🚀 Quick Summary
- The Emergency: Colic is Acute (Sudden), Progressive (Gets Worse), and potentially Fatal (Twisted Gut).
- The Chronic Pain: Ulcers are Chronic (Weeks/Months), Consistent (After eating), and rarely fatal immediately.
- The Difference: Colic = Look Scared (Sweating, violent rolling). Ulcer = Look Angry (Girthy, pinning ears, lying down sternal).
- The Response: Colic needs Banamine/Buscopan NOW. Ulcers need Gastrogard/Sucralfate NOW. Do NOT give Banamine to an Ulcer Flair-up (makes it worse).
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
1. The Anatomy Difference: Gut vs. Stomach
Colic (Abdominal Pain)
- Location: Small Intestine, Large Colon, Cecum.
- Causes: Impaction (Blockage), Gas (Spasmodic), Displacement (Twist), Strangulation.
- Pain Source: Stretching / Ischemia (Lack of blood flow).
Ulcers (Gastric Pain)
- Location: Stomach (Pylorus/Squamous).
- Causes: Acid burn on raw tissue.
- Pain Source: Chemical Burn. (Like heartburn in humans).
2. Symptom Comparison Chart (Print This!)
| Sign | Colic (911) | Ulcer Flare-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden. Fine at 5 PM, trashing at 6 PM. | Gradual. “Off” for days. |
| Severity | Gets worse rapidly. | Consistent annoyance. |
| Eating | Usually Stops Completely. | Picks at grain. Eats hay slowly. |
| Lying Down | Laying flat, rolling repeatedly, thrashing. | Lying sternal (upright), or flat briefly. |
| Manure | Scant, dry, or none (Impaction). | Often normal, or soft cow-patty. |
| Heart Rate | Elevated (> 50-60 bpm). | Often Normal (~36-44 bpm). |
| Sweating | Yes (Pain/Shock). | Rarely. |
| Looking at Flank | Constant / Violent. | Occasional / Mild. |
3. The “Walking Test” (Colic Diagnosis)
If you suspect Colic:
- Walk: Hand walk for 15 mins.
- Observe:
- Result A (Better): Passes gas/manure. Looks brighter. Ears perk up. -> Likely Gas Colic.
- Result B (Worse): Tries to go down immediately. Sweating increases. -> Likely Major Colic.
- Result C (Same): Just grumpy. Kicks at belly. -> Could be Ulcers/Mild Impaction.
4. Vital Signs: Heart Rate is Key
Learn to take a HR.
- Normal: 28-44 bpm.
- Pain/Stress: 48-60 bpm. (Call Vet).
- Serious Trouble: > 60 bpm. (Surgery candidate?).
- Shock: > 80 bpm. (Critical).
Gum Color:
- Pink: Good. Capillary Refill Time (CRT) < 2 sec.
- Pale/White: Shock / Internal Bleeding.
- Purple/Dark Red: Toxemia (Septic). Bad.
5. The Danger Zone: Mild Colic = Severe Ulcers?
Here is where it gets tricky. Recurrent Mild Colic is often a symptom of Hindgut Ulcers (Colitis) or Grade 3-4 Stomach Ulcers.
- Pattern: He eats grain -> Paws -> Lies down for 20 mins -> Gets up -> Eats hay.
- Why: The grain hits the inflamed stomach, causing a spasm. Once the stomach empties, pain stops.
- Action: If you see this pattern repeat > 2 times in a month, SCOPE. It’s likely ulcers, not “gas.”
6. Action Plan: What to Do While Waiting for the Vet
- Safety: Do not get hurt. If he is thrashing violently, stay out of the stall.
- Walk: Keep him walking if safe (prevents rolling/injury).
- Remove Feed: Take away all hay/grain.
- Meds: Do NOT give Banamine unless the vet says “Yes.” It can mask surgical signs or worsen ulcers.
- Alternative: Vet might suggest Buscopan (Antispasmodic) if it sounds like Gas Colic. It’s safer for the stomach.
🏆 Final Verdict
Learn your horse’s “Normal.” A Colic horse looks Scared. An Ulcer horse looks Angry/Grumpy.
When in doubt: Load the Trailer. It is better to be wrong at the clinic than right at the autopsy.