Above are just some of the problems facing the owners of horses who get bloated due to excess gas build-up in the gut. Often it is caused by grass, but can be caused by a number of other things too.

If we sit and think about it for a while, what would we do for ourselves if we were bloated with gas? Well there are a number of treatments, from drinking boiled water to taking medication or natural remedies. One of the remedies used by many people, including myself, is charcoal capsules. I will explain more about charcoal later.

If we have a bad stomach ache sometimes it can help to vomit and get rid of whatever is causing the ache. But it's not so easy for horses.

CAN'T WE GIVE OUR HORSES SOMETHING TO MAKE THEM VOMIT?

Unfortunately not. Some people may not know, but horses cannot vomit.

Horses have a band of muscle around the oesophagus as it enters the stomach. This band works as a one-way valve. Food passes down the oesophagus into the stomach as the valve relaxes, but when it squeezes down on the opening, it cuts off the passage for food going back up. In horses, this muscle closes so powerfully they simply can't vomit.

Also, the oesophagus meets the stomach at an angle, which enhances the cut-off function when the horse's stomach is bloated with food or gas. Then, the stomach wall pushes against the valve, closing the oesophagus off even more completely.

One huge problem for horses is gas build-up in the gut. Horses can gas-up for various reasons, but one of the most common reasons is grass. Yes - a horse's favourite and most natural food can cause the most debilitating pain, sometimes leading to more severe and extremely life-threatening problems.

One of those problems is gas-induced or gastric colic.

Please Note:
I am only referring to the colic that may be brought on by the build-up of gas in the gut and no other colic

I am only touching slightly on colic and how to spot symptoms. Your vet will be able to give you as much information as you need on colic and as well as that there is an abundance of information available on the Internet on the subject.

This site is predominantly about gas build-up and how to maintain a healthy digestive system in your horse.

Gassing-up in the gut is extremely painful and CAN, but may not necessarily, lead to colic in varying degrees of severity. Colic is one of the most dangerous and costly equine medical conditions which is estimated to occur in one out of every 10 horses each year and is believed to be the number one killer of horses.

COLIC IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF NOT TREATED PROPERLY

If you suspect that your horse is suffering from colic, you must consult your veterinarian immediately. Just for your reference, here are some signs of colic:

	pawing the ground
	sweating
	looking around at the belly
	restlessness
	lack of appetite
	stamping the hind feet
	lying down

WITH MORE SEVERE, UNRELENTING PAIN, HORSES MAY:

	paw the ground violently
	appear drawn up or bloated in the belly
	suffer from muscle tremors or straining
	stretch out and relax their penis without urinating (males) and kick violently
	sweat profusely
	lie down and get up frequently
	roll or lie on their backs
	sit on haunches like a dog
	have an elevated or below normal (with shock setting in ) temperature
	have an increased respiration rate
	have an elevated heart rate
	have few or no gut sounds.