Your veterinarian will administer pain-killers to help the horse relax and laxatives to soften the impaction. The signs of colic will decrease because walking prevents the horse from displaying these signs. Walking a violently painful horse can distract the horse and prevent self-destruction. A horse that must be ceaselessly walked to lessen signs of colic is a horse that should be seen by a veterinarian. Another myth is that rolling will cause or increase the severity of colic.
Most horses roll a few times every day.
It is a mistaken belief that a truly sick horse won't eat. Eating will only add food material to the obstruction, increase the intestinal distention, exacerbate the pain, and make treatment far more difficult. For more information about horse management, contact your local equine veterinarian. This information was supplied by Dr. Theresa A. Fuess, Information Specialist at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine.