Through pasturing horses are more likely to meet their daily exercise and nutritional requirements, while also reducing many problems associated with confinement. When introducing horses to pasture, it is essential to do so gradually, especially lush, high moisture pasture to avoid digestive problems.

• Dental Care

A horse’s teeth need to be floated at least once a year for feeds to be processed completely. Horses with dental pain often shortcut chewing, which inhibits particle size reduction and salivation, two vital aids to proper digestion. Improper feed consumption can increase the risk of abdominal disturbance while decreasing the nutritional benefits of the ration.

• Water/Salt

As with all animals, water is a life source for horses. Fresh, clean water should always be available in order to avoid the risk of dehydration, which can cause impaction colic in the colon and cecum. Salt should also be provided free choice. After exercise, cool down a horse by walking before allowing it to drink unrestricted, but some water is necessary. Follow the rule, “six sips and walk”.

• Exercise

Feed should be administered at least two hours prior to or after exercise. Grain feeding should be withheld eight hours prior to strenuous exercise; hay should be given in many small portions throughout the day of an event with water available at all times.

• Stress

Minimize stress whenever possible; it is important to ensure your horse feels comfortable in its environment. When introducing a horse to an established herd be aware that a shift in positioning will occur which may create anxiety. Additionally, horses often form close bonds with one another and may become stressed if separated.

This article is presented by Nutrena, makers of SafeChoice™. SafeChoice™ is a nutritionally balanced safe-energy feed designed for horses in all stages of growth and proven effective in reducing the risks of colic, developmental orthopedic disease (DOD), laminitis, and tying up.