Question about bad colic problem?

Question

I found my 17 year old Q/H gelding  at pasture this morning with what looks like a case of colic. The vet was over twice. The horse has been hydrated, tranquilized, banamine, both times. He pulled a lot of poop this morning, can't feel any blockage. Noises are right. Temp was normal this morning, but low (98.1 F) tonight. The horse has peed twice, pooped once tonight. Now the meds have worn off, and I am walking him again. I can't leave him in his stall because he keeps getting locked into a corner, so he is in the round ring for the night, up and down, clearly the problem is still there.

So here is my question. I suspect he has eaten something. The area is eastern Ontario. The pasture is rough, with some burdock and some wild parsnip. Someone (who was not familiar with horses) called this "poison parsnip" last year, in a conversation. It is supposed to be a skin irritant, but it never bothered me or the horses that way. We also have stinging nettles, some outside the fence, but none inside. (BTW, I am working at it)

What kinds of weeds in this area would cause colic symptoms ?

Any other ideas ?

Thanks for your help.

Furballs · Accepted Answer

Very scary. Been there..this is the ontario gov. website lisiting toxic plants in this province that affect horses.
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/poison.htm

Burdock is not one of them, nor are nettles. Never heard of poison parsnip either. But the horse may have some issues with his gut that meds can't fix. I pray not. Good you have the round ring, he's a lot less likely to get cast in that. If at all possible don't leave him alone. If he goes down and rolls again, you may end up with twisted gut and nobody needs that.

Has he had a lot of parasite treatment ? I read an article where a herd in Quebec had high incidences of colic due to over use of deworming meds. The horses lost their immune response to the parasites. Unlikely but you never know.

Buttercups are one toxic plant that most people don't know about.. but most horses won't eat them  unless they are really hungry and not getting enough hay or concentrates.

Wishing for the best..

Fizzgig · Answer

Any extreme weather changes suddenly like a cold front or warm front that would have changed his watering habits?

Ron Sr · Answer

am not sure about the weeds in your area but if you have mineral oil give him about a half gallon that should clear out what is bothering him.

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Question about bad colic problem?

3 Answers