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Discussion on Mare is colicking
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New Member:
Dianes
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 3:22 pm:
I need a second opinion here. My mare appeared colicky Monday morning (it's now Wednesday). I gave her paste Banamine and turned her out to a field alone where she did some running and passed two small efforts at manure. She didn't seem better, so I called my vet out that evening before dark.
Unfortunately, he "accidentally" injected her with Rompun rather than Banamine and she damn near collapsed before our very eyes. He rushed back to the clinic to get some kind of medication to counter the Rompun, which worked after we held her up on four feet for 15 minutes. He then reinjected her with the correct Banamine dose.
I wasn't home all day Tuesday, so I had him check on her twice during the day. She continued to be depressed, passing small amounts of manure, and lying down all the time. When I got home, it was clear to ME, at least, that she was very uncomfortable and I took her into the clinic, getting another vet who I have more confidence in and who was working Tuesday.
This second vet admitted her, put her on IV fluids, and monitored her. I went in today to see her, and she was lying on the floor in her stall, had totally ignored the grass hay they left for her, was stretched out on her chest, nose as far out in front of her as possible. She got up when I went in the stall, urinated, and laid back down.
I'm concerned that we're losing VALUABLE time here! How long should this go on? I thought time is of the essence? She is not improving AT ALL. Maybe not getting worse, but certainly NOT improving!
I'm now back to the vet who gave her the overdose of Rompun, and I'm afraid I've lost a bit of confidence here. Am I over-reacting? Is continued IV fluids the way to go here? He said he "may" do a rectal palpation and put some mineral oil on board today.
I just don't know what to think. I've lost 3 wonderful horses over the years to colics and subsequent surgeries that were unsuccessful. I just don't know what to think. Maybe caution is valid. I just don't know.......
Help, please.
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Member:
Banthony
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 3:37 pm:
Is this a surgery clinic? Are you financially able to do a colic surgery if it comes to that?
May want to consider moving her to a surgery clinic/University if you are financially able.
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 3:42 pm:
Diane, I can feel your worry and panic . . . I would have thought that a rectal would have been done already. Where are you located? Linda S. has some good advice. I am afraid that I'd be worried about the competence of the vets, and you have the additional unfortunate experiences with fatal colics. Thinking of you and hoping things improve for your mare.
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Member:
Kathleen
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 3:45 pm:
Diane,
You mentioned that the vet "may" do a rectal and oil? Have they not done a rectal yet? If not, I am very surprised and would request one immediately unless they have a good reason for not doing it. Maybe they don't think she is colicking? I thought that was one of the first things they do with a colicky horse if it isn't just a single mild case that resolves with banamine.
Kathleen
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Member:
Sonoita
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 4:08 pm:
OMG! Hello what is up with that . How long has the person been a vet? If it is colic and it sounds like it could be the banamine and oil and a rectal should have been done and check for sand. Unless there is something totally new. I wish you and your mare very good luck and maybe a new vet.
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Member:
1sally
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 5:03 pm:
It sounds as though she either has a twist or a block. I agree, with the others. The first thing I do with colic (besides call the vet) is give mild muscle relaxer and walk, walk, walk for hrs. if necessary. Certainly a rectal should have been done by now and oil may help if it's a block. If she is twisted, she will probably need surgery. Is there an absence of gutteral sounds?
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Member:
Boomer
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 5:12 pm:
Diane, my thoughts are with you. You must be very stressed. Keep us posted and take care.
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Member:
Dawson
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 6:17 pm:
Hi Diane... hang in there. I have had horses who have colic'd also, one over night so we lost him.
Typically take a horses temp, pulse/resp if you can before the vet arrives and listen to the gut area.
On arrival my vets usually administer a shot of banamine.(keep paste on hand) Vet will listen to gut-resp/lungs-temperature-come back in an hour to re-evaluate or if I call again.
Walk the horse if possible but DO NOT OVERTIRE as he/she will need her strength to fight the pain.
