Colic

Dealing with colic while you wait for the vet

Colic is a broad term for abdominal pain & generally refers to gastrointestinal tract/gut pain. Clinical signs of colic can include any or a combination of the following:

Pawing
Flank watching
Kicking at belly
Repeatedly goes down
Rolling
Repeatedly stretching out as if to urinate
Dog sitting
Decreased/absent appetite
Decreased/absent droppings
Sweating up
Lip curling (flehmen)
If you notice clinical signs of colic, STAY CALM, STAY SAFE, REMOVE FOOD, CALL YOUR VET.
While waiting for our vet to arrive, follow the advice that your vet has given you. We often ask, that the patient is gently walked (ideally in a sand school), if it is safe to do so.

Remember, 90% of colics are medical and respond to medical treatment.
However, up to 10% are more serious and require more intense management and/or surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance. Therefore, with colic, don’t take any chances and if at all in doubt, call your vet.