In a recent article posted on TheHorse.com, the top two factors for winter colic are identified, and methods of dealing with them are presented by contributing veterinarian Scott Leibsle, DVM.

A lack of fresh water is the number one cause—horses need between 10-12 gallons daily, and when waterers or buckets freeze over, dehydration can quickly set in.  Water that is too cold—even if not frozen—can make a horse choose not to drink.  Electrolytes can help, but the main water supply needs to be kept fresh—add them instead to the feed, or a separate water bucket.

Extreme cold temperatures are the other main risk factor.  As long as they have a full hair coat, most horses should be able to stay warm on the coldest days, as long as they are able to remain dry—access to shelter is also important.  When using blankets on horses with shorter coats, care must be taken to change out blankets when they become wet—ideally, each horse should have one or two extra blankets on hand.  Once wet, the moisture freezes and traps the cold, letting the horse lose stored body heat.

Access to permanent shelter is ideal, though temporary shelters can work if secured against high winds and heavy snow.  Ensuring 24-hour access to forage is imperative—the fermentation process used to digest hay generates heat (concentrate does not share this benefit) that helps to maintain body temperature.

It’s a good idea to monitor your horse’s temperature daily—anything lower than 99.5° indicates mild hypothermia.

As the article cautions, “Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.”

Do you have anything you do with your horse(s) to ensure a safe winter season?  Do you think this article covered everything?  Let us know your thoughts!

- Dayn

Source: http://www.thehorse.com/Print.aspx?ID=19407