Colic

Just a heads up to horse owners and horse care takers that the vets in the London area are overwhelmed with the number of colic in horses right now. For those of you with horses please be extra careful over the next few weeks and especially this weekend. Remember that any change in temperature more than 10 degrees is very stressful for the horses. Many horses haven't had good quality of turn out and mobility over the past few weeks due to the mud, ice and snow. Although we will be inclined to turn into "Weekend Warriors", (a term used for horse and rider combinations that don't get much exercise the rest of the week and then work out too hard on the weekend) with this heat wave, remember that your horses are already under an enormous amount of stress with the change in weather. Some things to keep in mind: - An extra water bucket hung in your horses stall isn't much trouble and helps ensure your horse doesn't run out of fresh, clean water before you get a chance to refill it -The warm weather can be used for other things than long rides, which will be stressful for your horse. Use the warm weather to give your horse some grooming attention and to clean your tack -Take your horse for a walk in hand rather than a trail ride and check for holes and debris that may have collected on the trails over the winter -Mineral Oil can be found at most pharmacies and grocery stores and is an inexpensive but crucial part of your first aid kit