We are going to go from a high of 60° on Wednesday to 22° on Thursday (in the Parker area) with a snowstorm moving in overnight (80% chance of snow). This is prime weather for colic. Between the barometric pressure changes, rapid temperature drop, and moisture in the air – horses can colic much easier. This can be due to many factors.
Some ways to avoid colic during drastic temperature changes can include: feeding probiotics, feeding electrolytes or salt, providing a clean (preferably heated) water source so the horse has 24/7 access to (non-frigid) water – as horses can dehydrate in cold weather much easier.
Another good tip is to put extra hay in front of your horse, this will help the digestive process work more naturally, as horses are intended to graze all day rather than eat a couple of large feedings. The more evenly distributed food is in the horse’s hindgut, the less likely they are to get blockages or heavy spots and gut twists.
As always, check with your veterinarian with any health concerns and to make sure you have a good plan setup for your horses.
Some symptoms to look for in case you think your horse is colicing:
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Pawing
- Turning to look at their belly/flank
- Rolling, trying to lie down and get up repeatedly, overall discomfort
- Not drinking
- Not pooping
- Mucousy defecation
- Decreased or no appetite
- Sweating excessively for the condition
- High Pulse (50 beats per minute +)
- Lack of gut noises or excessive gut noises
- Frequent attempts to urinate
- Dehydration (See here for tips to keep your horse drinking)
Stay warm!
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