What to expect from Stud Work Experience: Foaling Complications

What is Colic in Horses?

Colic is a term used to describe abdominal discomfort in horses, which can range from mild to severe. A horse experiencing mild colic might show signs such as going off its food and repeatedly watching its flanks, while a more severe case could involve the horse violently rolling around in pain, even after receiving a large dose of pain relief.

Colic can occur at any stage of a horse's life. However, certain causes of colic are more frequently associated with foaling mares, making this a particular concern during and after birth.

Katie (right) and Maeve (left) playing in the field together.

Three years ago, at Skelwith Stud, we had a case of post-foaling colic. Sadly, in this case, Liz had to make the heartbreaking decision to put the mare to sleep because she was too poorly to be transported to a referral hospital. We attempted to find a foster mare to raise the orphan foal, Maeve, but unfortunately, we were unsuccessful. Maeve was hand-reared and fed every 4 hours until the time she would have naturally been weaned.

Maeve was a bit lonely in her first few days of life, so Katie, the Shetland pony—very kindly donated by young Poppy Launder—joined Maeve to keep her company.

Young Poppy Launder enjoying a riding lesson on Katie with Liz whilst Maeve encourages her rising trot.

The mare suffered from a torsion of the large colon. Foals take up a large volume of space within the abdomen during pregnancy. After foaling, the abdominal organs move back into this space; however, in the case of our mare, her large colon twisted during this process. A colon torsion is an equine emergency. In cases where the twist exceeds 270°, the venous drainage and arterial blood supply to the colon are impaired, resulting in a breakdown of the mucosal wall. This breakdown allows bacteria and bacterial toxins to enter the bloodstream, causing a widespread inflammatory response throughout the body, known as endotoxemia.

However, this story does have a happy ending… Maeve, the foal, is now all grown up and has traded her field for an arena. She has now outgrown her loyal companion, Katie!

If you would like to learn more about breeding horses and stud medicine make sure you register an interest in the Equine Breeding and Stud Medicine Course; and if you do come and visit us you will have the opportunity to meet Maeve for yourself!