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IMPORTANT WEST NILE VIRUS
INFORMATION: go to
the following link to find out everything about the West Nile
Virus. www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/wnv_info.htm
COLIC: WHAT EVERY HORSE
OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW!
Everyone who knows horses knows
that colic is a very, very serious problem. If you are new to
the horse world the following will help you
understand what colic is and what to do if your horse is
suffering from it.
Colic
is the #1 killer of horses. Horses of any age,sex or
breed may suffer from colic. Colic is not a disease,
rather combination of signs of abdominal pain in the horse
which you will learn about shortly. It can be mild or severe,
but must not be ignored regardless. The condition which
caused the colic may often become life threatening in a very
short time, so colic is always considered a veterinary
emergency!
RECOGNIZING
COLIC: Accurately identifying colic and early diagnosis can
help your veterinarian properly treat your horse and maximize
its chance of recovery. Because signs of colic can vary
greatly among horses, knowing your horse and its habits
can help you catch a problem
early.
Some
of the most common signs of colic
are:
*Not eating *Kicking
or biting at belly
*Rolling , especially violently *Not
eating Pawing, when it's not a habit
for this horse *No or diminished gut sounds(ask
your vet or trainer to teach you) *Lying
down and getting up
repeatedly *Excessive
sweating for no apparent reason
*Rapid pulse or respiration
*Depression
In general any behavior that seems out of the ordinary for
your horse are signs that a problem may be at hand, and
your veterinarian should be alerted.
Following
you will find some tips on what to do when you suspect your
horse has colic. Keep in mind that time is critical if for
colic to be treated successfully. Some colics require a
significant amount of medical care, some even need emergency
abdominal surgery, many also resolve with minimal care,
basically on their own, NO COLIC NO MATTER HOW MILD IT SEEMS
SHOULD EVERY BE TREATED LIGHTLY!!! If you suspect your
horse has colic, CALL THE VETERINARIAN, and do the
following:
1
Remove all food,
2.Have the following info for your
vet: A. pulse
rate B. respiratory
rate C. rectal
temperature D. color of mucous membranes E.
behavior, ie: rolling kicking , depression, off
feed... F digestive sounds G.bowel
movements, number, consistency, H. recent feed changes,
new stresses I. any previous colic, other
pertinent history.
Until the
vet arrives, keep the horse as calm as possible. Allow the
horse to lie down if comfortable and resting
quietly. If the horse is trying to
roll, try to walk it slowly. Be careful when handling a
painful animal, they may behave very differently than
normal. Do not administer any medication unless
instructed to do so by the vet. Drugs may mask a serious
problem and make a correct diagnosis more difficult.
This has
been a lengthy, but I hope informative section for horse
owners and horse lovers alike. Whether you ride for pleasure
or show, occasionally or frequently, YOU are important to help
keep our equine friends happy and healthy! Until next time,
keep on horsin'!
.
Please feel free to call us with
any questions or comments you have @
(626)355-7801. Happy hoofbeats to you, Colleen
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