This is difficult to determine in the horse as its abdomen is normally distended, housing the enormous large intestine. An accumulation of gas in the large bowel, due to blockage, causes distension. Anorexia Anorexia accompanies most general infections, abdominal disorders and pain. The appetite of healthy horses is stimulated by exercise. Colic Colic is pain in the abdomen.
Extreme pain shows as restless, uncontrolled movement and sweating.
This must not be allowed to continue as colic in a horse may be fatal. Professional advice must be sought. There is no equivalent in the horse of the ulcerative colitis of man. There is an uncommon, usually fatal colitis of the horse, believed to be due to a parasite. Constipation Intestinal parasites may also cause the opposite effect - one of constipation.