Colic in Pregnant Mares During the Last Trimester

Maintain consistent feeding schedules with good quality feed, fresh water and regular exercise.

Mild signs of abdominal discomfort are normal, however, watch closely to see if the discomfort becomes more severe, indicative of colic.

Colon torsions may occur in broodmares 30 days prior to foaling, most likely due to changes in abdominal space and colonic motility towards the end of gestation. Surgery may be necessary, but there is a risk to the foal and later, of the midline incision breaking during foaling.

Uterine torsions (part of the uterus twists) most often occur in the last trimester. The mare shows mild to moderate signs of abdominal pain like colic, but the pain is persistent. Surgical correction is necessary and there are several methods that can be used. Most mares foal normally following surgery.

After Foaling:

Colon torsions are most common in broodmares 60 days after foaling and again, are most likely due to changes in abdominal space and motility.

Reprinted with permission of the copyright holder and the Center For Equine Health. The materials offered in this article are intended for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian in matters regarding the health of your animals.

Please visit The UC Davis Center For Equine Health website for addtional information at http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh The Horse Report: Writer/Editor: Laurie FioEditor/WriterCenter for Equine HealthSchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaOne Shields AvenueDavis, CA 95616-8589phone: (530) 752-4434fax: (530) 752-9379e-mail: ltfio@ucdavis.edu

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