H.O.P.E.

Rolling

In the event that a horse colics, and is rolling violently, be very cautious for your own safety. A violently colicky horse will have no regard for anyone. If the horse is rolling it is often best to walk the horse as this is a good distraction from the pain and because walking often serves to help resolve gassy, spasmodic or impacted colic. If you cannot stop the horse rolling then put the horse in a place where it is least likely to injure itself.

With regards to walking, it is possible to exhaust a horse from too much walking. If the horse is out of condition or overweight be conservative with walking. Don’t walk the animal continuously, allow the horse to rest if it will be quiet. Use walking to prevent the horse from rolling; if the horse is not trying to roll, allow it to stand. Symptoms of colic can be worsened by walking in some cases; follow the recommendation of your veterinarian.

When to call the vet

If the horse refuses to get up, is colicking violently, is sweating profusely, shows no signs of improvement within twenty to thirty minutes, or you have reason to believe the colic is serious, call the veterinarian immediately. However, in the early stages of colic a possibly fatal case is not easily distinguished from a mild one.

Sometimes a mare may colic after delivering a foal. This may be normal if only mild and for no longer than 20 minutes but call a veterinarian if the colic is prolonged or appears to be severe.