Cólica Equina: The #1 Killer of Horses
Cólica é a dor abdominal em cavalos e a principal causa de morte. Conhecer os sinais e agir rápido salva vidas.
A cólica não é uma doença, mas um sintoma – dor abdominal que pode surgir no trato gastrointestinal, no sistema urinário ou nos órgãos reprodutivos. Nos cavalos, a cólica é uma verdadeira emergência. A torção do intestino (vólvulo) ou deslocamento pode causar a morte em poucas horas sem intervenção cirúrgica.
Pontos-chave
- Colic is the leading cause of death in horses worldwide
- Signs include pawing, rolling, looking at the flank, and refusal to eat
- Gas colic is mild; twisted intestine (volvulus) is fatal without surgery
- Nasogastric intubation to decompress the stomach is a critical first step
- Pain severity doesn't always correlate with surgical need — some painful horses have gas
- Most colics resolve with medical management; 10-15% require surgery
Types of Colic
Spasmodic/gas colic — the most common type, caused by gas distension and intestinal spasms. Usually resolves with pain medication and walking. Impaction colic — dry, firm fecal material blocks the intestine, commonly in the pelvic flexure. Requires fluids, laxatives, and sometimes IV fluids. Displacement/volvulus — a section of intestine moves out of position or twists on its mesentery. Cuts off blood supply and is a surgical emergency. Sand colic — accumulation of sand in the colon causes irritation and blockage. Common in horses on sandy pastures. Enteritis — inflammation of the intestine, often infectious.
Recognizing Colic
Early signs are subtle — restlessness, pawing at the ground, looking at the flank, and refusal to eat or drink. As pain intensifies, horses lie down and get up repeatedly, roll violently, or thrash. Heart rate rises above normal (40-60 bpm in adults). Gums become dry and dark. Gut sounds diminish or disappear. Some horses sweat profusely. The severity of signs does not always predict the severity of the underlying problem. A horse with a twisted gut may show only mild discomfort initially.
Emergency Response
Remove all food and water. Call your veterinarian immediately — colic is always an emergency. Walk the horse gently to prevent rolling and possible injury. Do NOT administer medications unless instructed — painkillers can mask signs needed for surgical decision-making. Your veterinarian will perform a rectal exam, place a nasogastric tube to check for gastric reflux, and assess heart rate and hydration. IV fluids, pain medication, and spasmolytics (Buscopan) are first-line treatments.
Quando consultar um veterinário imediatamente
- Your horse is pawing, rolling, or showing restlessness
- The horse refuses to eat or drink
- Gum color is dark or heart rate is elevated
- Gut sounds are absent
- There's severe, unrelenting abdominal pain
Este artigo é apenas para fins educacionais e não substitui o aconselhamento veterinário profissional. Se o seu animal apresentar algum sintoma, entre em contato imediatamente com o Royal Veterinary Center pelo telefone +853 6677 6611.