A thorough history is always taken, starting with the signalment (age, sex, breed). The history can be broken into an early history and a recent history. It is an important first step in determining the cause of the colic.

Early History
  • Has there been any recent changes in management (feeding/diet changes, water,recent box rest, deworming, medication, exercise routine, breeding, pregnancy)?
  • Has the horse ever had any previous episodes of colic?
  • How long since the onset of clinical signs? This has a profound impact on prognosis, and the type of treatment that will be undertaken.
  • Is the horse eating and drinking normally?
  • Does the horse drop food any food from its mouth during eating?
  • Does the horse salivate excessively when eating?
  • Has the horse made normal faeces or had any diarrhoea?
  • What is the vaccination, deworming and dental prophylaxis of this and other animals at the yard?
  • Are any other horses on the yard showing similar signs?
  • Does the horse live outdoors or stabled?
  • Does the horse live in an environment with much sand?
Recent History
  • Is there evidence of abdominal pain?
  • Is there evidence of weight loss?
  • When did the horse last defecate?
  • What signs has the horse shown (flank watching,pawing,rolling, kicking at abdomen) and has it changed?
  • Has the horse received any treatment and how has it responded?