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  Discussion on New Article on First Aid for Colic
Author Message
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Sep 17, 2004 - 2:20 pm:

We have rewritten the article on colic and first aid as a stepwise paradigm for decision making. Hope this helps you next time you have a colicky horse.

Colic is the term used for those symptoms seen when a horse experiences pain from the abdomen (belly). Colic is not a diagnosis, it is a set of symptoms seen in a number of diseases. Many of these diseases are mild and transient but some are life threatening and without early diagnosis and proper therapy will end in death.

So should every colic be seen by a vet? This depends on many factors but often colics in well managed horses are mild transient events that do not have a obvious cause, even following a thorough exam. Simple symptomatic treatment will cure such problems but here are some important points you should consider before attempting to treat a colic without professional help:
  • If there is a disease that compromises the intergrity of the bowel wall, early referral for surgery greatly improves the horses chance of recovery.
  • The lack of a thorough physical by a experienced examiner makes the outcome a little less certain as some problems might be missed.
  • Such an exam may yield a diagnosis that results in better management to reduce the incidence of colic in the future.
  • The quickest way to relieve the pain of a medical colic is often a dose of Banamine.
This article describes the key diagnostic signs for colic, grading their severity, and a step by step approach to deciding when to call the veterinarian, what to do until the vet arrives and first aid for colic for horses and equines.

To get to this article select » First Aid for Colic » off the navigation bar above.
New Member:
Mcgee

Posted on Sunday, Feb 27, 2005 - 9:51 am:

Yesterday my 6 year old TB mare exhibited signs of moderate colic. She had a normal foal(first)with no problems during labor, passing the placenta etc.. two weeks ago.

I could not detect gut sounds so gave Banamine and began walking her. The vet listened to her gut and said there was about 75% normal gut sounds. At that time she had not passed stool.

She then received torbulgesic and Dormosedan combo. She began nibbling at food and showing her dislike at being seperated from the other mares.

The vet said to watch her and call if needed.

She has passed stool 4 times. It is on the dry side, but not hard. During the night she began pawing and laying down and was given Banamine, Torb and Dormosedan for discomfort.

During the administration of Banamine IV, she suffered a reaction(sudden collapse) from which she recovered in about a minute.

Her urine was normal color last night. This morning it was an orange/reddish color. She is still uncomfortable in the abdominal area, even though she passes feces and urine.

Is this a colic or urinary system problem? I will be ready to collect urine next time she urinates, but would a blood test let us know instead?

Is this a colic or
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Feb 28, 2005 - 6:39 am:

While I cannot assess your horse Gail, I can say the quickest way to diagnose most urinary problems is with urinalysis, palpation, and ultrasound. Considering the recent foaling I think besides a good physical and rectal, a good laboratory panel (CBD, chemistry and electrolytes) is also indicated. Keep us appraised of what is found.
DrO
Member:
Mcgee

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 2, 2005 - 6:42 pm:

Thank you for your suggestion, Dr. Oglesby. My vet put her on SMZ tablets and in 48 hours I have seen a remarkable improvement.

I appreciate your help!

Gail
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