Hello, fellow equine enthusiasts! Whinny the Clinic Mouse here, ready to share some important insights about Coastal hay and its connection to colic in horses. If you live in Florida, chances are you’ve fed or considered feeding Coastal Bermuda hay to your horse. While this hay is readily available and cost-effective, it comes with a risk: ileal impactions.

What Is the Ileum and Why Does It Matter?

The ileum is the last section of the small intestine before the ingesta enters the large intestine. It plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and in controlling the flow of feed material into the cecum. Because it is a relatively narrow section of the intestines, it is particularly vulnerable to blockages, or impactions. When a horse consumes Coastal hay, the fine, dense fibers can accumulate in the ileum, leading to an obstruction that prevents normal digestive movement—this is called an ileal impaction.

(And just between us, I know all about small spaces—ever tried squeezing under the clinic fridge to grab a fallen cookie? Not as easy as it looks!)

How Can Coastal Hay Cause an Ileal Impaction?

Coastal hay has a finer texture compared to other hays like Timothy or Orchard grass. While this makes it palatable for many horses, it can also lead to sluggish movement through the intestines. If a horse does not drink enough water or lacks additional fiber sources, the fine particles of Coastal hay can compact and form a blockage. The intestine keeps squeezing, trying to force it down the line. Think of it like stuffing uncooked spaghetti noodles into a paper towel tube—eventually, something’s got to give! This type of impaction can be painful and, if left untreated, may become a serious medical emergency. And as we all know, horses are gassy, so when an impaction stops the flow of gas, it’s a problem!

Symptoms of an Ileal Impaction

Horses with an ileal impaction may show signs of colic, including:

• Reduced appetite

• Pawing, rolling, or restlessness

• Decreased manure production

• Mild to moderate abdominal pain that may worsen over time

• Increased heart rate

Diagnosing an Ileal Impaction

If we suspect an ileal impaction, we conduct a full diagnostic workup to confirm the issue. This includes:

• Physical Exam: Checking heart rate, gut sounds, hydration status, and pain level.

• Rectal Exam: Feeling for abnormal distension in the intestines.

• Ultrasound: Evaluating intestinal motility and detecting potential impactions.

• Nasogastric Tube Placement: Assessing for excess reflux, which indicates a blockage preventing normal passage of fluids.

• Bloodwork (if needed): Checking hydration levels and looking for signs of systemic compromise.

Preventing Ileal Impactions

The good news? You can still feed Coastal hay safely with some preventative measures:

• Provide Alfalfa or Other High-Fiber Hay: Feeding some alfalfa along with Coastal hay increases fiber variety and helps keep things moving smoothly. As little as half a flake a day is enough, so even your easy keeper can handle it.

• Encourage Water Consumption: Make sure your horse has constant access to fresh, clean water. Adding electrolytes or a small amount of feed to flavor the water can encourage drinking. Soaking the grain and/or hay can also increase water consumption. I highly recommend the “dip your snack in water first” technique—it works wonders for me!

• Introduce Coastal Hay or Round Bales Slowly: Limit your horse’s access to Coastal hay when you first begin offering it, whether they’ve had it the year before or not. Horses can try to gorge themselves when a fresh round bale is put out, and that can lead to impactions. Feed hay in hay nets to slow consumption.

Treatment for Ileal Impactions

If a horse does develop an ileal impaction, the treatment our doctors give depends on severity. Mild cases may resolve with smooth muscle relaxers, oral fluids and pain management, while more severe cases require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) fluids. The goal is to hydrate the intestinal contents so the impaction can pass naturally. Fortunately, surgery is rarely needed for ileal impactions, but early intervention is key to avoiding serious complications (early: [adverb] meaning, “the moment you notice it, you call the vet.”). All colics follow the rule that the longer it goes before treatment, the more expensive it gets, and the harder it is to treat.

Final Thoughts

Feeding Coastal hay is a common practice in Florida, but it’s important to understand the risks and how to mitigate them. By taking a few precautionary steps, you can keep your horse happy, healthy, and colic-free. If you ever suspect colic, call us right away—early treatment makes all the difference!

Until next time, stay curious, keep those hooves moving, and remember—when it comes to eating, moderation is key! Unless we’re talking about cheese. Then all bets are off.

~Whinny

P.S. There’s a 4-part video series on colic care over on my YouTube Channel. If you want to go deep on this topic, it’s a great resource! And if you want to listen to a podcast about colic, or any other topic, just scroll down another inch and click the play button on any episode that catches your eye. You’re welcome!