The mere whisper of the word “colic” seems to strike fear in any horse owner. Gas colic is actually pretty common and can be handled with little to no bad effects. Below are five important things to keep in mind when it comes to gas colic in horses.
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Change Forage and Diet Slowly
Switching the types, amounts, and brands of feed or moving horses to greener pastures can all lead to uncomfortable gas colic. Try and plan ahead for any major changes. Do the required changes as slowly as possible. Keep in mind that a richer forage or feed will be harder for the horse to adjust to and should be changed as slowly as allowable.
Keep Plenty of Drinking Water Handy
Dehydration, no matter how slight, can contribute to serious bouts of gas colic. Keep plenty of drinking water available that is in a shaded area. A horse will quit drinking the water if it gets too warm in the summer. Find an additional area to offer shaded drinking water if possible.
Allow the Horse to Lie Down and Roll if it Seems to Help Dislodge Gas
Gas colic is not a very complicated matter usually. There are times that taking a good roll on the ground helps work the excess gas out. Unlike the popular fear, not everytime they drop and roll will cause a twist of the intestines.
Look for Signs of Gas Colic
A bloated look to the gut can be a sign of gas colic. They will normally stretch out as if they need to urinate or yawn frequently when gas is a problem. These are times to begin walking them and working the gas out before it becomes more uncomfortable.
Consult Your Veterinarian
It is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian if your horse is undergoing a case of gas colic. It might be a milder form of colic, but it can still cause major problems if the intestine does decide to twist. It can quickly become a life-threatening health issue.