Stomach Impactions
When Colic Keeps Coming Back: Uncovering the Real Cause
Colic is one of the most common emergencies we see in horses across the Mornington Peninsula. But when a horse starts showing signs of colic repeatedly, it’s a red flag that something more complex may be going on.
In this case, a horse presented to our clinic with a history of recurring mild colic episodes, reduced appetite, and discomfort after eating. Thanks to a thorough clinical examination and advanced diagnostics, we uncovered the real issue: a stomach impaction.
What Is a Stomach Impaction?
A stomach impaction occurs when feed material accumulates and hardens in the horse’s stomach, making it difficult or impossible to pass normally into the intestines. Left untreated, this can lead to pain, loss of condition, and even more serious complications.
Some common causes include:
Poor dental health leading to improper chewing
Inadequate water intake
Low-grade dehydration
Overfeeding of dry roughage
Underlying gastric ulcers
The Role of Gastroscopy in Diagnosis
To confirm our suspicions, we performed a gastroscopy – a simple yet powerful tool that allows us to visually examine the inside of the horse’s stomach. This procedure involves passing a thin, flexible camera through the nose, down the oesophagus, and into the stomach.
What we saw confirmed our diagnosis: a large, compacted mass of feed material lodged in the stomach. This explained the recurrent colic signs and discomfort the horse had been experiencing.
An Unusual but Effective Treatment: Coca-Cola® Drenches
Treating stomach impactions traditionally involves fluid therapy and pain management. But in certain cases, we've found success using a rather unconventional tool: Coca-Cola®.
Yes, you read that right! Coke drenches have been used in equine medicine to help soften and break down the hardened feed material. The carbonation and acidity of the drink help dissolve the impaction and allow it to pass naturally.
In this case, we administered a series of Coca-Cola® drenches via nasogastric tube under veterinary supervision. Combined with ongoing monitoring and supportive care, the horse made a full recovery – and is now colic-free.
🎥 Watch the video to see how the impaction was diagnosed and how Coke drenches were used during treatment.
Preventing Stomach Impactions and Recurrent Colic
Once your horse has experienced a stomach impaction, it’s crucial to adjust their care to prevent recurrence. Here’s what we recommend:
✅ Regular dental checks and floating
✅ Encouraging consistent water intake
✅ Feeding smaller, more frequent meals
✅ Avoiding dry, bulky feed without proper soaking
✅ Regular gastroscopy for horses with a history of ulcers or impactions
Don’t Ignore Recurrent Colic Signs
Recurrent colic is never “just colic.” It’s your horse telling you something’s not right.
If your horse has had more than one mild colic episode, shows signs of discomfort after eating, or is off their feed, don’t wait. Contact your local equine vet for a full assessment.
At [Your Clinic Name], we’re here to help horses across the Mornington Peninsula thrive. From gastroscopy diagnostics to emergency colic treatment, our experienced equine vets offer prompt, compassionate care when your horse needs it most.
Need a Gastroscopy for Your Horse?
Book an appointment with our equine team today. Early diagnosis could prevent a serious emergency.