Field study of the efficacy of three types of nose net for the treatment of headshaking in horses.
Abstract: Thirty-six owners of seasonally headshaking horses took part in a trial to compare the effectiveness of three types of nose net, a traditional cylindrical net (full net) and two forms of larger mesh nets which cover only the nostrils and dorsorostral muzzle (half nets). Baseline data relating to the overall severity of the problem and 18 specific behaviours describing the nature of the problem were recorded on a check sheet by the owners. A within-subjects repeated measures design experiment, with each net used for a week before reassessment, was then used to assess the effect of the nets on the headshaking problem. Approximately 75 per cent of owners reported some overall improvement with each net; around 60 per cent recorded a 50 per cent or greater improvement and 30 per cent a 70 per cent or greater improvement. The nets significantly reduced the overall headshaking score and the following specific behaviours: up-and-down headshaking, nose flipping, acting as if a bee had flown up the nose, shaking at exercise, shaking when excited, shaking in bright sunlight or in windy conditions (P < 0.0001), striking at the face, shaking at night, rubbing the nose when moving, rubbing the nose on objects, sneezing, shaking in the rain and shaking indoors (P < 0.05). There was no evidence of a significant effect on side-to-side headshaking, shaking at rest or rubbing the nose when stationary, but the effect on snorting was uncertain. There were few significant differences between the nets, but the half nets were reported to be significantly better at controlling 'bee up the nose' behaviour. Horses more than 10 years old were reportedly less likely to show a 50 per cent or greater improvement in 'nose flipping' and 'headshaking at exercise.
Publication Date: 2003-01-30 PubMed ID: 12553579DOI: 10.1136/vr.152.2.41Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Clinical Trial
- Journal Article
- Randomized Controlled Trial
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This study compares the effectiveness of different types of nose nets in decreasing headshaking behaviors in horses. Utilizing a within-subjects repeated measure design, it reported that approximately 75% of horse owners noticed an overall improvement in headshaking behavior with each type of net, and around 60% saw over half the behavior reduced, while 30% reported over 70% reduction.
Research Objectives and Design
- The researchers aimed to compare three types of nose nets: full cylindrical net and two forms of half nets which cover only the nostrils and the upper part of the muzzle.
- The sample size was 30, all of whom owned horses exhibiting seasonal headshaking behavior. Each owner provided data on the overall severity and specific behaviors depicted by their horses.
- Experiment involved each net used for a week before assessing its effects on the headshaking problem.
Results and Findings
- The majority (about 75%) of the participants observed some overall improvements with each net. Around 60% of the owners recorded a 50% or greater improvement, and 30% noted a 70% or more improvement.
- The nets significantly reduced the overall headshaking score and specific behaviors like: up-and-down headshaking, nose flipping, acting as if a bee had flown up the nose, shaking at exercise, shaking when excited, shaking in bright sunlight or windy conditions, striking at the face, shaking at night, rubbing the nose when moving, rubbing the nose on objects, sneezing, shaking in the rain, and shaking indoors.
- No significant effect was found on side-to-side headshaking, shaking at rest or rubbing the nose when stationary. However, the effect on snorting remained uncertain.
- Among the three types of nets, the half nets were found to be significantly better at containing the ‘bee up the nose’ behaviour.
- Owners reported horses older than 10 years were less likely to show a 50% or more improvement in nose flipping and headshaking while exercising.
Conclusion
- The study affirms that nose nets can effectively lessen headshaking behaviors in horses, with slight variations in efficacy observed between different types of nose nets.
- Nevertheless, further research might be needed to further explore the effect of these nose nets on other behaviors and in different environmental conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Mills DS, Taylor K.
(2003).
Field study of the efficacy of three types of nose net for the treatment of headshaking in horses.
Vet Rec, 152(2), 41-44.
https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.152.2.41 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Group, University of Lincoln, Riseholme Park, Lincoln LN2 2LG.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Male
- Nose
- Protective Devices / veterinary
- Seasons
- Severity of Illness Index
- Stereotypic Movement Disorder
- Treatment Outcome
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
