“My new gelding “Irish” has an unusual habit…he “burps”! He doesn’t do it all the time, but it is often. “…
Hi!
He doesn’t do it all the time, but it is often. He also opens his mouth and presses his teeth against a hard surface sometimes when eating, as if to help something go down. His teeth/mouth were examined and worked on by an equine dentist and they are just fine. He does have an indentation mark on his neck like he had an IV or some sort of work when he was younger. He is 11 and in great health, a body index of 5, 1100 lbs. and 15.3 TB cross. We are working on Training Level 1. Any ideas? Thanks!!!
Dr. Kimberly Gryl’s Answer:
Debbie:
The occasional “burp” should not be confused with cribbing or wind-sucking, which also produces a burp-like sound. Technically, the horse’s anatomy does not allow it to burp, just as it does not allow it to vomit. However, I have had people tell me that on occasion they have heard their horse “burp”.
Wind-sucking, or cribbing as you describe, is done by the horse latching onto an object with its front teeth (upper or both jaws). They can swallow a lot of air in this process, which can lead to colic. The stomach may become distended with air, and/or the air may pass through the intestines causing excessive gassiness, leading to gas (or other types) of colic. This is an undesirable habit and one that is near impossible to break. You can try a cribbing strap first; this is recommended but may come with varied results. The sure preventative is a grazing muzzle. This allows the horse to still eat and drink but not bite down on anything with its teeth.
“Is cribbing a health concern?”
Hi. Currently we are looking to purchase a 10 year old horse but the current owner stated that he has a problem with Cribbing? Is this a health concern and is it something that would lead to future problems? Thanks.
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Jane. Cribbing is considered a vice or bad habit in the horse. Cribbing refers to a horse that will grab a solid object, such as a fence post or feed bucket with their front teeth, bend and arch their neck, and swallow or gulp air into their stomachs. Horses that do this seem to become obsessed with this behavior and some have suggested that their is a release of endorphins during the cribbing process that makes this a pleasurable experience for the horse. When a horse is a cribber, or sometimes called a windsucker, they are normally affected health-wise to a certain extent. They are normally thinner than they should be, and sometimes are affected by colic more often than other horses might be. The colic is usually mild in nature but affects them enough that they normally do not eat as they should and this is why they stay thin. It is thought that the air in the stomach causes this mild stomach upset and lack of appetite. Usually once a cribber, always a cribber. A cribbing strap can be used on cribbers to help prevent them from cribbing. This can be somewhat effective but usually not totally corrective. It would be a decision that you would have to make as to whether you could tolerate a cribber as a horse that you would want to own.
“My horse has a quirkiness about him…”
We have had a 14’2, 14 yr. old paint since Dec. He was given to us by a member of our pony club, They had him for 4 yrs. I knew this horse had a quirkiness about him but thought it was lack of good ground work and maybe a bit spoiled. Yikes, I’m having a hard time trying to figure him out. Our first 3 months we boarded with a trainer (pony club graduate) That first month and a half was great, he worked well for my 11 yr. old daughter. During this time he received LOTS of peppermints. As time went on he became more unpredictable (bolting during lessons) We are using a snaffle with a running martingale. This horse has always been thin and deep at the flank. Always has plenty of water but doesn’t seem to ever drink well. Also since we have owned him we stopped blanketing him because we were bringing him in @ night so he built up a thick coat. When we moved him home, the 1st hot (65degree) day he seemed a bit dehydrated more than usual. He was panting his respiration 96. He received fluids one day 5l and electrolytes (tubed) the following day. Well that was 1 month ago we have had a few 70 degree days and he still has some labored breathing on those days. Vet thinks allergies but there is no coughing and he is fine at 50 degrees. He gets feed plain 12% sweet feed and plenty of hay w/alfalfa mix. His weight and hydration seems good. (we add salt in his feed). Talked with our vet, he hasn’t been much help. Recently I suggested possibly an ulcer (occasionally he kicks @ his stomach while he eats) He put him on CIMETIDINE tabs. We are waiting to see if there is any improvement. The vet said 2 weeks we should notice a change (that is if he has an ulcer) He claims it will help his mental stability as well. I have looked into anhydrosis and ulcers (could explain why he isn’t drinking enough) if it hurts his stomach. He is not getting any supplements/ herbs I am wondering if he could benefit from any of them. This guy is a nervous horse, but not always, and he can go a long period and seem so sane. He has been quite spoiled before we got him. He lived @ an eventing stable out only 2 hrs a day I’m sure stress is a factor, but even then he has been a bit quirky the 4 yrs the young girl owned him. Her parents knew nothing about horse & still don’t so this 9 yr old was dropped off @ the barn regularly for 4 yrs to tend to this horse. This sort of explains his terrible ground manners. I took on this horse kind of as a Crusade. I think he can be a safe Pony Club horse. Other members don’t think so, but I’m still going to try, however my 11 yr old daughter is not riding him in the open and may never. I’m curious too about the effects of PEPPERMINT which he used to get tons of and sooo loves. He hasn’t had any in months. Maybe I should give it regularly? I will tell you, yesterday was 70 and after a good bath and the shedding blade his breathing has been normal, even today @75 degrees. This horse is a beautiful bay & white paint w/ 4 white stockings, he gives kisses & loves to bow, sometimes earning a treat too. This project is wearing on me. My daughter needs a horse she can be safe on also it hasn’t been cheap trying to figure Apache out. Is there a PLACE for a guy like this if I GIVE UP? Thank YOU, I’m sorry it is so LONG I just wanted you to know his story, @ least his last 4 yrs. I know of.
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Heidi,
It sounds like you have your hands full. Obviously the biggest problem you are having, according to your letter, is a behavior problem. Sounds as if he is unpredictable, at the very least. Of course, this can be a huge problem if you are wanting your young daughter to ride him. I have known of horses that changed dramatically by just eliminating the grain from the diet. High grain diets, or diets with just a little grain, can cause a horse to have way too much energy than he needs to for the type of riding you are asking of him. As far as training the horse to improve that behavior, he needs consistent handling and don’t allow him to get away with any bad behaviors. You can use the peppermints as rewards, but only as rewards. He will learn that if he cooperates and does as you ask, he will get a treat. This should be very effective at beginning to change his behavior for the better. If you continue to have problems, you may need to get some professional training for your horse. It is up to you as to whether this would be economically feasible to you or not. As far as the rapid and heavy breathing, it sounds as if your Vet is on the right track as far as the allergies go. Allergies can cause these sort of symptoms. Your Vet may want to do some special blood exams and other diagnostic work to determine exactly what is at the root cause of this problem. I don’t think that his behavior problems have anything to do with the allergies though.
