mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320 
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Post by mingiz on Dec 26, 2014 14:46:42 GMT
Walking the horse sometimes helps with a non severe colic. My old vet actually told me that studies have proven that walking can hurt the horse. But mainly in a sever case of colic. Such as one that has been rolling and thrashing and could have the possibility of twisting the gut. The stud I treated was walked and he had so much pain that he laid down and refused to get up. You have to realize that if you catch it early, walking is ok if a horse has been colicky all night and you find them the next morning then I wouldn't.
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Post by diamondgirl on Dec 26, 2014 17:00:33 GMT
Ok I read the article. Thank you HL4L for sending the link. I think that, because I a so afraid of colic, I will probably call the vet before I am even sure that, that's what is going on. After reading about Bute and Banamine, I think it would be best for me to not have any on hand. I do have some Bute, but that is for Stormys leg, not for colic.
Sorry to bombard your thread with questions Ming, but I have had questions for some time, but was afraid to ask, all of them, on the other place. I just didn't want someone to tell me I was to neglectful, or to ignorant, to own horses. I try very hard, to do the best I can, for all of my 4 legged family members.
Another thing I was thinking of, is there a way, those of you who have experience with colic, to put what you have learned under the Vet topic? I know the first thing that happens to me when faced with a crisis, is my brain goes blank.  If I want to grab some quick information, I will never remember where this thread is. Of course I don't want to read through 5 pages of my dumb questions, to get to the info either, so is there anyway someone who knows the answers, to address the questions without having someone (me) take up precious reading time, by asking poorly worded questions.
Question; Now here is my next question. If I find a horse, that I suspect, is showing signs of colic, #1 call the vet. I understand that, but it will take some time, for the vet to get to my house, and more than likely they will want me to bring the horse to the clinic, which might eliminate the problem, because my horses poop in the trailer. My question is, what about the enemas, for the novice. My guess would be yes. The sooner the better, but I want your advise.
Thank you, Glenda |
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on Dec 28, 2014 3:06:50 GMT
All horse's poop when they get on a trailer. That is usually a nervous reaction. Even my horses as many trailer miles they have poop before I get the doors closed. Some people will load them when they are colicky to see if they will poop. It won't hurt. Colic can be caused by many things. Bad feed, hay, changes in diet, something they ate in a field, weather changes. So it's hard to say what should be done. My old vet always told me to give a dose of banamine. If they are in pain it helps relieve it. I use a paste which works faster and I don't have to inject it. I gave Sugar a dose of the banamine then walked her. I gave the Fleet mainly because I heard no gut sounds. If their guts isn't moving or gurggling it usually means they are constipated, which isn't a good thing. So even though the fleet won't hurt them I gave it just encase she was starting to be constipated or compacted. If they get that far it may not be pretty. That is usually when they will lay down and roll trying to get rid of the pain but that just causes more issues like twisting a gut. If they twist the gut there is a good chance they won't survive unless you have a equine hospital close to operate on them. I also have a vet book that I go to if I'm having issues I haven't dealt with before. I like you live out of town and sometimes it will take a vet time to get to you. So I will do what I can until they get there. The Vet book I have is Called:
Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook it's a 2nd edition so it's old but has been helpful. It covers
The System of the Horse
Parasites
Emergencies
Reproduction
Pregnancy and Foaling
Infectious Diseases
Feeding and Nutrition
Common Problems
Drugs and Medications
Index of Signs and Symptoms
You won't see the Fleet thing in a vet book. But I used it for a last ditch situation and it worked. Hope this helps you..
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Post by diamondgirl on Dec 28, 2014 5:17:07 GMT
It is such a huge responsibility, when we take on the care of an animal. They won't tell us when, or where they hurt. All we can do is pray we can understand what is going on, and take the appropriate measures. Honey (Hubby) is, for lack of a better term, going through a bad colic right now. Its a chronic thing with him, due to pain meds, but I have to make the decision whether to take him to the ER, or not. I am about to break into the horse fleets stash, and give that a try. I would try putting him in the trailer, but I don't think that works with humans.
