Colic, Gastric Causes

See Colic Diagnosis in Horses

Medical Treatment of Colic in Horses

No need to duplicate treatment.... look around the Colic in Horses Category

Stomach

Food engorgement

This is a life threatening condition, with a great risk of gastric rupture, and also of secondary laminitis. It is caused by excess food intake, for example, a horse that has broken into a food store.

Gastric/pyloric spasm

This commonly affects racehorses, immediately after racing, and is known colloquially as 'racehorse colic'. Typically, the animal will have had access to cold water, but this is not always the case. Although the signs of colic seen may be very violent, this condition is not associated with any risk of gastric rupture. Spasmolytic drugs are ineffective in treatment, however, naso-gastric intubation is immediately curative.

Inappropriate feed/poor mastication

Either of these may lead to a condition where the stomach is unable to efficiently empty. A common example is feeding of unsoaked sugar beet, which then expands within the stomach.

Neurological atony

A chronic motility dysfunction, leading to a slow filling of the stomach with ingesta. Inhibition of gastric outflow is not normally a feature, and therefore gastric rupture is not a risk. A mild colic may be seen, but far more common is poor condition and reduced performance. Warmblood horses are more commonly affected than other breeds, leading to the suggestion that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.

Ulceration

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a common cause of mild to moderate colic.

Neoplasia

A malignant squamous carcinoma can effect the cardia and upper squamous regions of the stomach, resulting in a persistent mild colic, commonly seen soon after feeding. Weight loss and general ill health are usually seen, and the prognosis is very poor, due to the high risk of metastasis.