Most horse owners know that colic is one of the most dangerous situations for horses. Colic is when the intestinal track is either blocked or obstructed in some way, causing great distress for the animal. While most instances of colic can be reversed using mineral oil and a rectal exam, surgical colics are those that require surgery in order to save the horse.
Colic surgery for horses is more dangerous to the animal’s life than most surgeries are for humans. This is, in large part, because surgical colics often result in permanent damage and even death to the large intestine itself. While most colics are caused by either gas or food particles lodging in the intestine, effectively blocking blood flow and bowel movements, some colics are the result of a twist in the large intestine (“twisted gut”), which isn’t attached to the abdominal wall.
When you notice that your horse is exhibiting signs of colic, don’t immediately assume that colic surgery will be necessary. You should, however, call the veterinarian for an immediate examination. The most common signs of colic are disinterest in standing, preferring to lie down; stretching the abdomen while standing; nuzzling the flank repeatedly; pawing at stall bedding or ground; kicking toward the abdomen with back hooves; and continual rolling.
Surgical colics (colic that requires surgery) will usually present more drastic symptoms, such as a horse who repeatedly throws himself down on the ground or who refuses to get up.
The veterinarian is the only person who can determine whether or not your horse needs colic surgery. After a preliminary examination, the vet will administer a few CCs of pain killers before using a gastrointestinal tube to administer mineral oil (which will break up an impaction). A horse that doesn’t respond to either treatment may require colic surgery, particularly if the physical symptoms worsen.
Colic surgery must take place at a veterinary hospital where a surgeon is in residence. You will need to trailer your horse to the hospital and make sure that a surgeon is available to do the surgery upon your arrival. You may need more than one person to get your horse off the ground and into the horse trailer, so make sure you have assistance before you make plans to leave. When you arrive at the hospital, the surgeon will conduct another examination before proceeding to the surgery.
In some hospitals, you can watch your horse in colic surgery through an observation window, though it is often difficult to witness. The horse will be placed on an examination table, to which he will be shackled, following the administration of anesthesia, and a tracheal tube will be used to give oxygen and further anesthesia. The surgeon will life the horse’s legs into the air with a winch, then shave and sanitize the abdomen. After that, incisions will be made to the abdomen so that the surgeon can locate the exact location of impaction.
As mentioned above, colic surgery for horses is dangerous. They can react negatively to the anesthesia and lose the ability to breathe. In some cases, the surgeon will discover that little can be done to save the intestine, in which case he might recommend to the owners that euthanasia be administered.
After colic surgery, the most critical hours are the first forty-eight, during which your horse will be monitored closely for signs of a second colic. Because equine hospitals are scary places, horses often work themselves into a dangerous situation and their intestines twist again out of sheer distress. Many surgeons will recommend that the owners stay with the horse as much as possible to keep him calm.
If your horse has to have colic surgery, you will have to make the decision of whether to go forward with this expensive procedure or put him down. The success rate is not so low as to be insignificant, but there are plenty of opportunities for something to go wrong. If you don’t carry equine insurance, all expenses must come out of pocket.
