Question: What Will the Veterinarian do for My Horse With Colic?

Your veterinarian will want to give your horse or pony a thorough examination to ascertain the type of colic and what might have caused it.

Answer: The first thing your vet will do is check your horse's pulse, respiration and temperature. With a stethoscope the vet will listen to the abdomen for the rumblings of a normal healthy digestive system.

He or she will check mucous membranes and do a 'pinch test' to find out if the horse is suffering from dehydration.

A nasal tube may be put through your horse's nostril and down it's esophagus to check for fluids in the stomach. The vet will also do a manual rectal examination. Any distensions, twists or other abnormalities may be felt deep within the abdominal cavity.

If the veterinarian suspects:

• spasmodic colic an anti spasmodic drug may be administered.
• impaction colic due to a blockage the veterinarian may tube oil or fluid through the nostrils and rectum in an effort to dislodge it.
• intestinal catastrophe such as a twisted intestine he or she will suggest various options including surgery and euthanasia.

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