If you want to print this publication, we recommend downloading the PDF version. For further reading Colic is a general term given for any abdominal pain. There are many types and causes of colic, as well as predisposing factors. Digestive colic, the true form of colic, can be caused by feeding and management practices. The intestine may become blocked and twisted, or gas may develop.
Spasmodic colic is the mildest and most common.
It is associated with over-excitement or sudden feed changes. It generally responds well to modest medical treatment. Impaction colic is caused by normal ingesta or foreign material blocking the intestine. It may be caused by increased coarseness of forage, decreased intestinal fluid, or interference with normal intestinal movement. If the blockage prevents passage of gas as well as ingesta, surgical intervention may be necessary.