Rose Kivi has been a writer for over 10 years. She has a background in the nursing field, wildlife rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Kivi has authored educational textbooks, patient health care pamphlets, animal husbandry guides, outdoor survival manuals and was a contributing writer for two books in the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Series.
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Horse DiseasesOverview
A 1986 survey conducted by the Morris Animal Foundation reported colic as the leading cause of death in horses. Colitis is a severe form of colic in which the large intestine becomes inflamed. If left untreated, colitis can quickly result in death. Immediate veterinary treatment is essential for the survival of the horse. The symptoms of colitis in horses are the same as the symptoms of colic. Each horse shows pain differently. Some show their pain more than others. A horse with colitis may exhibit one or more or even all of the listed symptoms.
Rolling
A horse in extreme pain from colitis may lie on the ground and violently roll back and forth in an attempt to make his abdomen feel better. The horse will often, but not always, make moaning and huffing sounds while rolling on the ground. The rolling behavior may be constant or intermittent. Some horses take breaks from rolling on the ground to get up and walk around.
Frequently Lying Down
A horse that is experiencing pain from colitis may frequently change positions from lying down to standing. Under normal conditions a horse does not frequently lie down and get back up again every few minutes. This behavior is a sign of pain. The horse is trying to relieve abdominal pain.
Kicking and Posture
Frequent kicking toward the stomach and stomping the ground are signs of discomfort. This behavior may be accompanied by heavy breathing, huffing sounds or grunting sounds. The horse also might stand in a position for urination, even though he is not urinating. He may frequently look at his abdomen as well.
Physical Symptoms
A horse can exhibit physical signs of colitis that include abdominal bloating, changes in bowel movements, high body temperature, fast pulse and sweating.
Treatment
Veterinary care must be sought immediately for a horse that exhibits signs of colitis. Colitis can quickly become a life-threatening condition in horses if left untreated. While awaiting the arrival of the vet, do not allow the horse to eat, only give the horse small amounts of water at a time and gently encourage the horse to walk around slowly for short periods of time.
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