On this episode, I am joined by Phil van Harreveld, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA, Senior Equine Professional Services Veterinarian with ⁠Merck Animal Health⁠ to discuss best practices for caring for horses with colic, as well as preventing infection in wounds near the joint area.

About Dr. Philip van Harreveld

Before joining Merck Animal Health, Dr. van Harreveld practiced as an equine veterinary surgeon for more than 22 years. He pioneered the first equine referral hospital in Vermont, which he founded and operated for over two decades. In addition to handling the hospital’s field cases, he managed the in-house medical and surgical case load. He considers his favorite accomplishment to be the training of more than 18 veterinary interns with whom he still stays in contact and provides support on a regular basis. Dr. van Harreveld received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University, and his master’s degree and surgical board certification from Kansas State University.

Understanding, Diagnosing and Preventing Equine Colic

Dr. van Harreveld explained that colic is a general term used to describe abdominal discomfort in horses, with the majority of cases being related to intestinal pain. However, colic can also stem from other issues, such as bladder stones or ovarian tumors. Understanding this is crucial for anyone involved in the care of horses, as it highlights the importance of not overlooking any signs of discomfort.

Understanding the nature of colic is also crucial. Colic can manifest in different forms, such as impactions or strangulations. Impactions are somewhat analogous to human constipation, where the food in the horse's intestine becomes dehydrated and fails to move through the digestive system. This can lead to significant discomfort and even more severe complications if not addressed with rehydration and other medical treatments.

On the other hand, strangulation colics are far more severe, involving the twisting of the intestine, which cuts off the blood supply. Without surgery, this lack of blood flow can cause the intestine to die, leading to a rapid deterioration in the horse's condition. The stark difference between these types of colic underscores the importance of quick and accurate diagnosis to determine the appropriate course of action.

Why You Should Always Check a Horse’s Temperature Before Colic Treatment

When it comes to managing a colic episode, Dr. Phil strongly recommends involving your veterinarian as early as possible. While many horse owners reach for Banamine, an anti-inflammatory drug from Merck Animal Health⁠⁠ , he cautioned against administering it without first taking the horse’s temperature. A fever can indicate an infectious origin for the colic, and giving Banamine might mask this critical symptom. As Dr. Phil pointed out, a horse with a fever associated with colic is generally not a candidate for surgery, making that initial temperature check vital.

One of the exciting developments Dr. Phil shared is the introduction of a biothermal chip that can be used to monitor a horse’s temperature through a microchip, without the need for a rectal thermometer. This technology could be a game-changer for facilities like mine, where horses are constantly coming and going. Being able to quickly and accurately monitor temperatures could help catch potential issues before they escalate.

Colic Prevention Tips

Preventing colic is all about routine and consistency. Horses thrive on a daily routine and are sensitive to changes, whether it’s in their diet, water quality, or environment. Dr. Phil emphasized the importance of making gradual changes to a horse’s diet to avoid disrupting their gastrointestinal system. He also mentioned some practical tips, such as bringing your own water to shows if your horse is picky about drinking local water or conditioning them to drink flavored water with additives like Gatorade.

Ensuring that horses have access to fresh water, both before and after exercise, is key. He also mentioned that if a horse isn’t drinking enough, adding electrolytes to their diet or even administering fluids via a tube or IV might be necessary in more severe cases.

Gastric ulcers, a common issue in horses that travel frequently, can also contribute to colic. These ulcers can lead to low-grade colic and affect a horse’s eating and drinking behavior, further complicating their care. Being vigilant about our horses’ health, especially when they’re under stress from travel or competition, is key to preventing gastric complications that can lead to colic.

Early Diagnosis of Equine Colic

Early diagnosis and timing is key when it comes to treating conditions like colic. The ability to identify issues early and act quickly can be the difference between a full recovery and a much graver outcome. Reflecting on nearly 30 years as a surgeon, Dr. van Harreveld recalls countless cases where timely intervention during a colic episode has led to remarkable recoveries. Horses treated at the right moment, whether it's through medical management or surgical intervention, often go on to enjoy long, successful careers post-recovery. It's vital for horse owners and caretakers to understand that opting for surgery in the face of colic doesn’t just save lives; it preserves the potential for these animals to lead productive lives afterward.

Addressing Wounds Near the Joint Area in Horses

Switching gears to wound care, particularly in areas near joints, timing again plays a pivotal role. Dr. van Harreveld shared that horses have several synovial structures—like joints, bursas, and tendon sheaths—that are filled with joint fluid. These structures, while essential for the horse’s mobility, also provide a prime environment for bacterial growth if injured. When a wound occurs over one of these areas, it’s a genuine emergency. Without immediate treatment, the infection can spread rapidly, leading to severe complications and potentially high mortality rates. However, when these wounds are addressed promptly—ideally on the same day as the injury—horses have an excellent chance of recovery, with survival rates exceeding 80%. This highlights how critical it is for owners to recognize these injuries as emergencies and to act without delay.

There’s also a common misconception that wounds near joints are less serious if the horse isn’t showing significant lameness. But even in cases where the wound allows joint fluid to leak out, creating less visible pressure and lameness, the situation can be just as dangerous. These cases might not immediately present with severe symptoms, leading to a delay in treatment, which can result in more severe outcomes when finally addressed.

Timing is Everything

In both colic and wound cases, timing is everything. Regular monitoring and a keen eye for any changes in your horse's condition can prevent these situations from escalating. As horse owners, we need to trust our instincts and take swift action when something seems off. Early intervention not only increases the chances of recovery but also minimizes the likelihood of having to make that emergency call at 2 AM—a time when getting immediate help can be much more challenging.

Overall, this was an incredibly informative conversation. Dr. van Harreveld’s expertise and practical advice are invaluable for anyone involved in the horse industry, whether you’re a trainer, breeder, or competitor. His emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and the importance of working closely with your veterinarian can make all the difference in keeping our horses healthy and performing at their best.