The intestinal flora balance is particularly delicate in the horse.
Colic (intestinal spasms) may be caused by a number of different factors :
- Irregular feeds
- Excessive feeds
- Insufficient number of feeds
- Fluctuating rations
- Excess protein (alfalfa, soya, etc.), starch (cereals), sugar (carbohydrates) relative to the horse’s daily requirements and weight
- Forage quality (mouldy, dirty hay, etc.)
- Insufficient quantities of hay
- Excessive ingestion of inedible artificial bedding or straw
- Check the quality and quantity of available water every day, along with water temperature
- Monitor drinking after exertion (water at room temperature)
Aggravating factors : weather conditions (sudden changes in temperature, stormy weather, etc.)
Ask your veterinary surgeon and specialist technician for advice.