Matthew Madron, DVM, will give a free seminar on colic in the horse on Tuesday, Aug. 3, at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The seminar, open to the public, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Central in the college's Alumni Room located in the main building.

Colic is a common and sometimes fatal occurrence that affects horses of any age, breed, gender or discipline. The word colic is generally used to describe abdominal pain in the horse, the source of which can be caused by a variety of conditions affecting the abdominal organs. "The goal of a colic exam is to isolate the cause of pain, determine if surgical intervention is needed, estimate cost of treatment, and provide a prognosis for the type of colic being treated," says Madron, equine resident at the Lloyd Veterinary Medicine Center.

During the hour-long seminar, Madron will educate horse owners on how to recognize colic in their horses as well as what diagnostic procedures comprise a colic exam. He’ll also explain the importance of a physical exam, rectal palpation, abdominal ultrasound, abdominocentesis, nasogastric tube placement and blood work.

For more information about the seminar, please call the Large Animal Reception Desk at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center 515/294-1500