Equine Guelph will be kicking off the new year 2013 by announcing an eWorkshop designed to help horse owners understand colic and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of this #1 horse killer by following good stable management practices.
Vet checking horse gut sounds
Equine Guelph announces 2013 eWorkshop designed to help horse owners understand colic and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of this #1 horse killer.
Equine colic is not one specific disease, but a symptomatic term. Loosely defined, colic means abdominal pain. As with abdominal pain in humans, colic in horses can stem from a vast number of causes.
Overfeeding, rapid intake of feed, impaction in the digestive tract, parasites, an abrupt change in diet, too much grain, tainted hay, lack of water during lengthy travel, ingestion of sand, and other factors, including stress and long term use of NSAIDS, are among the myriad causes of colic. Causes usually relate to the horse's anatomy and the microflora in the horse's gastrointestintal tract.
Better understanding of colic
Since colic is common in equines, it is important to educate yourself about how best to take care of your particular equine when colic strikes. This Colic Prevention Program will help you reduce your risk: Colic is the #1 killer of horses other than old age!
YOU can prevent Colic by:
- Calculating your risk
- Assessing your management plan
- Developing preventative strategies
The course occurs over a 2-week period and 15 – 20 hour time commitment is required during this period, although there are no set times to be online each week. It is recommended that you visit the course site at least 5 times a week, preferably once or more each day
The course will take place on March 11-24, 2013. Since the course is entirely online, travel to the University of Guelph is NOT required
In this eWorkshop you will be able to:
- Identify risks factors associated with colic
- Understand different types of colic
- Detect early signs and symptoms of colic
- Assess your management plan
- Develop preventative strategies
- Implement practical ways to reduce your colic risk
In addition to funding from Standardbred Canada, investment in this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.