I read about Misters passing, and I can't even express how much my heart is breaking for his Mom. I guess some of us were just blessed with a huge love for animals, and we must endure the pain when one is lost.
Thank you for the information. I know I should buy the book, and I will buy a vet book, but sometimes I want to go back to the time, when I was blissfully ignorant, and my Dad had all the answers. Even if he didn't have all the answers, he had a shoulder to cry on, or was someone who would take the blame, or help with the pain, when something went wrong.
You know Ming, it has been a difficult time here on HA, and even though it has brought tears, and fears recently, I wouldn't trade you guys for anything.
I will keep Praying for all my friends, and the wonderful animals we love. |
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Post by mustangsavvy on Jan 2, 2015 2:41:29 GMT
I like to ask my vet before doing anything - she is a phone call away and doesn't mind question.
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on Jan 2, 2015 4:08:21 GMT
I like to ask my vet before doing anything - she is a phone call away and doesn't mind question. That's a good thing.  But in my case I have over 40+ years of dealing with horses. I have seen a lot of colic and other things. So I will try what I know first, then if I'm not sure. I call a vet. My vet knew if I'm calling her, things aren't good. I have also been lucky with my own horses. Sugar was the only 2nd colic of my own horses have had since owning them and I don't know her health history. But I caught it early enough to take care of it. Usually it was horses I took care of which was my main job for the longest time.  |
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Post by mustangsavvy on Jan 2, 2015 4:43:22 GMT
I like to ask my vet before doing anything - she is a phone call away and doesn't mind question. That's a good thing. But in my case I have over 40+ years of dealing with horses. I have seen a lot of colic and other things. So I will try what I know first, then if I'm not sure. I call a vet. My vet knew if I'm calling her, things aren't good. I have also been lucky with my own horses. Sugar was the only 2nd colic of my own horses have had since owning them and I don't know her health history. But I caught it early enough to take care of it. Usually it was horses I took care of which was my main job for the longest time. I have a lot of experience - I am a veterinary assistant after all. I have seen a lot of colic. I still contact my vet and start a dialogue with them. Personal preference. -shrug- |
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Post by horselady on Jan 3, 2015 1:21:58 GMT
I would have done what mingiz did. try to control the gas bubble and keep a close eye on the horse. also i use banamine as per vet instructions to help the cramps and if i do not have that i use seagrams 7 via turkey baster and i have helped many a horse get over the colic.
of course if all else fails have vet come over.
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Jan 3, 2015 1:34:10 GMT
Horselady, are you using alchohol to dissolve the oil/mucous film around the gas bubbles to allow them to seep out?
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Post by horselady on Jan 3, 2015 1:43:36 GMT
YES,, old farmers treatment for gas colic. get them a little tipsy and they begin to pass gas and feel good . better. any cheap whiskey will do. i keep a few pints on hand just in case.
hic cup ..... toast
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Jan 3, 2015 2:53:45 GMT
Sure, sure THAT'S why you keep it on hand... |
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Post by diamondgirl on Jan 3, 2015 3:16:57 GMT
So you use whisky when the horse has gas colic, right? I wouldn't have any idea how to tell the difference between one kind of colic and another, but I do know Stormy will almost tackle you for a sip of beer.
I really think my best plan of action is #1 call the vet, #2 put the horse in the trailer, #3 hook up the truck, (if that doesn't worry the poop out of them) #4 drive to the vet, (if that hasn't worried the poop out of them, #5 let the vet do what he, or she needs to do to fix the problem.