Return Visit: will ask if horse has passed any manure or gas a good sign. At this point a rectal exam and/or mineral oil given, sometimes just a water flush. Then depending on horses pain/stress level more Banamine-
And the Vet will check back with me in an hour.
The horse we lost over night was due to a mass/growth closing off his intestines during the night. (we now have a baby monitor in the barn to listen for abnormal sounds or scrambling) It was a hard lesson to learn.
Time is an issue, not just because of an intestinal blockage or twist but because the pain will weaken your horse. I also would have thought a rectal exam would have been done the first day, but perhaps the vet was hopeful with the small amounts of fecal passed. (show the Vet what was passed rather then tell him so he doesn't misinterpret the amount)
You know your horse from daily contact so if things don't look better call a third vet if you must. I'm hoping she is at/near a surgical facility as once it is determined surgery is necessary its always an issue to get the horse there STAT!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 6:22 pm:
To make a diagnosis or at least a decision about the horse's condition a TPR, mucous membranes assessment, rectal, passed stomach tube, and possibly a belly tap need to be conducted. The whole lot including tap takes about a half hour to do, why has this not been done yet?
The treatment you describe would be acceptable for some diagnosed impactions (though I maintain hydration through oral fluids) but otherwise surgery should be contemplated as an option. We have articles with details on these procedures results and recommendations, see the Overview and First Aid articles at, Diseases of Horses » Colic and GI Diseases » Colic in Horses.
DrO
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New Member:
Dianes
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 6:53 pm:
Dr. O,
He finally did the rectal this afternoon. He sedated her and said that he could only go in so far due to her tenseness. He said he felt it unsafe to go farther in. He did not feel an impaction on that exam. He then did a stomach tube and felt what he got back was the result of what he used to "prime the pump," and that he didn't feel she was backing up into her stomach. TPR was apparently indicative of "mild to moderate pain" only. No belly tap was mentioned. He also gave her 1/2 gallon of mineral oil and put her on Banamine, 1/2 dose twice a day and continues IV fluids and observation.
I have read the colic articles and experienced first hand both good and bad outcomes. I'm torn between wanting to avoid the surgery, if possible, and using up valuable time if she's going to deteriorate. He's supposed to call me this evening to give me an update. Tomorrow three vets will be in the clinic, my trusted longtime vet being among them. I'm assured she will be closely monitored during the night. What do you think?
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 8:16 pm:
I remember we went thru almost 10 days of this. the older the horse the longer, i guess. i have a 24 year old. They didn't feel it was a torsion, twist, etc. so it was a wait and see. nor did they think it was an enterolith. what part of the country are you in?
i chose not to IV the horse, or trailer her anywhere, so they did come out 3 more times in a 5 day period to administer banamine/oils/soaps etc... If she was twisted than she would have back up from the tube. like your vet mentioned. Rompom isn't going to hurt her its a sedative, i would think that is a good thing in these situations. going down from it was because he gave her too much. But i don't think it would have made her any worse because of it.
What is her water intake? any? manure today? Temps? etc...
Why is everyone jumping to surgery conclusions? This could very well be a gas/sand colic that is just taking its time to work its way thru...They should feel some kind of twist don't you think? and if they haven't recommended it, than they are just waiting to see what is happeneing in there. Has any of the oils come out? Any manure pass in the last 8 hours? how long has it been from the day it started? And the time of the last manure? as long as some manure is passsing that is a great sign. My girl didn't eat for days. Banamine every 3 hours. temp taken every few. I had to hand feed her a soupy watery mash mess, just to get her some fluids, so the IV helps so much in that regard. having her at a clinic is good if you can afford it. I just couldn't. The only thing is that you can't be there to monitor your baby 24/7.
when you are panicked the first person you blame is the vet. And second guess them. Its natural and i hope forgiving. Remember they don't know everything. And colic is one of those things, i've learned that you can spend thousands and open her up right now, to find out its a gas colic, or wait and see, because that is the best medicine can do... You'd think with all the technology they can say for sure, but they can't. ONLY opening her up for sure... Even to this day i still don't know if there is some kind of blockage in there. Nothing else can help you diagnose it. So the vets might be trying to save you thousands of dollars. They don't always mention their thinking, you know? The "rompom" vet already i'm sure feels like an idiot for giving the wrong thing, i'm sure he's jumping thru hoops because of it. And the other 2 vets are well aware of the situation, too. Especially if they are the senior partners.
