Few words put more fear into a horse owner than "colic." It's a broad term for abdominal pain, it has many causes, and it's one of the most common life-threatening emergencies in horses. The good news is that colic is far more survivable when it's caught early — which means knowing the signs and acting fast can genuinely save your horse's life.

What colic actually is

Colic isn't a single disease — it's a sign of pain in the abdomen, which can come from gas, an impaction, a twist in the intestine, or several other causes ranging from mild to surgical. Because you can't tell from the outside which kind you're dealing with, every colic should be treated as a potential emergency.

The warning signs to watch for

• Pawing at the ground, or repeatedly looking at, biting, or kicking at the flank or belly
• Rolling, or lying down and getting up over and over, often restlessly
• Little or no appetite, and refusing water
• Few or no droppings, or straining with nothing passing
• Sweating, an elevated heart rate, or rapid breathing
• Stretching out as if to urinate, or standing in a "sawhorse" stance
• Curling the upper lip, or a general dull, distressed demeanor

What to do right now

Call your veterinarian immediately — don't wait to "see if it passes." While you wait: remove all food (hay and grain), but allow access to water unless your vet says otherwise. If the horse is trying to roll violently and it's safe for you, hand-walking can help keep them calmer and discourage rolling. Note the heart rate, gum color, and when they last ate or passed manure — that information is genuinely useful to your vet.

Prevention and the power of a baseline

Many colics tie back to management: sudden feed changes, not enough water, dental problems, parasites, or stress. Consistent feeding, constant clean water, regular dental care, and a sensible deworming plan all lower the risk. And knowing your horse's normal — appetite, manure, vitals — is what lets you catch "off" early. Keeping a simple record of each horse's baseline and any changes turns a vague "he seems quiet today" into something you can act on.

Colic is scary, but fast recognition and a fast call to your vet are the two things most within your control — and they make all the difference.