OklahomaHorses Magazine January 2021

January/February 2021 • OklahomaHorses 25 WRITTEN BY: Grace Owen, DVM Equine Medical Associates | Edmond C olic in horses is an emergency that requires prompt treat- ment for the best outcomes. Most owners know the signs to look for, which can include rolling excessively, pawing, kick- ing at the belly and disinterest in food. A veterinarian should be called if these signs are observed. The veterinarian must put together all the information about each horse and determine a treatment plan aimed at comfort and resolution of the colic. When the veterinarian arrives, he or she will first ask for his- tory. You may be asked questions like how long has your horse been painful, have there been changes in diet, and have any medications been given. These questions may help to indicate the cause of the colic. A thorough physical exam is performed next. Temperature, pulse and respiration are noted. Increases in heart rate and respiratory rate can indicate pain. A capillary refill time (CRT) is a measure of hydration; it is taken by pressing the gums of the horse just above the teeth and counting the number of seconds it takes the gums to go from white back to pink in color. This should be less than two seconds. Anything more prolonged than that may indicate dehydration. Your veterinarian will also listen to gastrointestinal sounds, noting their frequency or absence. This information can give clues as to how serious the colic may be. Often, the next step is analgesia. Most colics are administered a medication called Flunixin Meglumine, which is commonly referred to as Banamine. Banamine is a Non-Steroidal Anti-In- flammatory (NSAIDs) that helps to alleviate abdominal pain. It is a common misconception that Banamine cures colic. It is more correct to say that it is a pain reliever that allows the horse to receive proper treatment for the type of colic it has. It is important to note that it will not fix certain types of colic; if your horse is not comfortable after one dose, it is important to talk to your veterinarian. Failure to do so can be life threatening. Sedatives, such as xylazine, may also be given to control pain or to help the patient allow further treatment. A rectal exam may be performed. The veterinarian will palpate known structures to see if they are located where they Photo by: Jaclyn Jacobs A nasogastric tube is passed into the stomach to check for reflux and administer laxatives. Photo: Grace Owen, DVM An ultrasound exam of the abdominal cavity showing dilated loops of small intestine.