Friday, December 3, 2010

Tips and things to do to protect horse from colic

If you own a horse, colic is probably a condition you have to deal with at some point. Studies have shown that up to ten percent of all domestic horses experience some form of colic each year. But what many do not want to know is that colic is, in truth, only a symptom of one of the many forms of gastrointestinal distress your horse may encounter. The word "colic" really just means "pain". Fortunately it is not difficult to recognize a horse colic and swift way.
Here are a few signs that your horse may experience abdominal pain:
- Rolling- Landscape- Trying to kick in her belly- Appears excited and pawing the ground, constant- Get up and lie down again and again- Trying to stretch
Without the help of a veterinarian, can be very difficult to determine what is causing your horse's stomach. There are certain types of colic that requires veterinary attention, but if your horse seems to be in great pain (usually a horse will behave violently in pain) then it's probably time to call the vet.
Your vet will probably ask some questions to assist in the evaluation and treatment. You may be asked for your horse temperature record or her breathing and pulse check. Be prepared for your vet to answer questions such as your horse's appetite, water intake, and whether she has taken medication or unfamiliar food. You will be asked to all the food to reach the horse, and this is her bed as she tries to eat.
When the veterinarian arrives, he or she will try to treat the horse and find out what is causing the colic. There is a long list of possible causes, but some are more common than others:
- Tapeworms and roundworms can grow to large numbers and prevent the intestines.- Horses that are either rarely fed or fed concentrated foods are more prone to ulcers, which can be painful for them.- Foreign material such as sand, called "Enteroliths" block stools.- Food can also be affected in the intestine leads to an obstruction.- Certain foods can also blame. Feeding moldy food is the cause of gas colic, where the gas accumulating in the intestines.
Fortunately there are some precautions you can take to help prevent colic in your horse. Clean drinking water and a clean feed surface is crucial to keep unwanted items from being taken. To prevent sand, gravel and dirt end up in your horse feed, just above the ground mark.
Care for your horse's teeth will also prove beneficial and worming your pet regularly to build a worm does not care. It's a good idea to prepare a schedule for regular dental care, deworming, monitoring, and regular feeding. Feeding horses with irregular hours will increase their chances of getting colic.
Many vets will recommend regular turnout for your horse, some studies have shown that extensive grazing incidence will eventually drastically reduce colic. The logic behind this idea is that horses grazing in their natural environment, about eighteen hours a day. Honestly, colic in many wild horses are rare event because it would be evolutionarily selected against.

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