Colic is biggest risk to horses this winter

Horses are at more risk of colic during the winter months compared to any other time of the year warns South West rural insurance company Cornish Mutual.

The insurer, which has Members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, says if the symptoms of surgical colic are not spotted in the early stages and you don’t seek the help of a qualified vet, it could prove fatal.

Equine colic is defined as abdominal pain - the most common forms of colic are gastrointestinal in nature, often related to small intestinal or colonic disturbance and may need surgical intervention.

Although there has been a good spell of mild weather lately, Cornish Mutual is concerned that it might see an increase in the number of cases of colic during the colder months, as owners in the South West bring their horses in for the winter.

Alan Goddard, managing director of Cornish Mutual, explained, ’It is not the cold weather that is the problem; it is the potential change in the management of the animal, because of the change in season. For example, if the horse has been outside in a field grazing all summer and is then brought into and kept in the stable for the winter, the change in their feeding or exercise regime could cause problems. If the animal is suddenly fed less fibrous and more concentrate food, this could be a risk factor for colic.’

There are over 216,000 horses in the South West, according to the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).

Bob Barker, veterinary surgeon at St Davids Equine Practice in Exmouth and Okehampton, has over 30 years veterinary experience in the South West. He said the practice sees three or four cases of colic on average each week, ’There are two types of colic ’ medical and surgical - and the latter can be life-threatening if not treated. Horses are the animal most affected by gut problems and we see more cases when there is a change in nutrition or pasture or they change to new hay too early in the autumn. If, during the colder months, their water freezes and they don’t drink enough or they eat snow that can also be problematic.’

Classic obvious signs of colic include pawing the ground, looking at their abdomen, excessive sweating, rolling, lying down and getting up frequently and not wanting to eat.

Bob added: ’As vets, we are able to assess the degree of pain and other clinical signs. Surgical cases are much more likely to be successfully treated if it is caught at an early stage. Horses are not able to vomit, they have a small stomach and a very large intestine and if there is a blockage in their digestive problem this is a serious issue.’

Alan Goddard, managing director of Cornish Mutual, said: ’Colic is a commonly seen insurance claim but it is something that all horse owners worry about, whether they are insured or not. The best advice is not to delay, contact your vet and call them out to you as soon as possible ’ this is the best way of diagnosing the problem and understanding the severity of the situation.

’The chances of a horse being treated and surviving are much better than they used to be. However, if the colic needs surgery, this is pretty serious and the costs can run into several thousand pounds. Most horse insurances will provide around ’5,000 worth of vets fees, medical treatment or surgery, so it really does pay to be covered.’

Cornish Mutual offers a wide and flexible range of bespoke equestrian insurances. Various levels of cover for horses and ponies of all ages can be provided including vets fees, liability to third parties, theft, loss of tack, and disposal and loss of foal.

The company arranges cover for personal accident, death or serious injury caused by the horse or while out riding. Should a horse suffer injury or illness, loss of use can be covered to up to 100 per cent of the value of the animal (depending on the policy).

The company also provides access to a free 24-hour helpline for Members to get advice in an emergency, as well as a round-the-clock vet helpline and legal protection cover in the event that the owner is unable to contact their own vet.