I have read several references here in posts to "colicking" and wanted to find out what this means in reference to horses.

My son had colic as an infant, but I am guessing this is different. Is it stomach pains? Cramping? Air in the belly?

I would love to get some information!

Its basicly abdominal pain. Since horses cannot vomit, this can pose a very serious problem. They can colic from a varity of different things such as stress, poor food quaility, allergy, dehyration, etc. Signs of colicing are rolling, not eating nor drinking, laying down, etc. The first thing to do when you see colic signs are call the vet, keep the horse walking, do not stop or let them lay down.

Fancy horse, is correct. Colic is abdominal pain, from there your vet then has the task of finding out what is causing the pain. While you are waiting for the vet you can walk a horse but be sure as not to over walk the horse making him/her tired. They can lay down as long as they do it quietly and are not thrashing around. Laying quietly sternal or lateral with an occasional roll is not all bad. You don't want them up and down and banging themselves up. I've seen a lot of colicky horses where I work since it was a referral hospital. And have a horse of my own that has had surgery (Years ago now) and periodicly colics every couple of months. As long as he is quiet about laying down we just let them. When we (people) have abdominal pain we like to lay down and curl up in a ball. They (horses)do the same thing. I have seen horses that have been walked till they are exhausted. Walking is good but just do it in moderation. If they want to stand or lay quietly let them but if they begin to get violent then walk them some.

Thank you SO much for this information! My poor son was miserable with his gas pains, and we did everything we could to ease his pain. I don't think I ever knew that horses can't vomit! I never even considered that possibility.

Are most equine vets on/call 24 hours? Or, are there equine emergency vets that make these housecalls?

Depending on where you live there may be a referral hospital that is open 24/7/365. You will have to check with the local equine vets in your area to see what services they offer.

Thanks. This is one of the first items on my to-do list before I even get my horse. I want to have a good trusted vet who could look over any horse I might buy. Plus, I want to take my time to find just the right vet since it will be such an important relationship.

I appreciate the input!