Retrospective evaluation of crib-biting and windsucking behaviours and owner-perceived behavioural traits as risk factors for colic in horses.

The article presents a study exploring the relationship between certain horse behaviors – specifically, crib-biting and windsucking – and the incidence and types of colic, a common digestive disorder in horses. The relationship between these behaviors and the age of the horse, as well as certain perceived behavioral traits were also investigated.

Study Objective and Methods

The objective of the study was threefold, focusing on:

• The relationship between crib-biting/windsucking behaviors and colic in horses.
• The relationship between these behaviors and different types of colic, including medical and surgical cases.
• Whether specific behavioral traits in horses are more likely to be associated with colic.

To achieve these objectives, the researchers organized a retrospective study that compared instances of each behavior in horses admitted to a referral hospital with various diagnoses of colic over a 3-year period. To gather data, they used computerized records and an Internet questionnaire, which helped to obtain information on both repetitive behaviors and behaviors as perceived by horse owners.

Study Results

Significant findings of the study included:

• There was a significant correlation found between crib-biting/windsucking behavior and incidence of colic.
• The severity and type of colic were not impacted by the presence of crib-biting/windsucking behavior.
• Age of the horse, particularly if the horse was 20 years old or more, factored into the likelihood of colic significantly.
• Anxious temperament in horses was determined to be unrelated to the risk of colic.

Conclusions and Implications

Based on the data, it appears that horses with a history of crib-biting/windsucking are generally at a higher risk for colic, regardless of the specific type or severity of the colic. However, anxiety does not seem to increase the risk. As such, there is a call to research further on the causal relationship between crib-biting/windsucking and the horse’s gastrointestinal health. This could lead to improved treatment strategies for these behaviors, ultimately enhancing equine welfare and reducing the risk of colic.