colic

Colic: Signs and What to do

Colic: Signs and What to do
Colic: Signs and Actions
As the weather shifts here in Michigan, the number of colic cases is on the rise. The cold weather usually causes horses to drink less water, which can lead to more cases of compaction (a cause of colic). It is super important to do everything possible to encourage our horses to drink. Beyond electrolytes and heated water, we feed alfalfa hay cubes, bran, electrolytes, and other supplements soaked in hot water. 

So, besides prevention, what can be done for colic?

First and foremost, if you see your horse displaying signs and symptoms of colic, call your vet. Colic cases can become more severe in the blink of an eye and crucial decisions with the help of your veterinarian will be invaluable in that situation.

Colic symptoms include: 
  • persistent rolling
  • kicking/ biting at the stomach
  • insistent pawing
  • stretching
  • heavy breathing
  • sweating
The next thing that is recommended when colic is suspected is to keep the horse walking.

Colic is a disruption in the digestive system. Horses cannot burp or vomit so if there is something upsetting the stomach, the only thing the horse's body can do is to push it through the rest of the digestive system. In addition, the horse's digestive tract is about 100 feet long. Colic can be the result of compaction or blockage within the tract.  The horse is built so that the movement of their legs and supporting body structures, in turn, move the digestive system as well. 

One of the oldest methods to assist the horse's digestive system through a bout of colic is not as well known today. Peppermint is an herb that has long been know for its ability to settle the digestive system. Getting ahorse to eat while in the throughs of colic is very unlikely and not suggested (water should always be available). Luckily, we now have access to pure, high purity, essential oils that can be applied and aid the horse, even in the throughs of colic.

It is important to have a good understanding of how to use essential oils safely with horses and to be absolutely sure you have pure, undiluted oils before applying them to your horse. I only use and recommend Young Living essential oils because of their Seed to Seal promise (learn more at seedtoseal.com). It is common for grocery store oils and other bulk brands to be diluted with toxic chemicals that can do more harm than good when applied to the horse.

If your horse is colicing and you have called the vet and taken your horse's vitals, apply either Peppermint or Digize essential oil to your horse's stomach (near where the umbilical cord would have been). I would recommend putting a few drops of the oil of your choice into the palm of your hand along with some coconut, almond, or olive oil to avoid any skin irritation for your horse. You could also apply a couple drops to your fingertip and then rub that on your horse's gums.

Now, while you are waiting for your vet to arrive, your horse has the support it's body needs to heal and rectify the situation. Is this a cure-all for colic? Absolutely not. However, it offers added support to the horse that is much needed in the desperate situation that colic causes a horse.


Need more information about safely using essential oils with horses? 
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Meet Margaret

 

I've worked with and studied horses for the majority of my life. I have seen my fair share of injuries and lameness. I've had horses that were trained and some that we broke to ride ourselves.

Through this, there were horses that didn't heal as fast or as thoroughly as I'd hoped. There were also horses that had chronic behavioral issues and/ or were difficult to train. At that time, I believed that was the end of the road with those horses- they had reached their highest potential and it wasn't enough for my ambitions.

Sometime in 2017, I came across a Facebook post that showed before and after massage photos and told the story of a horse that had been struggling to pick up his left lead and was constantly knocking poles in the show jumping ring. After several massages, there were no more pole knocks or problems picking up canter leads. That had my attention. I followed the page that made that post for a little over a year before I finally took the plunge and signed up for the equine massage certification program through Midwest Natural Healing for Animals.

Watching/ following that Facebook page inspired me. I wanted to be able to just look at a horse and KNOW what problems they may be dealing with and how to fix the root CAUSE. I can confidently say that I have learned all of that and more.

I find joy in the relief and release that I provide to horses from all disciplines- I find that helping the horse physically creates a better situation for everyone. Obviously, releasing tension in a horse will lead to relaxation, and relaxation can open the horse up to a deeper connection to the handler. This can also lead to advancement in training and higher performance.

Ready to learn more? 


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