I just worry so much about them. My animals become my kids, and I love them all. It just seems overwhelming sometimes. Horses are so big, and strong, but so delicate, at the same time. |
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on Jan 3, 2015 4:59:34 GMT
Us older horse women have seen a lot throughout our years of working with and owning horses. There are plenty of old farmer treatments. Most of the time they work. This is why we don't call or at times bother the vets. If we can fix it we usually do. But if we have doubts we will make that call. I also have whiskey on hand, but usually for me... JR is my beer drinker, loves coffee too... |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Jan 3, 2015 13:18:58 GMT
Gerald and I are tea-totalers and we rest well knowing that if something should happen we could always eat them.
jk, Gerald's a woosie
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Post by horselover4life on Jan 3, 2015 13:19:16 GMT
diamond...need to change the order of attack with your "treatment"....
Hook up trailer to truck then load....that way the stomping horse is not bouncing the trailer off the ball. You load and get on the road....
Tis not pleasant to have a horse go down in a trailer and now you need to get them up and off....
And, just because a horse poops does not mean colic is over.
If the feces are past the impaction or gas bubble point I have found the saga goes on....so a pooping horse is a pooping horse.
You need to add all the other parts of the puzzle together to achieve relief and gut returned to proper working functional poop shooter & gas reliever.
Now I have also done the whiskey thing too for the horse but would never mention it as it is a "old-farmers tale" and most think you nuts using them....they work though, they work.
I've done beer for the horse needing to gain weight and dark beer for the horse who needs help sweating.... Old farmers tales or not, they work!!
As for the walking stuff.... 633995
I was told no walking aimlessly for a extended time.
Let the horse rest and walk only as needed. If the animal is laying quietly leave him....
There is no telling how long the colic episode may go on for and to conserve strength....the horse gets exhausted too, many forget that fact.
If the horse though is down and obviously looking to roll get him up 757724then walk to keep him on his feet if at all possible and make that call again with a dire emergency  ....they get it moving in your direction a whole lot faster trust me.
Again, watch carefully, and let the animal stand and rest quietly as a spasm releases....
Anyone told differently???  makes me wonder if what I've been doing may be wrong.....
jmo...
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Jan 3, 2015 21:10:54 GMT
HL4L - my vet has told me the same thing. If the horse is resting quietly, no need to walk aimlessly. I've not heard about the whiskey and whatnot though.
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Post by diamondgirl on Jan 4, 2015 0:53:36 GMT
Ok I understand about the trailer. I will hook it up first. I realize if they are confused and in pain, they won't want to stand quietly, so I should hook it up first.
I talked to my farrier today about the change in feed and my concerns. I explained how I soak their feed, twice a day.
He asked me if I was trying to sell my babies. NO!!! I told him offended. He said well that's a good thing, because I can't imagine anyone who would want to buy a horse that you can't ride if it is hot, because they might get sweaty, or to cold, because they might get cold, or to wet, or to dry, or to windy because it might blow their manes around, especially if you have to soak their feed, and feed them twice a day.
Then he said, "he would tell them that if they ever did colic, they would have to spend the night at the vet's, and they would treat them like a real horse, rather that a spoiled horse, so they wouldn't dare get sick."
He did tell me, if I ever did get into trouble, and I couldn't get one of them loaded by myself, to call him. If he was anywhere close he would get here fast, to help. He told me, don't get hurt, because nobody is going to spoil my horses like I do, if I am hurt.
Thank you for the info about, just because they poop, it doesn't mean they are all right. I have been listening to their gut sounds, with my ear against their bellies, so I know what normal sounds like. Usually when they eat their grain I just have to be standing near them to hear their belies gurgling. I need to remember to take my stethoscope out with me.
BTW; Adam was exaggerating. They can be ridden in less than ideal conditions. I would just rather not be out riding in those conditions.
