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TheHorse.com THE HORSE December 2017
your horse chew properly, converting
food into digestible quantities and trig-
gering secretion of digestion-enhancing
saliva, says Isgren.
Unfortunately, though, the equine gas-
trointestinal tract does have a somewhat
precarious design, leading to unprevent-
able colics such as pedunculated lipoma
strangulations—fatty tumors that form,
wrap around, and squeeze the stomach
and/or intestines. With good preparation
and quick response, however, even such
strangulation cases can turn out positive.
Know the Signs
A prepared owner is an observant
owner. Kicking or biting at the stomach
and repeated rolling or even thrashing on
the ground are obvious signs of colic. But
subtle signs almost always precede the
obvious. And the sooner you recognize a
problem, the better.
"You really have to know your own
horse and know what's normal for him
and what's not," says Isgren. Knowing
your horse's normal means being aware
of not only his regular vital signs (tem-
perature, pulse, and respiratory rate) and
eating habits but also his behavior.
"A lot of times owners just realize
something's wrong with the horse because
he's not acting like his usual self," Ander-
son says. "That can be a reliable sign."
Increased pulse and respiratory rates
suggest the horse is in pain—even if he's
not expressing it. A temperature increase
could suggest an inflammation- or
infection-related colic, Isgren says. Your
veterinarian can teach you to take vital
signs during a wellness visit, or you can
learn how at TheHorse.com/30388.
A common first sign is an unfinished
What's Your COLIC
Contingency Plan?
Thanks to her owner's sharp observation skills, quick thinking, and readiness for an emergency,
"Luta" survived an extremely serious colic and back-to-back surgeries.
COURTESY
JUDY
RUTHERFORD
info@eimedical.com / 866.365.6596
AAEP booth #4018/4020
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