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Hearing the word “colic” can send many horse owners into a panic, and rightly so. Colic is one of the most common causes of death in horses and it can come on very suddenly and unexpectedly. Even quick treatment does not always guarantee survival. However, being able to identify early stages of colic can help manage episodes if they arise. In this edition we’ll learn:
- Common Causes of Colic
- Signs and Symptoms of Colic
- Managing and Preventing Colic
Soft Ride Team
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Colic refers to abdominal pain in horses, and it can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening. It's not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue in the digestive system. Causes can vary from simple gas accumulation to more serious conditions like intestinal blockages or twists.
Common Causes of Colic:
- Changes in diet or feeding schedule
- Dehydration
- Parasite infestation
- Stress or anxiety
- Lack of exercise
- Dental problems
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Colic can strike suddenly and be quite distressing for both horse and owner. It often occurs when something disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive tract. This disruption can be due to factors like changes in diet, dehydration, parasites, stress, or inadequate exercise. Essentially, anything that affects the delicate balance of the horse's gut can lead to colic.
Signs and Symptoms of Colic:
- Pawing
- Rolling or thrashing
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness
- Elevated heart rate
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If you suspect your horse is experiencing colic, swift action is key. Contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Treatment strategies may include pain management, fluid therapy to prevent dehydration, and sometimes surgical intervention for severe cases. It's crucial to follow your vet's instructions carefully and monitor your horse closely during recovery.
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Managing and Preventing Colic:
- Provide a consistent diet and feeding schedule
- Ensure access to clean water at all times
- Implement a regular deworming program
- Reduce stressors in the horse's environment
- Maintain a proper exercise routine
- Monitor for signs of colic and seek veterinary care promptly
- Reduce physical stressors and keep horses supported
Learn more about how Soft Ride boots support the horse’s skeletal system:
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Learn more about colic at these resource pages:
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Happening Now:
Rood and Riddle International Podiatry Summit
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I wanted to reach out and thank you for developing and making the soft ride boots!
I have a 16 year old, retired warmblood cross. He has an old fetlock injury but is otherwise pasture sound and always a little frisky. He has had some footsoreness this year and our farrier missed a trim .He chipped his front feet very low. He was so sore he wasn't even leaving his stall or excited to go out. His legs also started to stock up for the first time ever.
My friend and my vet recommended your boots and I am so happy I ordered them. I had some luck with packing his feet, wrapping and surpassing, and foam pads, but not even close to the same results. As soon as the Soft Ride boots went on he started licking and chewing and wanted to go out to graze. The tension in his face is gone and the swelling in his legs was gone by the next morning. The difference in soundness is incredible!
Thank you for making my horse happy so I can be happy! I will be recommending these to everyone I know.
Event Information:
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
April 18-20, 2024
2150 Georgetown Rd
Lexington, KY 40511
Contact: https://form.jotform.com/233463971873164
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Soft Ride on the Road - Spring Season
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Ignite for Equine Athletes : From the Ground Up
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This conference is directed to farriers, veterinarians, equine podiatrist and footing experts. The two day conference will include topics like static and dynamic observations of the hoof, diagnostic imaging modalities, rehabilitative shoeing, and regional foot perfusion.
Equine Podiatry speakers will include: Dr. Mark Revenaugh, Dr. Mark Silverman, Dr. Bart Halsberghe, Didier Rondelez, Dr. Kurt Selberg, Dr. Lars Roepstorff, Dr Britt Conklin, Robert Jukes, Dr. Charlie Buchanan, Pete May, Kyle Kukla, Dr. David Dutton, Dr. Matt Durham, Steve Teichman, Tim Ober, Elin Hernlund, Dr. Jim Meyers, and Beau Whitaker.
Event Information:
Brazos Valley Equine and Shady Villa Hotel
April 26-27, 2024
1920 FM 2268 Salado TX 76571
Contact: https://www.igniteforequineathletes.com/from-the-ground-up
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New Developments in Management of Acute & Chronic Laminitis
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This online panel will discuss the latest research and developments in the management of laminitis in both acute and chronic cases. The discussion will be lead by Dr. Andrew Van Eps, Dr. Edd Knowles, Dr. Fran James, and Dr. Jaret Pullen.
Event Information:
Online Panel Discussion
May 7th, 2024 - local times vary
Contact: https://www.vetpd.com/online-learning-center/equine/panel-discussions/course-detail/online-panel-discussion-%E2%80%93-new-developments-in-management-of-acute-&-chronic-laminitis
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I wanted to reach out and thank you for developing and making the soft ride boots! I have a 16 year old, retired warmblood cross. He has an old fetlock injury but is otherwise pasture sound and always a little frisky. He has had some footsoreness this year and our farrier missed a trim .He chipped his front feet very low. He was so sore he wasn't even leaving his stall or excited to go out. His legs also started to stock up for the first time ever.
My friend and my vet recommended your boots and I am so happy I ordered them. I had some luck with packing his feet, wrapping and surpassing, and foam pads, but not even close to the same results. As soon as the Soft Ride boots went on he started licking and chewing and wanted to go out to graze. The tension in his face is gone and the swelling in his legs was gone by the next morning. The difference in soundness is incredible!
Thank you for making my horse happy so I can be happy! I will be recommending these to everyone I know.
Brooks and Robin
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We LOVE hearing from our customers and getting updates on how your horses are doing! Please send us your story and a photo of your horse in their Soft Ride products for a chance to be featured on our social media, in an upcoming issue of our newsletter, and to be entered in a Soft Ride giveaway!
Email us here: socialmedia@srboots.com
Tag us:
Facebook: Soft Ride Equine Comfort Boots
Instagram: @soft.ride
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As we continue our drive to keep your horse on his feet, we've received more than 15 patents, ship to over 50 countries, and work with more than 6,000 veterinarians around the world, as well as every veterinarian school in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. And with horse owners from every discipline using our products, we can safely and proudly say, "The best in the world rely on Soft Ride."
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