When it comes to colic, myths can be dangerous. Many horse owners have heard advice that sounds reassuring but is not always true.
Understanding a few common colic myths can help you make calmer, smarter decisions when every minute matters.
"Colic is a disease."
• Colic is not a specific disease – it simply means abdominal pain.
"Colic only happens because of feed."
• Feed changes can contribute, but colic can also be linked to many management factors
"Rolling causes a twisted gut."
• Rolling is usually a sign of pain: Preventing violent rolling can help avoid injury, but rolling itself is not usually what creates the problem.
"If the horse passes manure, it's not colic."
• Horses can still pass manure and have serious colic: Manure output is helpful information, but it does not guarantee everything is normal.
"Colic always looks dramatic."
• Not always- Some horses show only subtle signs!!
"You should always wait and see if it passes."
• Delaying can be dangerous.
• Early veterinary assessment often improves the outcome, especially in more serious cases.
"Pain relief fixes the problem."
• Pain medication may reduce signs: WATCH...... A horse that looks better can still have a serious issue.