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Horse DiseasesSUPPLIES
- Vital signs
- Vet
- Phenylbutazone tablets
- Stomach tube
- Mineral oil
- Laxative
- Antibiotics
Overview
Colic is a serious illness in horses and the animal's leading natural cause of death. Colic refers to many types of abdominal problems whether mild, or severe. It is important that you learn to recognize colic symptoms in your horse so that the horse can be treated immediately. The sooner you treatment to your horse, the less likely the horse is to pass away from the colic.
Step 1
Check the horse's heart rate, respiration rate and temperature if you suspect colic. The normal heart rate of a horse is between 26 and 40 beats per minute. The respiration rate should be 8 to 16 breaths per minute. And a normal temperature for a horse is between 99 and 101 degrees. Also take note of any symptoms the horse is having and use this information to call your vet. The vet will be able to determine how serious the horse's condition is and whether treatment is needed right away.
Step 2
Wait for the vet and lead your horse on a walk. If your horse has gas this walk may help the horse to feel a little better. If the horse isn't relieved after 15 minutes, stop the walk. You don't want to wear your horse out.
Step 3
Give your vet permission to examine your horse. He or she will need to do a rectal examination, listen to the stomach and tap around the abdomen. Allow the vet to give your horse some Phenylbutazone tablets to help with the pain.
Step 4
Administer antibiotics to the horse according to the vet's instructions, if the colic is caused from bacteria or parasites. The antibiotics can be administered via a stomach tube.
Step 5
Administer a gallon of mineral water via a stomach tube according to the vet's instructions. This will completely clean out the horse's stomach and provide relief, if the colic is a result of an impaction.
Step 6
Have your vet perform emergency surgery if the horse has a tear in its intestines or if the intestines are twisted. You will also want to make sure your vet is qualified to do this surgery. This procedure is expensive, but it can save your horse's life.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Make sure you de-worm your horse and keep its food and water dishes clean at all times to help prevent the colic.
- WARNING : Do not give your horse an enema if it is suffering from colic. This won't work and will make your horse even more uncomfortable than it was originally.
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