The number one concern of horse people is colic, according to most surveys.  When the seasons change, horses are more prone to certain kinds of colic because of changes in weather and available feed.  As winter approaches, dehydration colic (not enough water in the digestive tract) is very common.  Many horses rations are switched from pasture grass that contains 75-80% moisture to hay that contains only about 10% water, so they must drink more.  But, horses will drink less water as the water temperature gets colder, and no water once it freezes in their buckets. 

If your horse has a bout of dehydration colic, your veterinarian will probably give him 5-7 liters of water and salt solution via an IV (intravenous) tube.  The farm call and treatment can easily cost $100.00 or more.  If re-hydration can’t solve the problem, colic surgery can set you back $2-3,000.00, not to mention the worry and discomfort you and your horse will suffer and the potential for fatal results.  So what can you do to help prevent Dehydration Colic?

• Reevaluate your horse’s entire ration for the winter season.  High-forage rations tend to hold more water in the digestive tract and are preferable to high-grain rations for many reasons. 

• A horse’s energy requirements for maintenance will increase with colder weather.  The extra energy should be provided by good quality hay rather than grain, because hay produces more body heat when digested than grain. 

• Make sure your horse gets enough salt and minerals to maintain the fluid balance in his blood and tissues and to encourage thirst (about 1-3 oz. GROSTRONG Minerals/horse daily). 

• Make sure your horse has sufficient water that is warm enough to be readily consumed.  Horses cannot get enough water from snow. 

• When the weather suddenly gets colder, like it has recently across the country, I recommend adding hot water directly to your horse’s feed right before you give it to him.  This works well with any kind of pellets or cubes, since they will absorb a lot of water.  Whole grains (oats, corn) absorb less water, so don’t overdo the water with them.  You can even soak your hay in hot water before you feed if your horse is prone to dehydration. 

• Be sure to provide an amount of moist feed that will be eaten before it can freeze.  You might need to divide your horse’s total ration into more meals during severe weather. 

• Adding hot water to your horse’s normal ration is better than feeding a bran mash, because the horse’s enzymes and intestinal bacteria are accustomed to digesting his normal feed. 

• For older horses with poor teeth, I feed warm mashes all winter. 

Have a healthy Winter Season!

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