Why Do So Many Horses Still Die From Colic?

This episode of the equine podcast provides an in-depth discussion on colic in horses. The host, Dr. Chris Mortensen, draws from his personal experience and academic expertise to provide insights on identifying signs of colic, understanding its causes, prevention strategies, and possible treatments. He describes how colic is the number one killer of horses under 20 years old and emphases the need for horse owners to understand this issue as 1 in 10 horses will experience a bout of colic annually. Mortensen shares personal stories that demonstrate the severity of colic and provides valuable information on how to manage it, including the importance of gradual dietary changes and regular vet check-ups. He also explores topics such as possible post-surgery recovery and the critical role of veterinary care in managing and preventing colic.   00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Colic Awareness 00:55 A Personal Encounter with Colic 04:40 Meet the Host: Dr. Chris Mortensen 06:00 Understanding Colic: Causes and Impacts 07:50 The Role of Diet in Colic 08:06 The Power of Education: A Life-Saving Story 11:24 The Evolution of Horse Digestion and Its Impact on Colic 15:38 The Risks and Causes of Colic 21:54 Preventing Colic: Dietary Changes and Management 27:26 Recognizing the Signs of Colic 28:58 Recognizing Abnormal Behavior in Horses 30:07 Identifying Signs of Colic in Horses 31:47 Checking Your Horse's Vital Signs 35:52 Understanding Types of Colic and Their Treatment 40:15 Post-Colic Care and Management 44:12 Reintroducing Horses to Pasture After Colic 45:09 The Importance of Colic Education and Prevention 46:42 Final Thoughts and Appreciation Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.  --------------------------------- Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠https://madbarn.com ⁠⁠ You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠ We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠[email protected]