Description Colic in horses is defined as abdominal discomfort or pain; it refers to a condition which can vary in cause, severity, outcome and treatment methods. The role of the veterinary surgeon is to determine the cause, make a diagnosis and initiate the appropriate treatment. To understand the aetiology of colic we need to understand the underlying anatomy and physiology of the digestive system. Here are some key concepts; Horses are monogastric with a relatively small s