11/18/2025
🐴🍂 Fall Colic Alert from Veterinary Reproductive Solutions (VRS) 🩺🐎
As temperatures drop and weather patterns swing, we’re seeing an increase in colic cases—and we want to help you keep your horses healthy and comfortable.
👉🔍 What Is Colic?
“Colic” refers to abdominal pain, but the causes can vary—gas buildup, impactions, feed changes, or dehydration. Fall weather often creates conditions that make colic more common.
🍁 Why Colic Is More Common in the Fall:
🥶 Cooler temps = less water intake
🌡️ Rapid temperature swings cause decreased gut motility
🌾 Drying pastures reduce natural moisture in forage
🕰 Changes in routine/turnout schedule
💧🐴 Tips to Help Prevent Colic:
✔ Encourage Hydration:
💦 Fresh, clean water (even try offering warm water during cold spells!)
🧂 Electrolytes and probiotics
🌿 Soak hay or feed for extra moisture
🦷Ensure your horses have had their teeth evaluated by your veterinarian prior - improperly chewed forage can be a predisposing factor to some types of colic
✔ Consistent Feeding:
🍽️ Make changes slowly—no sudden hay or grain switches.
✔ Monitor Manure:
💩 Watch for decreased output or dry, firm manure.
✔ Keep Them Moving:
🏃♂️ Regular turnout + exercise = a happy, moving gut.
✔ Watch the Weather:
🌬️ Cold snaps can reduce water intake—be extra observant.
📞🩺 Why Keeping Your Vet in the Loop Matters:
💉Early intervention is key! The sooner we evaluate and enact a treatment plan, the better chance we have at beating your horses colic.
We do offer emergency services at VRS, but we’d much rather evaluate a horse early than get called when things have gone too far. If your horse seems:
😕 “Not quite right”
🚫 Drinking less
🐎 Acting uncomfortable
🔄 Showing any unusual behavior
…please contact us right away. Early intervention saves lives.
❤️🐴 Your horse’s well-being is our priority. VRS is here for you this fall and all year long.
