My horse tangled in rope, keeps laying down. Is it colic or injury?

It sounds like your horse is stretching out in pain, and the most common cause of that in horses is colic. This is a medical emergency, and I would call an equine vet to come out to see your horse now.

Your horse could have a mild colic or some other medical issue going on. I would watch him carefully to make sure he starts to eat normally, is drinking water, and passing stool. If he is rolling, looking at his sides, acting uncomfortable, and not passing stool he is likely feeling colicky and needs to see a veterinarian. Hope that helps!

The best and only option is to call a veterinarian immediately as it is an emergency. Your vet will examine your horse, do a rectal exam, tube the horse to check for stomach overload and also for the reason for the colic. Treatment varies according to cause of the colic. Worst case scenario is that the horse dies, or needs abdominal surgery. Your vet will give the horse pain medicine and a smooth muscle relaxant intravenously and possibly tube mineral oil via stomach tub. Please, if your horse is colicking, call your veterinarian immediately.

She needs to be examined by a vet if she doesn't have enough strength to stand. That is very concerning so please call your vet and have her seen as soon as possible. Your vet can run lab-work to help diagnose and treat her problem.

If she's not eating, she's eating painful, colicky, or both. Take a heart rate if you know how to do this--normal is 20-40 beats/minute. If it's higher than this, she's painful and needs to see a veterinarian. If she is rolling, looking at her sides, or not passing manure, she needs to see a vet as these are signs of colic. If you really think she's resting her hocks, then they are sore, and she needs xrays to see what kind of arthritis is going on and what steps you need to take to make her more comfortable. Hope that helps!

If Sophie is sweating and trying to lay down or appears in distress at all I would recomend calling an equine vet now. Sweating, protruding veins can be signs of pain or discomfort and if she is constantly trying to lay down that is not typical behavior. She may be colicky or possibly miscarrying the foal. Try keeping her on her feet and walking as you get in touch with a vet. Do not let her down to roll. If she is kicking or biting at her flank those are further signs that she has abdominal pain. Good luck I hope she's better soon.

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm not an equine or large animal veterinarian but many many things could be wrong with your horse. Dental issues come to mind but many other things need to be evaluated by your large animal veterinarian. I would advise calling your veterinarian and let them handle this case. This could be something easily remedied or more complicated. A good physical exam, history, and possible tests would provide light on what is going on. I'm sorry I can't be more specific but a hands-on exam is definitely a place to start. Thanks for using Pet Coach!