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Colic & Diagnostics

When is Colic Considered Surgical & Understanding Large Intestinal Colic

Large intestine colic is a type of surgical colic that often requires manual correction. These cases often progress more gradually than small intestinal lesions until it becomes a raging emergency. Here are the clinical signs and treatments for this issue as well as when a surgical correction is required for colic cases.

Discussing Medical Colics

In this video, Dr. Carina Cooper discusses the importance of distinguishing colic from enterocolitis in horses.

Medically Managing Colic Cases

Understand why medical management is used in most colic cases first with Dr. Carina Cooper.

Impactions and Obstructions

In this short video, Dr. Carina Cooper explains treatments for different impactions and obstructions in the horse’s GI tract that presents as colic.

Risk factors for Surgical Colic

When is surgery necessary for colic cases? This video explains the risk factors that often lead to surgical colics.

Colic summarised

What you need to know when you encounter a colic case.

How Good Vets Become Great: 3 Habits to Sharpen Your Equine Practice

I’ve asked myself this question more times than I can count, especially in my early years of practice. Would I trust myself with my own horse? On a good day? Maybe.On a bad day? I’m…

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An Insight to Horse Impaction Colic

What does a horse experiencing impaction colic look like? In this video, Dr. Carina Cooper explains impaction colic signs and treatment options.

FLASH Exam: Fast Ultrasound for Equine Colic

A quick overview of the FLASH exam including key views.

Discussing Medical Colics

In this video, Dr. Carina Cooper discusses the importance of distinguishing colic from enterocolitis in horses.

How Great Clinics Are Built: 3 Habits of High-Performing Teams

Ever wondered what makes some equine clinics thrive while others plateau? These 3 clinic-wide habits can sharpen clinical standards, improve case outcomes, and boost team retention – fast.

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Foundations of Colic Assessment and Diagnostic Decision-Making in the Horse

Colic remains one of the most challenging and time-critical conditions equine veterinarians manage in the field. Good outcomes rely on rapid assessment, clear differentiation between medical and surgical cases, and timely referral when indicated. The videos on this page highlight the core principles that underpin effective decision-making when presented with a horse showing gastrointestinal pain.

  • Recognising When Colic Becomes Surgical
    Large intestinal colic often progresses more slowly than small intestinal disease, but certain clinical patterns should immediately raise concern. Severe and persistent pain, deteriorating cardiovascular parameters, abnormal rectal findings, and unresolving gastric reflux all signal the need for referral. Understanding how these signs evolve over time helps vets anticipate when medical management will no longer be sufficient.
  • Distinguishing Medical Colic From Enteritis and Colitis
    Differentiating colic due to enteritis or colitis from true obstructive lesions is critical – both for treatment and prognosis. Horses with inflammatory disease often show systemic depression, fever, changes in fecal output and variations in hydration status. Recognising these patterns prevents unnecessary surgical exploration and allows clinicians to prioritise fluid therapy, anti-inflammatories and targeted medical management.
  • Medical Management: Building a Structured Approach
    Most colics respond to well-executed medical treatment. Analgesia, sedation, gastric decompression, fluid therapy and careful reassessment form the cornerstone of stabilisation. A structured plan that emphasises monitoring trends – rather than single data points – helps identify improving versus deteriorating cases. Good medical colic management is often what buys the time needed for a definitive diagnosis.
  • Impactions, Obstructions and Gas Accumulation
    Identifying the type and location of an obstruction guides both prognosis and treatment choices. Impactions of the pelvic flexure or cecum typically respond to fluids, analgesia and nasogastric administration of enteral solutions, whereas small intestinal lesions show more rapid deterioration and carry higher surgical risk. Recognising the classic clinical picture of gas colic, impaction or displacement allows for quicker, more accurate decision-making.
  • Risk Factors That Influence Referral Decisions
    Age, recent dietary change, exercise level, parasite history and previous colic episodes can significantly alter the likelihood of a horse requiring surgery. These risk factors, combined with the clinical exam, help veterinarians categorise cases early. Establishing a pattern across multiple findings builds a more complete picture than relying on any single sign.
  • FLASH Ultrasound for Colic Cases
    Focused ultrasound assessment (FLASH) has become an invaluable tool in the field. Even a brief scan provides insight into distention patterns, free abdominal fluid, intestinal wall thickness and motility changes. When performed early, ultrasound can clarify uncertainties and prevent delays in referral, greatly improving outcomes.
  • Learning From Colic Mistakes and Missed Diagnoses
    Every equine vet encounters unexpected outcomes or cases that evolve differently than anticipated. Reviewing real-world examples of misdiagnosed colics helps refine clinical judgement and improve future case management. Understanding where errors occur — and why certain cases mimic others – strengthens diagnostic confidence over time.