Abnormal perinatal behaviour in the thoroughbred horse.
Abstract: Diagnosis in veterinary medicine is based upon observations of the manner in which the behavioural patterns differ from those exhibited by normal subjects. The newborn foal adapts to an advanced level of activity within a period which is short relative to many other species, and the behavioural patterns which it exhibits during the period of adaptation are comparatively stereotyped. Because the status of any newborn mammal is affected by its previous experience of foetal development and birth, the behavioural patterns of the mother form an important anamnesis in the life of each individual neonate. Marked deviations of maternal behavioural patterns are not common amongst thoroughbred mares. Those that occur are primarily concerned with a failure to establish the normal epimeletic behaviour. Minor aberrations include the act of foaling during daylight hours, first stage signs which are not followed by those of second stage, delivery of the foal in the standing position, and rising to the feet immediately after delivery from the normal recumbent position. It is considered that many deviations are the result of the methods of management of the parturient mares including the habit of confining them to boxes in the presence of attendants. Further study is required on the effects of management of foaling mares and also on the mechanisms involved in the establishment of the mother–foal bond.
The normal behavioural patterns of the newborn foal are well recognized in clinical practice and previous studies have been reported. Departures from the normal are frequently used in veterinary practice as pathognomic evidence of the presence of a variety of conditions and disease processes. The extent to which this is justified is questioned on the grounds that many signs are common to differing entities. Some of the components of the behavioural patterns are discussed.
The foal’s behavioural patterns may be disturbed as a result of the individual suffering from foetal distress or chemical and traumatic experiences during the birth process, as well as by infections with both viral and bacterial microorganisms. The “barker” syndrome, or as it is preferred, “convulsive and allied syndromes” are highlighted in the paper as being of exceptional interest with regard to disturbances in the behavioural patterns. These include clonic convulsions, champing of the jaws, loss of suck reflex, intense high-pitched whinnying sounds and interference with care-seeking behaviour. A summary of behavioural patterns exhibited by foals suffering from this type of condition is presented.
Publication Date: 1968-12-01 PubMed ID: 5755395DOI: 10.1016/s0007-1935(17)39029-2Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article examines behavioural abnormalities in newborn thoroughbred horses. These behavioural deviations are analysed in relations to their causes, including both natural and human-introduced factors. The paper also questions the validity of certain signs used traditionally in veterinary practice to diagnose these conditions.
Understanding Behavioural Patterns in Newborn Foals
- In the study, the researchers note that newborn foals adapt to an advanced level of activity faster than many other species and show comparatively stereotyped behavioural patterns. However, these patterns can be affected by the foal’s previous experience of foetal development and birth, and by the behavioural patterns of the mother.
- Interestingly, major deviations in the behavioural patterns of thoroughbred mares, the foal’s mothers, are uncommon. However, minor changes can include foaling during daylight hours, certain signs not followed up with expected behaviour, delivery of the foal in a standing position, and immediate rising after delivery instead of the expected resting.
Impact of Human Management on Foal Behaviour
- The study points out that many behavioural deviations in foals and mares could be as a result of human management techniques, such as confining parturient mares to boxes in the presence of attendants.
- The researchers propose that further study is required to understand the effects of human management on foaling mares and the mechanisms involved in the establishment of the mother–foal bond.
Indicators of Abnormal Behaviour
- The researchers discuss the established knowledge of normal foal behavioural patterns. They question to what extent certain signs, which are often used in veterinary practice to evidence the presence of certain conditions and diseases, can truly be seen as indicative of these conditions.
- The foal’s behavioural patterns may be disturbed by a variety of factors: foetal distress, traumatic experiences during birth, chemical influences during birth, as well as viral and bacterial infections.
Case Study: The “Barker” Syndrome
- A specific condition, known as the “barker” syndrome or “convulsive and allied syndromes”, is observed as an area of particular interest regarding behavioural disturbances in foals. This syndrome can lead to symptoms such as clonic convulsions, champing of the jaws, loss of suck reflex, high-pitched whinnying sounds and interference with care-seeking behaviour.
- The paper concludes with a summary of behavioural patterns exhibited by foals suffering from this type of condition, serving as a significant reference for veterinary practice.
Cite This Article
APA
Rossdale PD.
(1968).
Abnormal perinatal behaviour in the thoroughbred horse.
Br Vet J, 124(12), 540-553.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0007-1935(17)39029-2 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Behavior, Animal
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases / diagnosis
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases / veterinary
- Maternal Behavior
- Mother-Child Relations
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / veterinary
- Seizures / veterinary
- Sucking Behavior
Citations
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