Re: Colic

["Michelle Fink" <michrowe@redwrench.com>]

> This may be an opportunity to discuss the merits of walking horses
> that are experiencing colic.

Hi Marv -

Our vet says not to walk the horse until she gets there (or mosey a few slow
laps around the house).  We have an Icelandic who has gotten into grain
twice and colicked - once when then neighbors left the gate between our
pastures open, once he got into the grain drill a farmer had parked
overnight in the field.  Both times he has been tubed, oiled, and given
banamine - and then walked lightly afterwards.  Walking him uphill causes
him to burp and release some of his gas buildup, so we walk him for a half
mile every hour or so until he's feeling better.

Before we call the vet she likes us to:
check gut sounds on both sides
check digital pulses
check hooves for heat
check temperature
check heart rate
check capillary refill & gum color
if he poops before she gets there, save manure in a bucket (I guess to see
how much is moving through him & to see if it's wet?)

Did I miss anything?  Anyone have a different protocol?

m