Impaction Colics by Mike Tweedie
At present we are seeing an increase in colic presentations. Most of these colics appear to be of the form of impaction colics.
Impaction colic occurs when a blockage forms in a horse's intestine, often due to a buildup of feed, sand, or other material. During a dry period, several factors increase the risk of impaction colic in horses:
Dehydration: In dry weather, water sources may become less available, or horses may drink less due to cooler temperatures. Reduced water intake leads to less moisture in the digestive tract, which is necessary to keep feed moving smoothly through the gut. Dry feed can compact and cause blockages.
Dry Forage: Pastures often dry out during dry periods, and horses rely more on dry hay rather than fresh grass. Hay has less moisture content compared to fresh forage, which can contribute to drier, harder feed material in the intestines.
Dust and Sand Ingestion: Dry weather can lead to dusty feed and pastures. If horses graze on sparse, dry grass or eat hay off the ground, they may ingest more dirt or sand, which can settle in the intestines and contribute to colic.
Reduced Exercise: In hot, dry weather, horses may be less active to conserve energy and avoid overheating. Reduced movement decreases gut motility, which is critical for normal digestion and preventing blockages.
Diet Changes: During dry spells, pasture quality often declines, leading to sudden changes in the horse's diet (e.g., switching from pasture grazing to hay or concentrates). Such changes can upset the gut's balance and increase the risk of colic.
Tips for Prevention:
Ensure horses have constant access to clean, fresh water. Consider adding electrolytes to encourage drinking if needed.
Feed hay in elevated feeders to minimize dirt or sand ingestion.
Provide psyllium supplements periodically to help clear any sand from the digestive tract.
Maintain consistent feeding routines and introduce dietary changes gradually.
Encourage exercise to promote gut motility, even if it's light turnout or hand-walking during hot weather.
Addressing these factors during dry periods can significantly reduce the risk of impaction colic in horses.