# Horse Colic in the UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-colic-uk): Horse Colic in the UK — Quick answer. Colic is abdominal pain and the most common equine emergency in the UK. According to the British Horse Society, use the REACT signs — Restless, Eating/droppings reduced, Abdominal pain, Clinical changes, Tired — and call your equine vet immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-colic-uk): Horse Colic in the UK — What is colic?. Colic is not a single disease — it describes abdominal pain that can arise from gas, impaction, displacement, or more serious intestinal twists. Only a vet can determine the type and severity. According to the British Horse Society, cases can deteriorate rapidly. Early recognition and prompt veterinary attention increase recovery chances and reduce suffering.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-colic-uk): Horse Colic in the UK — REACT — signs to watch for. The British Horse Society REACT campaign helps UK owners spot colic: | Letter | Signs | |--------|--------| | R — Restless or agitated | Box-walking, circling, repeated rolling, sweating | | E — Eating less or droppings reduced | Not eating, fewer or no droppings, changed consistency | | A — Abdominal pain | Pawing, kicking at belly, flank watching | | C — Clinical changes | Rapid breathing, increased heart rate, pale or dark gums, reduced gut sounds, eye abrasions from thrashing | | T — Tired or lethargic | Lying down more, dull demeanour, lowered head | Some horses show only subtle signs — know your horse's normal behaviour, droppings and appetite.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-colic-uk): Horse Colic in the UK — What to do while waiting for the vet. 1. Call your equine vet immediately — share your location (What3Words or map pin if remote) 2. Stay safe — do not enter a stable with a thrashing horse; remove buckets and hazards from the area 3. Remove food — no hay or hard feed until the vet advises 4. Allow water unless your vet says otherwise 5. If the horse is standing quietly — keep them in a safe, well-bedded area 6. Gentle walking — only if safe and the horse is willing; 15–20 minutes may help some impactions According to current UK colic research, you do not need to prevent rolling to avoid a twisted gut — focus on safety and getting veterinary help fast.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-colic-uk): Horse Colic in the UK — What the vet may do. Your vet will examine gut sounds, heart rate, gum colour, and pain response. Treatment may include pain relief, fluids, tubing, or referral to an equine hospital for surgery. Serious cases such as strangulation require urgent hospital care.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-colic-uk