Horse with colic laying on side in the grassIn-Hospital Emergency Colic Care

At Iowa State University, our veterinary team is available 24/7 to provide in-hospital emergency colic care to horses.

Colic is one of the most common emergencies in horses. It affects horses of all ages. When it happens, minutes matter. Early veterinary evaluation can make a critical difference.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

  • Pawing or kicking at the belly
  • Looking at or biting the flank
  • Rolling or repeatedly lying down
  • Restlessness or getting up and down frequently
  • Sweating or signs of discomfort
  • Decreased appetite
  • Reduced or absent manure

For Emergency Care: Call 515-294-1500

Exam & Diagnostic Package

Our comprehensive colic work-up provides rapid diagnostics to help determine the cause and severity of your horse’s condition.

  • Full colic examination
  • Emergency service fee
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • PCV/TS (packed cell volume & total solids)
  • Blood lactate
  • Peritoneal lactate
  • Transrectal palpation
  • Nasogastric intubation
  • IV catheter placement

2026 Pricing

In-Hospital Emergency Colic Care & Diagnostic Package

Starts at $500