A horse's risk of impaction might be elevated by decreased exercise, restricted water intake, administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and poor dentition, said Amy E. Plummer, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, in a recent Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice review of intestinal impactions.

It is important to remember that impactions are not the only types of colic, so a veterinarian should be consulted to diagnose the cause of an individual horse's colic. Most impactions are treated medically, but surgery can be required if the horse does not respond to medical treatment or if the horse is too painful to treat medically, Plummer said.

"Colic is common in horses and it is important to know the signs," Plummer said. "Owners should call their veterinarian if their horse is colicking. Owners should educate themselves on the risk factors for colic/impactions and do things to minimize these for their horse."

Owners can help by keeping the horse's routine regular. Plenty of exercise or time in the pasture and fresh water should decrease a horses' risk of developing an impaction