Avoid Winter Colic
The last few days has seen much of the country coping with temperatures well below zero. Much as it is nice to have the crispness of a frost especially when the skies are clear and the sun is shining, such weather can have a negative effect on your horse. The forecast is for a short mild period and then cold again.
First and foremost it can be the cause of an uncharacteristic attack of colic. REMEMBER that any colic has the potential to be very serious so it is up to you to assess the situation and decide if you need to be calling a vet.
A Horse MUST have access 24/7 to clean, fresh water
The primary cause of such colic in colder weather is lack of water intake. A horse needs to drink between 10 and 12 gallons of water each day to keep his digestive system in good working order. A reduced intake and a comprised digestive system can be the cause of an impaction. And be warned, a horse can become dehydrated quicker than you think.
For the horse at grass, if his water trough becomes frozen or even just the pipe to it (which stops the flow of fresh water) then immediately his welfare is compromised. ou should wrap water containers/troughs in an insulating material to prevent freezing. Packing straw around them is the simplest and easiest thing to do and putting a plastic ball into the trough will prevent ice forming in all but the coldest of conditions.
Not every horse will push his nose to break even the thinnest layer of ice; and of course in very harsh conditions this would not work anyway. Our horses are totally reliant on us to ensure that they have access to celan, fresh water 24 hours a day. Ok, so this means a bit of effort on our part but far better this than a hefty vet's bill or even no horse at all!
Whilst some horses will eat a bit of snow, this is not the same as having a proper drink so whilst the moisture will quench his thirst, it will not serve to keep the system properly hydrated.
Some horses will not drink cold water; this applies to stabled horses as well as horses that are out. Whilst it is significantly easier to ensure the stabled horse has water that is not icy cold as warmed water can readily be added to the bucket, for the outside horse, this makes insulation of troughs all the more important. Horses should be checked twice a day so take containers of warm water with you so that your horse can have a least 2 really good drinks each day so the risk of dehydration is reduced. Obviously if your horse does become severely dehydrated you will require the services of your vet asap.
Warmth
Native types should grow enough coat to keep them warm - provided they have food and shelter - but finer breeds will need a rug (or 2) to keep them warm. However the rug is no good if gets rain-sodden because it has broken down, or is not thick enough on a horse that has been clipped! So make sure you rug has enough insulating properties and that it is not in need of re-proofing. The fit of the rug is important - too tight and it will restrict movement (and possibly eating) as well as cause rubs. If it is too big, then rubbing will also occur and it is more prone to slipping - and the risk of getting hooked on something is all the greater.
Provide Shelter
We know the scenario that despite there being a lovely field shelter, there is your horse stood out in the pouring rain. However when there is a biting wind, most horse will seek shelter from backing up to the side of shelter even if they are reluctant to do inside. However, if you never find your horse in his shelter, then you should investigate the reason why - does it have noisy roof panels that rattle in the wind, it is draughty, had a small animal died in there (the smell will put a horse off going inside), much as the purpose of a shelter is to provide shelter, does it feel to claustrophobic, is the doorway wide enough and so on?
Are you enough of the right food?
Digeston of fibre in the hind gut creates warmth - the process (fermentation) is not only part of the digestion process and for keeping the gut moving properly, but such process generates heat - a horse's own internal boiler. And of course fibre is is one of the most important constituents of the diet anyway so by feeding plenty you are not only promoting the health of the digestive system but also helping to keep your horse warm. Ideally a horse should have access to forage 24/7. Feeding cereals does not provide such benefits.
Horses can suffer from hypothermia too (temperature lower than 99.5oF)
Another risk factor for winter colic is exposure to cold temperatures just as with people. But what to look for?
- Your horse seems reluctant to move with stiff and possible faltering steps when he does
- He will look depressed
- He is not keen to eat
- His responses may be subdued - the usual whinny may only be a twitch of a nostril
Treatment is the same - to get the horse warmed up safely as soon as possible. He must be got into a warmer environment so ideally bring him in or shut him in a shelter; if you have neither then stand him in your trailer/horsebox. If this is not possible, then at least get him out of any wind/rain by standing him against a high hedge, wall, etc. Whilst the use of rugs obviously keeps a warm horse warm, as we know ourselves, once we get cold often some extra assistance is required to get rid of the chill; similarly with your horse. Using an Equissage therapy pad increases body temperature but if you do not have access to one, then hot water bottles placed on the hindquarters (not too hot so as to burn the skin) help increase body temperature quickly. Some people even use hair dryers if their horse is ok with the blowing effect!
If you have any concerns about the health of your horse then call your veterinary surgeon.