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  Discussion on Wind sucking/cribbing
Author Message
Member:
rusty

Posted on Saturday, May 17, 2008 - 9:00 pm:

Does wind sucking/cribbing cause health problems in horses? If so what are they? Would you buy a 20 yr old horse that is wind sucking/cribbing? He would not be in pasture. Could there be medical issues related to the wind sucking?
Member:
paardex

Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2008 - 5:09 am:

Hi AK, I had a windsucker who frequently colicked with gas colics. The vet said it was the result of windsucking we tried everything from operation to a goat in his stable but even outdoors he looked for a pole and cribbed. He finally died of colick[only 8 years of age].
On the other hand my first pony happily cribbed from time to time until in his thirties, without any grave problems.[His front teeth were almost gone at that age]
As the horse you describe is already twenty good chance all goes well I think unless he is in pasture now and you put him in a stable I think that could aggravate the problem, they usually do much better in company and outdoors.
On the other hand I do not want cribbers around as I am afraid[perhaps without reason] one of the other horses will take over the 'game'
Hope this helps and I am sure Dr.O can correct my response scientifically as it is only my experience.
Jos
Member:
babychop

Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2008 - 9:51 am:

I read an article from UC Davis on causes of cribbing, it stated that this & other stall vices are most commonly brought about during weaning. It makes sense to me due to the stress & isolation the foal is going through. They didn't offer much for treating it but suggested a buddy for the foal at weaning (I've had success with adding a goat to the equation). I also have a friend that swears it is a learned vice from watching others but I haven't found anything to substantiate this. I would hate to find out it's true. I think Jos has some pretty good advice on this, putting him in pasture w/a buddy as I think it's mostly a boredom/habit thing although your horse being 20 it may be an endorphin thing like a junkie looking for a fix. There are plenty of cribbing collars on the market but from what I've heard the moment they're off the cribbing starts as it's just a deterrent. Good luck! I'm sure Dr. O will have excellent advice on the subject!
Member:
babychop

Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2008 - 9:54 am:

Oh, and yes, it can cause health problems as the horse will eventually choose cribbing over food in some cases. It can cause colic & dangerous weight loss if not controlled, I once boarded with an appaloosa that was that way, she was so painfully skinny it was a wonder she was still alive. I'm sure there are other issues but never owning one myself I'm not an authority on the subject. I would avoid purchasing such an animal though. Vet bills are expensive!
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Sunday, May 18, 2008 - 10:49 am:

Many years ago I bought a Saddlebred who cribbed. He was 7 when I bought him, lived to around 20. He died from colic due to never being wormed. I didn't own him for more than 3 years so wasn't responsible for his health, my X husband was.

None of the other horses ever learned to crib from him but they had pasture access 24/7 too.

I guess the question is how much do you like this horse? A wonderful horse is priceless and sometimes worth the aggravation of minor health issues. A 20 year old horse may benefit from joint supplements and maybe a well rounded supplement program may lessen the cribbing...never know.
Member:
annes

Posted on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 7:39 am:

I've had my cribber - a 24 yr old TB since he was 9. He has never colicked and except for his front teeth being worn down, has no problems from cribbing. I've had horses of all ages with him over the years and no other horses have picked up the habit...not even his "buddy". He does have access to pasture 24/7 and only cribs in his stall while eating. I am so glad I did not pass on this wonderful horse because he cribbed. Good luck with making your decision.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 10:22 am:

Hello AK,
I went and looked in the article thinking this information would already be there and to my surprise it was not. I have upoaded a updated version that includes the known problems with cribbing horses.
DrO
Member:
rusty

Posted on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 12:24 pm:

Thanks Dr. O for the update & all who provided great insight into cribbing/wind sucking behavior. This horse appears to have been doing this for a very long time..teeth worn down, one over half way and he has a raised spot where the ribs end. When he wind sucks you can see how he uses his muscles & how over time this would create the prominence there. Very strange behavior. Otherwise, he appears dead broke, but has had access to turnout & apparently the behavior continued. Problem would be where he will be stabled now.. turnout is not an option. Lots of food for thought.
Member:
wgillmor

Posted on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 12:42 pm:

AK,

I've always thought there was a reason these are called stable vices. If, as you say, turnout is not an option, I would pass. In addition, you should expect with a 20 year old horse he may be retired in a relatively short time but may live for over 10 years.

At the least, I would not expect to have to have to buy a horse like this (but he is not going to be free in any event.)

Wiley
Member:
paardex

Posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - 4:13 am:

AK, Just my opinion but if the horse is not stabled where it is now I think you wouldn't do it a service buying it where it has to be stabled all the time. My experience with cribbers leads me to think they feel better in pasture with buddies.
Jos
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