Horse Health
Horse Colic in the UK — Signs, First Aid & When to Call the Vet
Published Last updated 3 min read
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.
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.
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.
What to do while waiting for the vet
- Call your equine vet immediately — share your location (What3Words or map pin if remote)
- Stay safe — do not enter a stable with a thrashing horse; remove buckets and hazards from the area
- Remove food — no hay or hard feed until the vet advises
- Allow water unless your vet says otherwise
- If the horse is standing quietly — keep them in a safe, well-bedded area
- 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.
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.
Reducing colic risk
- Make diet changes gradually over 1–2 weeks
- Provide constant access to fresh water
- Maintain regular dental care and parasite control with vet-guided worming
- Avoid sudden access to lush spring grass or grass cuttings — both are colic and laminitis risks according to the BHS
- Plan ahead with your vet's emergency number and insurance details
Colic incidence often rises in spring and autumn when management changes.
When to call the vet
Immediately for any REACT sign — even mild pawing or reduced droppings. Colic is never a wait-and-see condition.
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the signs of colic in horses?
- Restlessness, rolling, pawing, flank watching, reduced droppings, sweating, rapid breathing, and abnormal gum colour. The British Horse Society uses the REACT acronym to help owners recognise signs quickly.
- Should I stop my horse from rolling if they have colic?
- According to current UK colic research, preventing rolling does not prevent a twisted gut. Prioritise safety — do not enter a stable with a thrashing horse. Call your vet immediately.
- Is colic always an emergency?
- Yes. Colic is the most common equine emergency in the UK. Some cases resolve with medical treatment; others need surgery. Early veterinary assessment improves outcomes.