Urgently need help

AlDestoor

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please need some advice.

My friends horse has been diagnosed with colic with trapped wind as it has moved the colon.

She has been given 30% chance so at this point i am willing to try anything.

I have read that Gripe water helps, if so, how do i feed it her?

She cant have any food atm. She hasnt pood but there is no blockages.

All vitals are normal so she does have that in her favour..

So doesGripe water work if so, how do i feed it her?

Thank you
 
Gripe water works with trapped gas in babies because it encourages the air to be belched out ... It's my understanding - although more than happy to be proved wrong - that horses are unable to burp, so I'm not sure I would use gripe water on a horse ...
 
Never heard about using this but I would guess syringe it into her mouth. Has your friend checked with vet about using this? If not then please do check - you don't want to make things any worse. Good luck and I hope she recovers.
 
We have done that, its been going on since 8am yesterday. Shes got no better, but no worse either.

The vet says its just waiting for her really coz she could release it and can back to normal, or release it and it could twist. The problem is, this is her last chance as she has already had the colic surgery.

We are willing to try absolutely anything at the minute.

My friend has been at the stables since 8am yesterday. Exercised etc with no improvement.

She is in atm, with just hay but she has not touched it. She has had a wee, but no poos and is releasing SMALL amounts of gas however, nothing big to get our hopes up for!

Vet said that 30% of horses that this happens with, they go back right, which is 70% that dont, and if it doesnt shes going have to be pts :(

Any ideas?
 
Hi there.
Ohh dear i hope your friends horse is ok and my advice can be useful.
I have never herd of giving a horse gripe water, but i can not see it doing any harm if you do, however i would imagine that you would have to give the horse a full bottle as a dose for it to do any good.
There are several natural methods you could use.

Epsom salts in the water, to get them to drink lots and calm the stomach. You will have to read the label and take the weight of the horse in to consideration, and how bad the colic is before working out the quantity to give. Your vet will be able to advise how much.

Lots of walking in hand if the horse is up, so that encourages the horses gut to work. And gentle massage around the stomach and back to help the muscles to relax, same as a baby with gripe in a circular motion using the palm of your hand. For at least 10mins.

You could also try some fresh curly leaf parsley, parsley has wonderfull qualaties for every type of upset belly, and even bad breath.
Again the amount would depend on horses weight.

Hope this helps and the gg is better soon!!!
One other tip if she does start getting an appetite wich is a good sign feed a little straw, its very delicate on the belly and doesn't contain as much acid as hay or grass.
Sending healing vibes for the gg too. X
 
We have done that, its been going on since 8am yesterday. Shes got no better, but no worse either.

The vet says its just waiting for her really coz she could release it and can back to normal, or release it and it could twist. The problem is, this is her last chance as she has already had the colic surgery.

We are willing to try absolutely anything at the minute.

My friend has been at the stables since 8am yesterday. Exercised etc with no improvement.

She is in atm, with just hay but she has not touched it. She has had a wee, but no poos and is releasing SMALL amounts of gas however, nothing big to get our hopes up for!

Vet said that 30% of horses that this happens with, they go back right, which is 70% that dont, and if it doesnt shes going have to be pts :(

Any ideas?

Personally, I wouldn't be messing around, Id have the vet back pronto to syringe mineral oil into the horse, to help line things (preventing further damage) and helping things loosen up) Has the vet already administered oil?
 
Fennel may help to reduce the subsequent bloating caused by intestinal gas build up. For flatulence or colic, horses can be free-fed fresh fennel greens— as much as they want— until they find relief.

Also Aloe vera juice.
 
I wouldn't give Gripe water without referring to the vet. Gripe water makes you burp to release the gas, but horses can't burp as their necks are too long, so you could possibly worsen the situation.

I hope your friend's horse comes through this.
 
I have just read this thread and was hoping for good news when I got to the end.

I am so sorry you lost the mare, pass on HHO condolences to her owner.
 
Thanks for all your kind words, the yard is grief stricken by the loss of her. Her face will be missed. She was a much loved horse for everyone on the yard. Can't believe she has gone. :'(
 
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