Colic

Colic is a general term used to describe signs that indicate pain in the gastro-intestinal tract. There are a large variety of physical causes including impaction (e.g. of feed or worms), volvulus (rotation of the gut), torsion (twist in the gut), thromboembolic (blood clot), hypermotility (over-activity of the intestinal tract) and strangulation (disruption to the blood supply).

Signs that may indicate a horse has colic include increased temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate, patchy sweating, general distress e.g. horse looking at his flanks, kicking the abdomen, repeated rolling and restlessness.

Anatomical predisposing factors include the unfixed position of the left colon, narrowing of the right dorsal colon, the caecum blind sac, upward movement of ingesta, the long mesentery of the small intestine and the inability to vomit.

Management factors involved in colic include diet, diet changes, environment (e.g. box, pasture, sandy soil, weather conditions), exercise routine changes, and vices e.g. windsucking.

Certain physical conditions can predispose horses to colic, for example, a heavy intestinal worm burden, teeth problems and scrotal hernias in colts.

Can Equissage help?

Yes - but please use with absolute caution as the use of Equissage should only be considered in a spasmodic case - and then only if the discomfort present in the horse is mild. Whilst many horses quite regularly get "a bit colicky" and there is often no need to call a veterinary surgeon as owners are quite able to manage the condition themselves, obviously there are times when swift veterinary intervention is of utmost importance, such as when a twisted gut or impaction is suspected. A seemingly mild spasmodic colic can readily result in a twist; Equissage cannot correct a twist - surgery is required; its use will only make a bad situation worse.

If used when there is an impaction, there is the theory that the massaging effect will help to clear the impacted material by stimulating the muscles of the gut (peristalsis) into moving the mass that has built up. However remember that whilst the impacted material is in situ the body continues to absorb moisture from it so all the time the impaction is becoming harder and so more difficult to move. By trying to stimulate the body into forcing the material along the intestinal tract whilst it is so hard can cause damage to the gut lining as well as adding to the pain the horse will already be in.

Application:

In a mild case of acute colic the gentle massaging effect - by using the Pad on a low setting for a few minutes - can help to ease the muscular spasms of the gut wall particularly in cases where the most likely cause of the colic can be attributed to a stress-related issue (such as a sudden change in routine, a fright, travelling, etc.) or eating too soon after strenuous exercise. It is not advisable to apply the Pad for long periods at a time; much better to use for just 5 minutes every, say, 20 minutes. This allows Equissage to have an effect, but not be too much of a stimulant which could compromise the condition and also allow the owner to assess the situation - improving or worsening in which case veterinary intervention is required.

In more severe cases, once the horse's condition has been effectively stabilised and has remained so for several hours, then the Pad can be used on a low setting for 20 minutes for the next few days to help relieve and soothe tender muscles as well as restore and promote good circulation.

If surgery has been necessary, then Equissage is a wonderful therapeutic tool to help restore the horse to full health. A horse that has been through the rigours of surgery will be quite tender and a gentle massage will help to soothe and relax muscles. Until sutures are removed then use of the Hand Unit alone is recommended on the upper body and lower legs.

As box rest is necessary for a period of time, then the benefits to the horse are immeasurable guarding against stiffness and filled legs, promoting muscle tone and good circulation. Regular use of Equissage as part of the horse's daily management routine will see him happy and relaxed which in turn will help to retain a healthy appetite and promote normal bodily functions. Do not be tempted to use a setting that is too high; No.3 - No.4 is quite sufficient, certainly until the horse is well recovered. Equissage can remain part of the daily routine as the horse returns to work.

For the box-rested horse, Equissage can be safely used 3 times a day, although a lower setting is recommended for no longer than 20 minutes each time so as not to over-stimulate. Localised use of the Hand Unit can help with horses that are prone to tightening of the hamstrings and back muscles, as well as on the neck muscles.

Point to Note:

If you have used your Equissage machine prior to calling the vet, you should advise of this.

For more information please call 0800 072 1180, email us at info@equissage.co.uk or request a FREE TRIAL