Colic (abdominal pain) in horses often starts with an innocent cramp, but sometimes the colic symptoms are caused by a twisting or blockage of the intestine. This causes a disturbed blood circulation in the horse's intestine, which can then no longer function properly due to a lack of oxygen. Colic sometimes leads to the death of the horse, but fortunately it can usually be treated well.
The symptoms can be, depending on the cause and duration of the colic, the breed, the character and the age: Scratching with foreleg, stretching and phleating (raising the upper lip), restlessness, lying down and standing up alternately, looking at the flanks, kicking and biting, rolling, rapid breathing and sometimes groaning, lying on the back, sweating, suddenly quiet, lethargic and exhausted.
