sorry hit the wrong key,
VISUAL SIGNS:
lying down more than usual
getting up and lying down repeatedly
standing stretched out
standing frequently, as if to urinate
turning head toward the flank
repeatingly curling the upper lip
pawing at the ground
kicking at the abdomen
excessive rolling
change in manure
fail to defecate
PHYSICAL SIGNS OF COLIC:
faster heart rate
higher body temperture
SERIOUS COLIC:
groaning or rolling
shallow breathing
MILD COLIC:
lethargy
loss of appetite
fewer droppings
stomach ache
When we see any of theses signs, halter your horse and start walking, keep walking. Have someone to help you so you can take turns BUT KEEP THEM WALKING.
Call the vet immediately and have them checked.
Remove ALL FOOD.
Have lots of water access.
TO PREPARE THE HORSE FOR AN EVENT LIKE THIS:
use a toothpick when grooming the horse and pick them in the neck in preparation for an injection.
Build a standing stall, with access to all sides and back. Get the horse use to going in there. The back should have a rubber covered chain. And have at least two bales of hay handy to put at the back to prevent kicking the vet when the horse needs a rectal examination or a thermonator.
By doing this ahead of time this will keep the horse's strees level down and that is so important. And when you practise this by putting your(gloved covered) hand in their rectum they will eventually shift their tail right over and allow the vet to do what is needed.
Hope this helps you all,
Ronda

Thank you, onda, for this. I knew some of them but not all. How is Star? I hope shes feeling better.

Thanks for that info!

Hi Ronda,
thank you for giving us all the information. I knew all the signs, because it is part of my traineeship to know about horse illnesses.
But it is a wonderful tool for all those people who don't know that.
There are just three more signs I would like to add:
1. Rolling over their back and STAYING in that position lying on the back.
2. Sweating a lot, and cold sweats and cold skin surface in case of a cardiovascular collapse.
3. Dry mouth mucosa (sometimes).
I hope Star is better. I have never seen a colic until now and hope I will never.
Best wishes,
Jasmin from Hamburg, Germany

Hi just wanted to say the best way i have found to help with mild cases of colic are to put the on a jogger and give them 10 minutes of light to moderate work and also putting them into a float to help them do a poo also works a treat. horses always seem to poo when in the float for some reason. we also drench with parafin oil to help.

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to update. STAR is doing great. When we came home from work yesterday she came out to greet us with excitement in her step.
We are still walking her to keep things moving in the right direction. (15 minuets at a time)
Thank you all for your concern and best wishes.
Ronda

That is fantastic! I am so glad she is recovering so well. I can imagine the relief you feel after all the worry and fear. She is lucky to have you.

That's good!

That is such a relief, Ronda, and great news. Congratulations to you and your husband for bringing Star through this tough time. You can ignore my message under "Star is sick" now. Thanks also for the comprehensive list of symptons as it seems so important to pick up the problem early as you did. Take care.

Hey guys,
She's back to her spunky self. Running and jumping around. I have to say I was afraid and I did a lot of praying.
Again thank you for your support,
Ronda

Great, Ronda, really great that she finds her way back to how life was before to her. And she seems to like her life, when she is running and jumping around! You three (you, your husband und Star) are doing a great job, as it seems!
Keep going this way!
Best wishes,
Jasmin from Hamburg, Germany