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Jan 4, 2015 1:56:10 GMT
So Diamond, you're the one who is "spoiled" not the horses  I'm saying that because tomorrow may be 20 below and I'm wondering, "Am I going to go out there tomorrow?" No short distance from her corral to a heated arena for us anymore. But then Peaches is out in it anyway, no problem for her. I will say I have no problem getting everything all ready, going out there and then deciding, "Nope, too cold!" At least I tried. |
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Post by diamondgirl on Jan 4, 2015 3:01:14 GMT
Oh  . 20 below? That is unbelievable. I think it got to -20 here once. It was a long time ago. A few years ago it got to -17. I was boarding Stormy and Diamond at that time. I went out to check on them, and found the water tank frozen solid. I found a hammer, and broke the ice. All the horses were so thirsty. I thought it was strange that the ice felt warmer than my hands. Well I didn't want to get my gloves wet, so I had taken them off to remove the ice.
Anyway I did get a stern talking too, about using a good hammer to break ice. I think I went a little hysterical on my BO, but the tank never froze solid again. Ah well, that's all in the past now.
I do have a question. How do you keep your face from freezing? I had insulated gloves, with warmers, insulated boots, with warmers, and layers of clothes, but I thought my face was going to freeze off.
Now, I wear my pajama bottoms under my hat for extra warmth, but the other day it was +5 with a 30 MPH wind, and even with my PJ close around my face, it still was stinging cold. If I wrap them over my nose and mouth, my glasses fog over and I can't see. If I try to go out without my glasses, I can't see.
You wear glasses. How do you do it??? |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Jan 4, 2015 3:37:33 GMT
Oh yeah, the pajama bottoms on the head, I forgot about that, thanks for reminding me. I dont' wear my glasses when I work with Peaches. And wearing a hat and glasses don't mix either, way too uncomfortable.
That wind... oh man, that's the tough one, I don't think anyone wants to do much outside if they don't have to when the wind is that strong.
Just for fun; here's what I wear when it gets really cold.
Start with polypropylene long underwear top
Then waffle weave long under that
Then sweatshirt with a hood (I'm thinking of getting a fleece sweatshirt with a hood, that would be really warm)
On the bottom heaviest long underwear with the thickest smartwool socks
Insulated duck/canvas bibs
Arctic muck boots
Fleece/turtle fur neck gater
put up the sweatshirt hood
Put on glove liners (a must if its below zero)
Put on down parka
Now the hand protection is problematic; stay warm and not be able to do much or have layers
My selection in order of warmth from least to most down gloves, leather mittens over wool mittens, down mittens
One of the many reasons I miss riding Buster is that I could be wearing all of that and still go out for a ride, he was so safe that even if I were totally clumsy with the reins we'd be okay. We'd stay in the corral anyway so what the heck, right? Peaches isn't there yet, she needs too much attention and would be all freaked if I were clumsy. Besides I'd ride bareback on Bussie which was pretty darn cozy. Gosh I miss that big lug
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If I want to grab some quick information, I will never remember where this thread is. Of course I don't want to read through 5 pages of my dumb questions, to get to the info either, so is there anyway someone who knows the answers, to address the questions without having someone (me) take up precious reading time, by asking poorly worded questions. 
But in my case I have over 40+ years of dealing with horses. I have seen a lot of colic and other things. So I will try what I know first, then if I'm not sure. I call a vet. My vet knew if I'm calling her, things aren't good. I have also been lucky with my own horses. Sugar was the only 2nd colic of my own horses have had since owning them and I don't know her health history. But I caught it early enough to take care of it. Usually it was horses I took care of which was my main job for the longest time. 
....they get it moving in your direction a whole lot faster trust me.
makes me wonder if what I've been doing may be wrong.....
. 20 below? That is unbelievable. I think it got to -20 here once. It was a long time ago. A few years ago it got to -17. I was boarding Stormy and Diamond at that time. I went out to check on them, and found the water tank frozen solid. I found a hammer, and broke the ice. All the horses were so thirsty. I thought it was strange that the ice felt warmer than my hands. Well I didn't want to get my gloves wet, so I had taken them off to remove the ice.