There are several types of Colics with different causes:
Entrapment Colic – caused by colonic motility dysfunction or an accumulation of gas.
Gas Colic – caused when a horse ingests forage that is high in sugar, causing excessive fermentation in the gut, creating a buildup of gas.
Impaction Colic – caused by an obstruction in the bowel due to dry, firm feed or foreign materials
Sand Colic – caused by the ingestion of large quantities of soil.
Spasmodic Colic – caused by worms, deworming, changes in diet, excitement, stress, heightened activity, and excessive cold water intake.
Strangulation Colic – caused when the blood supply to an intestine area is cut off.