Recently I read a post on FB that someone felt helpless with a horse with suspected colic. They were prepared, but still felt helpless. Whether a horse or any animal, feeling helpless leaves us with an empty feeling in our heart and our gut. How can I help you change that emptiness of feeling helpless?

First, what is colic?

Equine colic is a relatively common disorder of the digestive system. Although the term colic, in the true definition of the word, simply means “abdominal pain,” the term in horses refers to a condition of severe abdominal discomfort characterized by pawing, rolling, and sometimes the inability to defecate. If the condition isn’t caught early, or treated, it can lead to death in the animal very quickly.

What are the signs? Look for none to small amounts of fecal matter. Constant head looking at the flank area. Not eating. Not drinking. No gut sounds. Lethargic. Laying around more than normal. Take a temperature reading. Keep track of your horse every 15-20 min. This information will help your Veterinarian when you call.

The conversation you have will help you decide if the Vet should come right away. For equine colic, Banamine is the traditional medication to have on hand. Banamine is a oral pain reliever you only get from your Vet. Less pain helps the horse relax and hopefully get the bowels moving. Your next step is getting the horse walking. Walking ensures that your horse doesn’t get down and roll. Too much rolling can cause the intestines to flip and twist. If that happens, surgery is almost always the next step. Walk your horse until you see defecation. This can take hours! Your Equine may resist you and not want to walk because of so much pain. If you have ever had severe constipation, you can relate. Your Veterinarian can “tube” your horse with fluids directly into the stomach and normally this will take care of the problem. You can use a large syringe and inject mineral oil, corn oil or other oils by mouth to help the gut movement. Make sure you are monitoring the gums of the mouth for dehydration. The gums should be pink. If you see white or purple, immediately call your Vet!

Being helpless isn’t in my vocabulary! Natural solutions are my 1^st choice. Essential oils give me 1000 remedies in my pocket. Carefully choose your essential oils and do your homework! Many essential oils on the market today say they are “100% pure” on the label, but may contain substances that are actually quite toxic to animals and should be avoided. I trust doTERRA essential oils for purity and potency, http://bit.ly/2MB3Kpq. Bergamot (http://bit.ly/2sJq47) essential oil has the same compounds as Banamine for abdomen discomfort and can be used aromatically. The more relaxed the better the outcome.You can also use a wood clothes pen and add a couple drops of your Bergamot on it and attach it to the nostril. Why? You can release natural endorphins to help calm the horse. You only need a second or two for a benefit.  Another way is to apply essential oil to your hand and pinch the nostril with your fingers. Next mix any carrier oil (about 1 tsp), I like fractionated coconut oil, (use what you have on hand) with 4-5 drops of DigestZen® , (http://bit.ly/2sF4Qay), Fennel, Peppermint, or Ginger with a carrier oil and rub over both flanks and the underside of the belly. Start walking your horse! Repeat this regiment every hour until symptoms are gone and the horse has a bowel movement. Keep in contact with your Veterinarian. Be sure to follow up with a probiotic to help the digestive system recover the good Flora.  Essential oils are great as a daily regiment to add to the feed for horses that have ulcers and other digestive issues. Having safe natural solutions help you save money, time, and gives you peace of mind. Leave that gut-wrenching helplessness behind. Join me today as a wholesale customer. http://bit.ly/2MB3Kpq