Question

Why should water be withheld from a colicky horse?

Answer

No oral feedstuffs or water should be administered to a colicky horse without the direct advice of a veterinarian. The equine stomach has a limited capacity, and horses are not able to vomit like humans. If a horse’s stomach is already full of fluid and food material that is not passing normally into the small intestine, the stomach could rupture.

If a horse is colicky enough, it will likely be uninterested in eating or drinking. If dehydration is a concern, then the veterinarian will administer intravenous fluids as needed.

Food and water should be withheld until a veterinarian advises otherwise and all signs of colic and pain have passed. At this point, the horse will probably be more interested in feed and water.