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The Equine Surgical Emergency and Critical Care Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital provides 24-hour access to specialized emergency surgery and intensive care management of colic, trauma, and orthopedic emergencies. The integration of experienced and knowledgeable clinicians, veterinary technicians and students in a fully equipped and technologically advanced facility enables a high standard of care for critically ill horses.

“Colic” is an unwelcome word in the equine world. The majority of equestrians have at least one colic story, with outcomes ranging from good to gut wrenching. Since colic is common and can have serious implications, it is an often-discussed topic, complete with plenty of anecdotal evidence, myths, and unscientific advice. We teamed up with Julie Dechant, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVECC, professor of equine surgery and assistant director of the UC Davis veterinary hospital’s Large Animal Clinic to provide some clarity on equine colic.

Perhaps one of the only things worse than having a horse colic is having a horse colic again. Recurrent colic refers to repeated episodes of abdominal discomfort that occur over weeks to years, with at least 48 hours between episodes. Although common, recurrent colic can be frustrating as it is often challenging to diagnose the underlying cause since clinical signs are usually mild.

Most equestrians will encounter a colicking horse at some point. Whether the episode is mild or severe, being able to recognize the signs of colic and react quickly and appropriately may be vital. There are things that you can do before, during, and  after a horse colics to maximize the chances for a successful outcome.

Since colic is not a matter of if, but when, it is best to be prepared. Here are some important things you can do before a horse colics:

Colic is a top concern for owners and veterinarians. Although it is common, our understanding of colic is complicated by the fact that it is not a simple disease, but a syndrome of clinical signs that encompasses multiple risk factors.

Abdominal pain in horses ranges from mild and easy to treat (or resolves on its own) to severe and requiring surgery, generally falling into one of four categories.

Intestinal dysfunction - This type of colic usually responds to medical management and has a good prognosis. It includes:

Center for Equine Health Teaching Herd horse Driftintwistin Smoke, a 14-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, was prone to colic. Initially, medical management easily resolved the episodes. However, subsequent colics were harder to treat. The suspected cause was recurrent displacement of the large colon, a serious condition that  can quickly cause painful blockages that lead to colic.

Summer is a time of transition at UC Davis. We say farewell to graduating students, and welcome many into the equine veterinary profession. We wish them well in the next stages of their careers!

For the summer Horse Report, we chose a big topic - colic. Colic is a word that gives pause to even the most seasoned equestrians. One of the most common equine health conditions, it is of significant concern for owners and veterinarians.

The cornea, the clear tissue at the front of the eye, provides a window for the horse to see through and focuses light on the retina, making it essential for proper vision. Wounds in the cornea, or corneal ulcers, are common in horses. They have several potential causes, including injury, infection, and autoimmune disease. If not treated quickly with the correct therapy, they can affect vision permanently and even result in the loss of the eye. 

Interpretation of equine vision is complicated and highly subjective. Understanding how your horse sees the world, and being able to identify when vision is compromised, will enable you to work with your veterinarian to manage the health of your horse’s eyes. We collaborated with the UC Davis Ophthalmology Service to draw attention to some things you might not know about equine ophthalmology.

Diseases of the middle layer of the eye, the uvea, are among the most common ocular conditions in horses. Depending on the disease severity and duration, vision can be significantly compromised. For this reason, regular eye examinations are an essential part of routine care.

Inflammation of the uvea (iris, ciliary body, and choroid) is known as uveitis. It can occur once, such as with trauma or infection, and never again. Other forms are caused by an immune-mediated response to a systemic infection, autoimmune disease, or other triggers and may be chronic or recurring.

It can be frustrating when your horse spooks at something outside of the arena while you are going to the right, and then again to the left as if he’s never seen it before. Your horse is not trying to be difficult; he just sees things differently than you do. Whether heading to a jump, negotiating a turn to a barrel, or navigating the trail, aiming to understand how horses see the world can benefit their performance and welfare. 

Cassie, a 17-year-old Oldenburg mare, was referred to the UC Davis veterinary hospital’s Ophthalmology Service for a stromal abscess in the left eye. Stromal abscesses can result in significant inflammation and pain and often require complex (and expensive) surgery to prevent blindness or the need to surgically remove the eye. Thanks to the combined expertise of the Ophthalmology, Equine Internal Medicine, and Anesthesiology Services, Cassie was able to undergo specialized surgery that resolved the issue and preserved her vision.

Equipment to conduct OCT imaging is new to the Ophthalmology Service since fall of 2023. The technique uses light waves to capture cross-section images of the cornea and retina at  nearly microscopic levels. This non-invasive approach can assess deep ulcers in the eye, informing diagnostic decisions and enabling ophthalmologists to track healing. UC Davis is one of the only equine services in the country that offers this technology.

Like most equestrians, all of us at CEH have been eagerly anticipating a return to drier, warmer weather, and longer daylight hours. The center has been busy with teaching labs, student activities, outreach events, and research projects.

Our cover model, Anisette, is a 31-year-old Arabian mare. Donated in 2006, she has been an integral part of the CEH herd for almost 20 years. This sassy lady may be small in stature, but she has a big personality. She has many opinions and is not afraid to share them!