hi,
A couple od days ago we had a new livery arrive,
the horse seemed fine the first day but yesterday it seemed 'depressed'
about an hour ago it started showing its teeth and streching its neck out and seemed to gag (i know horses dont throw up just what it looked like) and twist its head in sharply. it was laying down then getting up repeatingly so we were about to call the vet,
but about 20 mins ago it stopped and she stood still then went to graze and seems okay now.
but is there a type of colic that comes in short bouts?
as it seems funny that she suddenly stopped
I agree that this sounds like an episode of choke, but low in the esophagus so you didn't see any food regurgitation. I'd be wetting down this horse's feed and observing her for another episode, since there is typically swelling and inflammation in the esophagus after it occurs.
Another possibility is gastric ulcer. The stress of moving to a new barn is enough to bring on an ulcer. Often, after a meal when the stomach expands to accommodate the feed, the horse will experience colicky pain as the ulcerated tissue is stretched. If you see this behavior happening right after a meal, and then it subsides as this did, it can mean that an ulcer caused the pain, and then as the stomach emptied and the stretching of tissue subsided, the pain subsided as well.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
I'd just observe the horse closely to see if you can figure it out, and take precautions with feeding. If it happens again, the vet should see the horse. Any observations you make will help the vet to find a diagnosis.
There's a few things than can cause this, yes colic can come in short bursts - not all colics are major long lasting ordeals, lots can just be a bit of a tummy spasm that sorts itself out.
However, to me this sounds more like a horse with a bit of choke - maybe not enough to cover up the whole wind pipe, but enough to be very uncomfy and his strange movements could have been in an effort to shift the blockage.
Contrary to popular belief, not everytime these things happen is it colic. It sounds like the horse worked out whatever was wrong and continued on. As long as he is eating and going to the bathroom he will be fine. Just watch for a reocurrance .. it could be temp change related or new food related ..
It could just have had a mild case of colic, or it could be showing signs of the beginnings of colic, so keep an eye on it if you can. But if it's stopped already I wouldn't be too worried.
I agree with Sazzy in that it sounds more like choke.
It reminds me of when my mare had a choke - she tends to do it low down so there's none of the usual associated gunk coming down the nose etc.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com If he starts doing it again have a feel down the front of his throat as you will be able to feel a lump if it is a choke.
I would do a pulse and temp check. A normal pulse is around 35 beats per minute or so. If it's over 40 that's a sign they may be in pain, and over 55 - 60 is an instant get the vet out now (these are resting heart rates) An elevated heart rate is a good indicator of whether something is wrong or not.
I would also suggest you call the horse's owner as it would be sensible to let them know.
