Medical Management of the Colicky Foal

Many cases of colic in foals can be corrected medically with the assistance of a veterinarian.
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Medical Management of the Colicky Foal
Bain stressed it’s important for horse owners to seek veterinary care for foals in pain, as a veterinarian will be able to select the ideal pain management option for each individual situation. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
Just like with their adult counter parts, some foals suffering a bout of colic could require surgery to relieve the pain and fix the problem. However many cases of colic in foals can be corrected medically with the assistance of a veterinarian.

At the American Association of Equine Practitioners Focus on Colic Meeting, held July 24-26 in Indianapolis, Ind., Fairfield T. Bain, DVM, MBA, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVP, ACVECC, an internist at Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery in Weatherford, Texas, discussed several methods by which to medically manage colic in foals.

A veterinarian should first perform a physical examination of a colicky foal to determine the severity of the problem.

“Perhaps the most important issue in approaching the foal with colic is to determine the specific cause and whether the problem is or has the potential to require surgical treatment for correction,” Bain began, noting the advancements in imaging and endoscospy that have aided the ease of monitoring a colicky foal

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Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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