Winter Colic

Does a change in weather change the risk of colic?

We’ve all heard how excessively hot or cold weather can increase the risk of colic, but how does it actually occur? It seems to be less about the severe weather itself, and instead related to how it changes horse behaviour and ultimately, our management of them.

Cold weather events can lead us to make abrupt changes to the management of our horses which can increase the risk of a colic episode occurring. These may include sudden stall confinement, changes in feed, reduced exercise or even inherent stress from environmental changes. Any of the above changes in management can directly affect the microbiome and motility of your horse’s gut, potentially causing colic.

Changes in temperature can affect feeding and hydration status, leading to an increased risk of colic. Heat waves can reduce appetites and increase sweating, causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Colder weather typically leads to increases in hay consumption and decreases in water intake, resulting in a higher risk of impaction colic. Cold weather, rain and storm events can also disrupt routines, reduce grazing time and increase stress, all of which can alter gastrointestinal motility.

How to reduce the risk of weather-related colic?

1. Encourage water intake

• Clean troughs regularly and ensure fresh water is supplied.
• In particularly cold periods troughs can freeze over and water can become less accessible and less desirable for your horse to drink. Ensure ice is broken away from troughs regularly or consider the use of trough heaters in especially cold climates.
• Adding salt to their diet can help to cover basic sodium requirements and also encourage water intake. For a 500kg horse consider adding a total of 50 grams of table salt (sodium chloride) to their feed per day.

2. Feed changes gradually

• Always introduce new pasture, pellets and hay gradually, over a period of 10-14 days.

3. Monitor closely

• Always watch your horse closely for changes in appetite, water consumption, behaviour and manure consistency - especially during weather events/changes.

4. Maintain movement

• If horses do have to be confined, provide enrichment, hand walk them where possible, and ensure constant access to a forage source.

5. Overall health management

• Horses that have had prior colic episodes, metabolic or dental issues may be more vulnerable to developing colic. Monitor these horses closely and ensure any health issues are addressed.

Whilst it seems changes in the weather trigger colic episodes, the real risk comes with how we respond to weather events - e.g. management of turnout times, feeding routines, exercise and hydration. Understanding this can help us manage our horses through seasonal weather transitions and avoid preventable colic episodes.

If you have any concerns about your horse, or questions about how to manage colic, please don’t hesitate to call the clinic on 03 5725 1464.