MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Выпуск журнала №-27
Часть–2_Июнь –2025
7
TREATMENT OF COLIC IN HORSES
Author: Assistant: K.R. Bekmuratov
Assitant: A.X.Yusupov
Samarkand State University of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Husbandry and
Biotechnology, Nukus Branch
Abstract: This article provides information on the causes, clinical symptoms,
and treatment methods of colic disease in horses.
Keywords: horse, colic, stomach, intestine, clinical signs, div temperature,
venous blood vessel.
Materials and Methods
Before and during the experiment, the morphological and physiological
parameters of horses were studied. Heart rate, respiration rhythm, gastric motility, and
intestinal peristaltic sounds in the abdominal cavity were assessed. Body temperature
was measured with a thermometer. The condition of the nostrils, eyes, oral cavity,
mucous membranes, right, left, and lower abdominal areas, signs of pain, local
temperature, physical and psychological status, consistency and rhythm of gastric and
intestinal movements, condition of the rectum and lymph nodes were studied using
general clinical examination methods (observation, auscultation, palpation,
percussion) and specific clinical approaches.
Analysis of Research Results
Due to the morphological and physiological uniqueness of the equine
digestive system compared to other livestock species, any disturbances in feed
composition, quality, training regimen, or bio-ecological environment can negatively
affect the div, causing
spasmodic and peritoneal pain
, and internal
enteral
disorders
. The disease often occurs when feeding schedules or exercise routines are
disrupted, or when a sudden change in feed type occurs. It can also develop when
large amounts of grain are fed, when horses are exercised on a full stomach, or when
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Выпуск журнала №-27
Часть–2_Июнь –2025
8
exhausted horses are given excessive feed. Moldy, spoiled, or rapidly fermenting
feeds, as well as cold stress or consumption of cold water, can overactivate the
sympathetic nervous system
, leading to
spasmodic contraction of the pyloric
sphincter
.
Other causes include
abnormal tooth wear
or
oral inflammation
, which
prevents proper mastication. Undigested feed accumulates and ferments in the
stomach, releasing irritating organic compounds that disrupt gastric motility. As a
result, the stomach becomes distended, leading to pyloric spasm. Imbalanced feeding
can result in
gastritis
,
enteritis
,
intestinal torsion
, and blockage. These lead to
functional changes in the intestines, including morphological, sensory, motility,
secretory, and absorptive alterations. Colic may present in
mild
,
acute
, or
chronic
forms. Autointoxication and dehydration may occur, with associated liver
dysfunction,
hemoconcentration
,
hypertension
,
acidosis
,
muscle tremors
,
tachycardia
, and
dyspnea
.
Experimental Cases
1st Case Study:
The horse was given twice its usual daily grain portion.
Clinical symptoms appeared 4–5 hours later. The horse showed signs of restlessness,
stamping its feet, looking at its abdomen, and rolling. As gastric distention increased,
the symptoms intensified. Jugular vein pulsation in reverse direction was observed.
The animal's condition worsened, with excessive sweating, muscle tremors, div
temperature reaching
40°C
, mucosal hyperemia, and cyanosis. Breathing became
labored and shallow.
2nd Case Study:
The horse was fed coarse, low-quality feeds lacking essential
vitamins and minerals for an extended period and was not given sufficient water. As
a result, the horse became thin and weak, with reduced salivation and intestinal
peristalsis. Early signs included mild restlessness, occasional feed intake, and
constipation. As the condition progressed, the horse frequently looked at its belly,
exhibited tension during movement, and showed frequent lying down and rolling.
Symptoms rapidly intensified. Signs of
secondary gastric distention
, difficulty
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Выпуск журнала №-27
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breathing,
anorexia
, and
profuse sweating
appeared. At the final stage, the horse
threw itself to the ground, rolled, and lay on its back with its legs raised.
Treatment
To relieve pain and calm the animal:
10% Analgin solution
(40–50 ml) intravenously
Caffeine solution
(10–20 ml) subcutaneously
To combat intoxication:
Intravenous infusion of a specially prepared
complex solution
containing:
o
250–300 ml of 5–10% sodium chloride solution
o
10–30 sodium chloride tablets
o
50–60 g glucose powder
o
10 ml 5% ascorbic acid
o
10–20 ml cyanocobalamin
o
1–2 ml 20% caffeine
o
5 ml thiamine bromide
o
5 ml riboflavin
o
5 ml nicotinic acid
o
250–300 ml distilled water
After infusion, a gastric tube is inserted to release gas and stomach fluid.
Additionally, rectal enemas and abdominal massage provide good results.
After colic symptoms are alleviated, one of the following may be
administered:
300–500 g of
Glauber’s salt (magnesium sulfate)
Mucilaginous decoctions
700–1000 ml sunflower oil or 400–500 ml cottonseed oil
To suppress fermentation,
antibiotics and sulfonamides
are recommended.
From the second day, small portions of high-quality feed can be introduced, and only
from the third day can the horse be gradually returned to its usual diet.
Conclusion
MODERN EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Выпуск журнала №-27
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10
It is essential to adhere to proper feeding practices and ensure the
quality
of
the feed given to horses to prevent colic and related complications.
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http://www.horsesandpeople.svoi.info/vetK-M.html
