During the cold weather seasons the incidence of Colic increases dramatically.
While all colic cannot be prevented, if you pay close attention to some of the details of your routine care you can reduce the probability your horses will colic and the pain you both will experience along with it.
There are many causes of colic. Some that relate to impaction colic may occur as a result of a lack of hydration and/or a change in diet. Listed below are a few suggestions that may help when the weather swings and temperatures approach or go below freezing.
1) Check turnouts for toxic weeds, plants, bushes and trees. Be certain your horses are getting enough forage in addition to removing any toxic temptations. Horses do not have nutritional wisdom and will eat almost anything especially if their dietary intake is insufficient.
2) Make all dietary changes slowly over two weeks. Their gut needs to adjust gradually. Winter forage is much drier than summer hay and pasture grass.
3) Water buckets should be kept clean. If you wouldn’t drink the water, they shouldn’t either. Plenty of clean fresh water should be available 24/7. Every horse should have equal access to his/her water. If necessary include extra water sources to accomodate the less aggressive horses in the herd.
4) Prevent the water from freezing. Heat it as necessary to keep all horses properly hydrated.
5) Continue a proactive deworming program.
6) Monitor for dehydration. A “skin pinch” on the shoulder of the horse can assess hydration levels by determining any delay in the skin returning to normal. Slowed skin response may indicate a degree of dehydration. Knowing this, you can add water to your concentrate feed ration and/or soak the hay for 10 minutes prior to feeding. This will add more water in the gut. You may also wish to add the use of soaked and shredded beet pulp as an addition to the diet for getting more water into the digestive system. But, check with your vet before doing so.
