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Pregnant Mare Showing Colic Signs
Summary
Colic in pregnant mares is relatively common, especially in the last few months of pregnancy. Pregnant mares are probably predisposed to increased intestinal dysfunction because of the space occupying mass of the pregnancy. There are also particular conditions causing colic that are only seen in the pregnant mare. An example of this is uterine torsion.
Signs of colic include the listed of related observations. Any or all of these signs can range from mild to severe, but severity of any signs do not always correlate to the severity of the problem. Horses may show one sign, or many.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- When you first notice signs of colic.
- If a horse has had flunixin (Banamine) and has not returned to normal attitude and appetite.
- If you are concerned about the pregnancy or the mare and want an evaluation.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- To learn how to minimize the likelihood of the problem in your horses.
- Once the problem is resolved it is still wise to evaluate the horse's general health and management to ensure there is no underlying problem.
your role
What To Do
Your pregnant mare is showing signs of colic pain. If it is safe to do so, assess their general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) paying particular attention to attitude, heart rate, mucous membrane appearance, capillary refill time, and gut sounds. Also look at the appearance of the vulva and udder as these areas provide information about the pregnancy and could suggest impending foaling. Share these findings with your vet when you call them. Walk the mare calmly until your vet is able to evaluate her.your vet's role
- What is the mare's age, breed and history?
- What was her last recorded breeding date?
- When did you first notice signs of colic?
- Can I have your location and directions to get to you as soon as possible?
- Have you noticed vaginal discharge?
- Does the udder appear enlarged?
- Does the udder have milk in it?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
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Right Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon
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Left Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon with Nephro-Splenic Entrapment
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Difficult or Delayed Foaling, Dystocia
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Ruptured Prepubic Tendon
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Fetal Hydrops, Hydroallantois & Hydramnios
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Lack of Uterine Inertia
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Ruptured Uterine Artery, Post-Partum Hemorrhage
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Premature Placental Separation
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health