Just take it moment by moment. If this was a torsion she probably would have gone down and not gotten up again. That is when time is of the essence. having her at the clinic already is a help in that regard.
Is she a candidate for surgery? has the vet asked you or told you your choices yet?
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Member:
Dianes
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 8:31 pm:
Hi, Jojo,
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sure much of what you say is true. My alarm is from past experiences where no gut sounds equated to dead horses. In those instances, as noted above, the rectal exam was the first order of business, then oil, etc. If no response after that, it was a rush to the horse trailer to go to the clinic. Having a colic go on day after day is something totally new to me. My horse was either 100% normal the next day or in surgery. So my concern stems from my past experience.
I also recognize that if there's a conservative approach to this, it's the best one, assuming it's the right approach. And no, there's been no discussion regarding her candidacy for surgery, so I don't know about that. She's healthy otherwise, not too old.
I simply wanted a second opinion on this whole experience, so I posted. The responses have been encouraging, and I've learned that gut sounds are returning this evening following the oil. I'm hopeful that this means we're on the right track and I've been stupid to be so worried. I'll post a follow-up as things develop. You've all been so supportive, and it's so great knowing there's a source out there when you're in a jam.
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 9:11 pm:
SOO glad to hear there are some gut sounds. That is a positive. my last colic i went out and bought a stethoscope so i could hear the minutest sounds.. I looked like a goof probably. And i was literally out there weighing the manure.. and size and circumference of the piles... not a good sign on my mental stability.
So, What i mean is that its perfectly ok for you to question, second guess, get angry, it all goes to the helplessness of that feeling when one of your "kids" is sick.
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Member:
Quatro
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 10:12 pm:
We are sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. It is so hard to not be anxious, I know. Best wishes for you and your horse. What is her Name? so we can send good healing thoughts directly to her?
suz
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Member:
Eoeo
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 - 12:01 am:
We had a 17h TB mare a month out from foaling get a BAD case of colic. We called the vet but he was on a call with a prolapsed cow. We gave banamine and Gas-X while we waited. She became more comfortable and he called to say he was still on another emergency and would try to come as soon as he could. In the meantime, she was more comfortable, had quit trying to roll which we had little control over as she was a big girl and when she wanted to lay down we couldn't do much about it. Every few hours, he would call and ask how his mare was doing, this went on all weekend, with us giving her banamine and Gas-X. As long as she was comfortable, he kept taking other calls. Finally at midnight of the 2nd night she was resting comfortably when we went out to check her and give her another banamine shot. When she got up she gave a sound like a shotgun had been fired and splattered loose manure all over the wall. That was the end of her colic and she foaled a healthy colt in about 3 weeks. We were lucky. EO
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Member:
Paul303
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 - 1:34 am:
I went through a weird colic last Feb. where my mare would be in great distress - not thrashing or rolling, but down on her chest, looking back and grunting ( moaning )with each breath. She improved a good bit with banamine. Our vet was out 3 times treating for colic, and in touch repeatedly by phone. After 2 days the vet sent her to clinic where she was scoped and ulcers were found.
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 - 9:54 am:
Diane, hoping for the best for your horse. As others have pointed out, sometimes colic can go on for days and end mysteriously.
My 33year old gelding had many mild colics a couple of winters ago. You have no idea how many times I told the vet to put him out of his misery, only to see him recover completely before she got here. We finally figured out that he can no longer eat hay. He's been on pelleted mush for two years and doing great ever since.
Hope you find out what's going on.
