Compaction Colic H 



COiMPACTION COLIC 



I Compaction Colic, [Obstruction Colic], [Engorgement Colic] and 

 often improperly called [Indigestion] [Constipation]. 



Compaction colic is probably the most dangerous form of colic. 

 Wliile the disease itself is probably no more dangerous than other forms 

 of colic, often times we are prone to console ourselves by thinking the 

 horse is not very sick because he does not exibit all the symptoms of 

 intense pain. 



However if the owner waits a few hours in a case of compaction 

 colic for the horse to develop symptoms of intense pain the chances 

 for recovery are greatly reduced. But on the other hand if he begins 

 treatment as soon as the first symptoms develop, giving himself ample 

 time to get the horses bowels to move, the results will be highly satis- 

 factory in a very high per cent of the cases. 



CAUSES 



Any food taken into the horse's intestional canal in an improper 

 shape for digestion may cause this form of colic. Among the more 

 specific causes are change from grass in the fall to dry stalks or other 

 dry feeds with a constipating effect. Horses that have been accustomed 

 to work or frequent exercise and are stabled on full feed often develop 

 compaction colic. Neglect in watering or cold weather causing the 

 horse to drink sparingly making an insufficient supply of water for pro- 

 per digestion often causes compaction colic. Dry dead grass frequently 

 causes compaction colic. Defective teeth, predispose to compaction colic. 



SYMPTOMS 



Probably to the observing individual the first noticable symptom 

 is the horse lagging on the halter when led or lagging in the single tree 

 when hitched. This form of colic more often but not by any means 

 always, attacks older horses, frequently it attacks the new-born foal, which 

 is dealt with under "The Care of the Young Colt." 



In this form of colic the food fails to make its proper passage 

 through the intestional canal. The horse gives signs of abdominal pains 

 by looking around to the side or rear flank. They paw and may or may 

 not lie down occasionally. These symptoms may be distinct or very 



