May 14, 2025
What Is the Biggest Cause of Death for Horses? Understanding Colic, Risks, and Innovative Solutions
When caring for horses, understanding the biggest risks to their health and longevity isn’t just good practice — it’s essential. Horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians all share a common goal: keeping horses happy, healthy, and thriving for as long as possible. But what is the biggest cause of death for horses, and what can you do to minimize risk?
Gladiator Equine explores the leading cause of equine mortality, with an in-depth look at colic and its dangers, as well as meaningful steps you can take to safeguard your horse’s health. We’ll also introduce innovative solutions from Gladiator Equine for better care and recovery.
The Leading Causes of Death in Horses
Horse health is complex, with many factors influencing lifespan and well-being. However, some risks stand out more than others. Let’s examine the most common causes of death for horses and how they differ across age, breed, and circumstance.
Colic: The Primary Cause of Equine Mortality
Colic is not a single disease but a general term for abdominal pain in horses. It encompasses a variety of gastrointestinal disturbances and is widely recognized as the biggest cause of death for horses. According to veterinary data, colic accounts for a large percentage of equine deaths worldwide each year.
What Causes Colic?
Multiple factors can contribute to colic, including:
- Gastrointestinal blockages (impactions)
- Twisting of the intestines (volvulus or torsion)
- Parasite infestations
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Rapid dietary changes
- Toxins or poisoning
Because horses cannot vomit, blockages present a significant risk. Any internal disruption that impedes digestion or blood flow can rapidly become life-threatening.
Other Common Causes of Death in Horses
While colic leads the pack, it is not the only risk. Other significant causes of equine mortality include:
- Old Age: Many horses die from natural causes related to aging. Like people, their body systems slow down, making them more susceptible to illness and injury.
- Laminitis: This painful inflammation of the hoof can lead to chronic pain and, in severe cases, necessitate euthanasia.
- Trauma: Accidents, falls, or injuries from kicking and running can be fatal.
- Poisoning: Horses may ingest toxic plants or substances unknowingly.
- Serious infections: Diseases like tetanus or severe bacterial infections still claim lives, especially with delayed treatment.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Though less common, heart attacks or arterial rupture can occur.
Why Colic Is Such a Major Threat
Colic’s reputation as the number one cause of death for horses comes down to its rapid onset, severity, and the unique physiology of equines. Colic can range from mild cases of discomfort to acute, life-threatening emergencies. The risks include:
- Intestinal blockage: Impactions can restrict gut movement and blood flow, quickly causing severe pain and tissue damage.
- Strangulation or torsion: When the intestine twists, it can cut off its blood supply. This leads to tissue death, rupture, and sepsis if not treated immediately.
- Rupture: Without the ability to vomit, accumulated gas and fluids can distend the stomach or intestines to the point of rupture.
- Severe dehydration: Ongoing pain and reduced gut movement can cause fluid imbalances, worsening the situation.
- Inflammation and infection: Compromised intestines can leak bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, potentially resulting in septic shock.
Why Colic Progresses Rapidly
Time is of the essence. Colic in horses often escalates quickly for these reasons:
- Horses mask pain instinctively: By the time a horse shows colic symptoms (pawing, rolling, sweating, looking at their side), significant damage may already be occurring internally.
- Delay decreases survival: Prompt intervention is crucial. The longer colic goes untreated, the higher the risk for complications or death.
- Surgical emergencies develop quickly: For severe cases involving strangulation or torsion, emergency surgery is often the only lifesaving option.
Exploring Innovative Care with Gladiator Equine
Veterinary science constantly strives to improve horse health outcomes, not just in treatment, but in prevention and recovery too. A modern example of innovative equine care comes from Gladiator Equine, a leader in equine technology.
Gladiator Equine sits at the cutting edge of horse care, leveraging far infrared (FIR) technology to address injuries, promote healing, and accelerate post-surgical recovery. Our focus is on supporting horses with scientifically validated products, built for both daily management and acute interventions.
Product Spotlight: Gladiator PTR™ Blanket
Designed to support the body’s natural healing process, the Gladiator PTR™ Blanket harnesses proprietary Far Infrared (FIR) technology to promote cellular recovery without the need for batteries or electricity. Ideal for managing chronic pain or soft tissue injuries, the PTR™ Blanket offers several therapeutic benefits:
- Stimulates cell regeneration by emitting FIR waves that penetrate deep into tissue to enhance circulation and oxygen delivery.
- Reduces inflammation and muscle stiffness, making it an excellent tool for those dealing with persistent aches or recovering from injury.
- Non-invasive and drug-free—a natural complement to physical therapy or rehabilitation routines.
- Portable and easy to use, whether at home, in clinical settings, or on the go.
Additional Innovations
- Gladiator PTR™ Bell Boots: Protects hooves, boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports healing through ceramic infusion.
- Gladiator PTR™ Fetlock Wraps: Targets joint recovery, circulation, and inflammation with advanced FIR technology, ideal for post-injury care.
Through technology like this, horse owners gain new tools to maintain health, prevent injury, and minimize equine mortality risks.
For more information on how these therapeutic devices can help you, contact Gladiator Equine for support.
