Barb Nefer is a freelance writer based in Kissimmee, Florida. She is also a mental health counselor and travel agency owner. She specializes in self-help, travel, parenting, relationship, and animal-related articles (horses, cats, birds and dogs). Her work has appeared in such magazines as "The Writer," "Animal Wellness," "SuperVision," "Bird Talk," "SpeciaLiving," and "Twins."
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Horse DiseasesOverview
Colic is the number one killer of horses, so preventing it is critical to safeguarding a horse's health and life. While some types of colic cannot be avoided because they are caused by a physical problem in the intestines, other types can be prevented through some simple steps.
Step 1
Keep your horse on a regular deworming schedule. Heavy worm infestations can contribute to the development of colic. By treating your horse with a paste wormer medication every six to eight weeks, you can keep the parasite level minimal and prevent any dangerous effects. You should rotate the type of wormer used so the parasites won't build up immunity to one particular type.
Step 2
Feed your horse on a regular schedule. Horses are large, hearty-looking animals, but they have very delicate digestive systems. If you feed them on an erratic schedule, they may be overly hungry when you finally do give them food. If they eat too quickly, colic can result.
Step 3
Feed moderate amounts of food. Overfeeding can lead to the development of colic. If you need to give your horse a lot of grain to maintain its weight, split the food up into several small feedings throughout the day.
Step 4
Feed the horse in a bucket, trough, or other type of feed container. When you feed a horse by putting its grain or hay on the ground, it can also ingest foreign particles. Sandy ground is particularly dangerous because sand can build up in the intestines over time. Horses have been know to accumulate up to eight pounds of sand in their gut as a result of taking in sand while eating. To prevent this, put grain in a container and place hay in a hay net or manger.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : When a horse is hot and sweaty, especially after a hard bout of exercise, it may be eager to eat or drink but this can lead to colic. Don't give it access to food or water until it has cooled down. You can hasten this process by walking the horse around until the sweat and the chest area feel cool to the touch rather than very warm or hot.
- WARNING : Moldy or spoiled grain or feed can be fatal to your horse. Always check grain and hay before feeding them to a horse. If there are any signs of spoilage, don't take a chance on your horse's health. Throw the suspect food away.
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