Erika
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Member:
Boomer
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 - 11:59 am:
Still thinking and praying for you Diane, Don't feel bad for getting second opinions, I did with my Boomer and thank god. The first vet said she had choke but she died less than a week later from Guttural Pouch Mycosis. Not the vet's fault at all, the symptoms are pretty much the same. It sounds like you've got some encouraging news with the gut sounds! I'm so happy for you.
Little King Ranch, your gunshot story made me laugh out loud!
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Member:
1sally
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 - 12:36 pm:
Don't ever feel stupid if things aren't going well concerning colic. It is always an emergency. My stallion gets a little gas and you would think he is dying. He cannot take any kind of pain. But I always call the vet immediately as you never know. By the way, I keep a stethascope at the barn.
Goof luck to you. Things appear to be looking up.
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Member:
Zarr
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 - 4:55 pm:
We have very few vets in my area and they can take days to make it out and one of my horses is like Sally's stallion a little pain and he is "dying".Found a product that has been around for years called Equi-Spaz paste.Comes in a tube that you give as you would a de-wormer and it works wonders on gas colic! Several people now use it around here. Diane yours sounded little more serious than gas.Wish you the best and NEVER worry about demanding answers and action from those who are treating your loved ones! Cindy
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Member:
Sonoita
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 - 9:41 pm:
I am glad there is gut sounds but not all gut sounds are good. IN a case with one of mine. he had rolling gut sounds . If am not mistaken it is called spastic colic. The vet said sand was the culprit. Now he gets pysillum and I do a poopy check every so often. You take a sample that has not hit the sand and put it in a bag with water and see if sand is in the bottom after about 20 minutes. Some sand is not to bad but more than a tablespoon is. All horses eat something off the ground unless you are a neat freak so I check about once every 3 to 6 months. Sand colic can also be a one day they are good and the next bad and it can go on for awhile until it passes. Wish your mare and you good wishes. You never did say how long that vet has been a vet.
Little King:Is t bannamine a prescription? Can you just ask a vet for this?
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Member:
Dianes
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Posted on Friday, Aug 25, 2006 - 8:08 pm:
FRIDAY UPDATE:
As promised, I'm keeping you nice people posted. Em is still at the vet's. It's an up and down thing. I'm going a couple times a day to take her for a walk, and sometimes she'll eat well along the way, and sometimes she doesn't. We're only today starting to see evidence of the oil given her on Wednesday, I think it was. Now she passing that. She seems to get colicky whenever the Banamine is wearing off. My vet feels she's acting like some horses who have ingested something odd, like baling twine or a grocery sack (!) that's blown into the field. We keep our fields really clean, but who knows? So long story short, she's still acting like she was last Sunday...and Monday....and Tuesday.... you get the idea. At least she isn't WORSE! I know they're trying to do everything possible to avoid a surgery, and I'm sure grateful for that. Hopefully, our patience will pay off. Just wanted to let you all know how we're coming along. Keep those prayers coming, please. We sure need them.
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Member:
Lilo
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 10:34 am:
Diane,
I am adding my good luck wishes to all the others. I am hoping for a positive outcome.
Lilo
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 12:34 pm:
In my prayers,
DrO
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Member:
Vickiann
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 - 12:50 pm:
Glad you are finally seeing some oil, Diane. All best wishes to you for a good outcome.
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 7:15 pm:
Keeping my fingers crossed for you, Diane!
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Member:
Dianes
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 7:45 pm:
Sunday update: Still doing the twice daily walks with her. She's off the Banamine since Friday evening, and yesterday (Saturday) we discontinued the IV fluids. She's eating well, but no poop. She carries her tail high, like she wants to poop, but nothing happens on her walks. They found a small bit of manure overnight last night. I guess it takes about 3 days to get food thru, so I'm hoping tomorrow is our lucky day. Otherwise, she's quite alert and doesn't seem to be in any pain. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I'll continue to check in.
