Constipation is an abnormal condition that is recognized by the body's inability to expel food that has been digested. The inability to defecate may be due to an underlying medical condition that requires treatment, but may also be related to stress, or to a minor condition that needs only minor treatment. Most constipation that is caused by the latter conditions will clear up on its own within a reasonable amount of time.

In some cases, however, constipation can be prolonged and can lead to severe health problems. Constipation usually occurs as the result of some other illness or condition; which is why it is usually classified as a secondary condition. The suppressed movement of waste from the body can be toxic to the system, and when added to the underlying condition that may be either directly or indirectly causing it, the horse's health can quickly deteriorate. Constipation can cause other problems as well, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures and more.

Horses usually have a bowel movement shortly after eating. If you notice that your horse is not having bowel movements after meals that may be indicative of a greater problem. Usually, constipation is a rare event for adult horses, but it does happen, and can occur at any age.

Symptoms and Types

• Constipation (i.e., difficult, infrequent or lack of fecal evacuation)
• Colic – severe pain in the abdomen
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Visible hemorrhoids around anal opening

Causes

• Tumors
• Inflammation of the small intestine
• Twisting of the intestine (torsion)
• Obstruction due to impacted food material
• Presence of parasites in the system, which can lead to irritation or act as a blockage in the intestinal tract
• Insufficient fluids
• Excess roughage
• Decrease in exercise (winter and summer months)
• Inability to chew as thoroughly due to dental issues (typically found in older horses)

Diagnosis

You will need to give a thorough history of your horse's health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. Your veterinarian will then perform a thorough physical exam on your horse, taking into account the background history of symptoms that you have provided. The constipation can be the sign of another medical issue, or it can lead to a more severe problem if it is not resolved in a reasonable amount of time. If the issue does not correct itself, your doctor will need to apply more invasive treatment techniques.

Your doctor may use X-ray and ultrasound imaging to view the intestinal system. If growths are seen, samples of tissue and fluid will need to be taken for a biopsy, in order to determine the nature of the growths. If the intestines appear to be twisted, your doctor may need to perform a surgery to correct the twisting.