Colic — or abdominal pain resulting from gastrointestinal conditions — is one of the most common equine emergencies. While it can occur any time of year, there are specific causes of so-called “winter colic” and “spring colic.”
Winter colic most often involves impactions from horses eating drier diets, like hay. In freezing temperatures, horses also drink less water and exercise less, which results in dehydration and decreased gut motility.
In contrast, spring colic usually involves gas accumulation in the colon due to consumption of high-sugar, rapidly fermentable spring grass. Sudden shifts from hay to grass diets also lead to rapid changes in the gut’s microbial population.
That’s why it’s important to gradually introduce grass pasture. Ask your equine veterinarian for other tips to fend off spring colic.