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Member:
Sureed
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2006 - 10:05 pm:
Diane,
I know there are many like me, who are following your story but haven't posted because we don't have new information to offer. We are pulling for you and Em. Thank you for keeping us posted on her progress. Please know that our prayers and best wishes are with you for a full recovery.
Suzanne
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 9:08 am:
Like Suzanne, I've been reading your posts since I got back into town. I'm so glad your mare is showing signs of improvement. Best of luck. I know how hard this is on you (and your mare.)
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Member:
Dianes
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 10:06 am:
Monday morning: The vet called this morning, and during the night, SHE POOPED, SHE POOPED, AND THEN SHE POOPED!!!!!!! She got a full flake of hay for breakfast, and I'll go take her for her walk this morning. If she poops some more during the day, she'll get to come home tonight or tomorrow!!!!! We're almost there!!!! Just wanted to share the report with all of you! Blessings to all who have been so helpful and supportive!
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 10:30 am:
Hey Dianne
And CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL THAT POOP! What a great sight for you... and, now you can go and shovel it all out! What fun...
Nancy
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 10:40 am:
LOL, Nancy.
Yippee, Dianne!!!!! The up and downs of fear and hope you have felt over the past few days are unfortunately, familiar to so many of us . . . but you have the added sadness of having lost three of your past horses to colic. I am so happy for you that your mare is on her way home. Get good advice on a feeding program for her . . . and I hope you won't have to deal with colic again. You've had your fair share and mine, too.
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Member:
Canter
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 12:54 pm:
Yeah! Great news! May your mare's stall be filled with poop this afternoon and you get to bring her home tonight!
(only horse people could every be so happy about so much poop - we're an odd lot, aren't we?  )
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Member:
Lilo
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 1:29 pm:
Great news! Lilo
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Member:
Quatro
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 2:09 pm:
Good news. We have been sending lots of horsey prayers your way!
suz
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Member:
Boomer
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 5:40 pm:
You've made my day!!! I love great news. I'm soo happy for you, Diane.
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Member:
Vickiann
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 9:53 pm:
HOORAY! I too have waited for the POOP! How wonderful when it arrives!
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Member:
Savage
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Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2006 - 11:29 pm:
Terrific Diane! only us horse people would be so happy to see poop!!! 
May the bird of paradise continue to cause poopage!!
oh and PHTU! PHTU! PHTU!
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006 - 12:07 am:
Wonderful news!!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006 - 7:17 am:
Great news Diane,
DrO
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Member:
Frances
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006 - 8:43 am:
Poop, poop and more wonderful poop...so glad for you!
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Member:
Paul303
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 1:04 am:
Bingo!!!
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Member:
Dianes
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 11:22 am:
Good morning, everyone. Well, Em came home yesterday afternoon and is doing great! She's moved right back into the pecking order with her herd of 7 and seems so happy to be home. She's eating well and pooping, so I think we're A-OK. I just wanted to thank all of you again for your prayers and support and kind thoughts. That was a rough 10 days for us, and having this forum to go to was wonderful. Best wishes to all of you and your beloved horses.
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Member:
Banthony
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 11:55 am:
Great news Diane. Wow! What an ordeal for you and her.
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Member:
Savage
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006 - 10:29 pm:
YeeHaw Diane!!!! I am so happy for the both of you
Poop Rules!
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Member:
Dianes
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 9:51 am:
Thought you might enjoy a picture of Em, home at last! 
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 10:15 am:
What a sweet looking face! I'm so glad she's home and well again.
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Member:
36541
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 2:26 pm:
Congratulations on a nice save. She has such a lovely kind face - a keeper for however long she graces your pasture. Stacy
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Member:
Redalert
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 2:44 pm:
Welcome Home, Em!
Nancy
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 2:59 pm:
Lovely horse, Diane. So happy that you and Em can sleep at night, at last.
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Member:
Paul303
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Posted on Friday, Sep 1, 2006 - 10:42 am:
Just opened my e-mail - what a nice way to start!
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