|
|
Discussion on Cribbing = TMJ pain?
|
| Author |
Message |
New Member:
dwfaith
|
Posted on Sunday, Sep 26, 2010 - 1:47 am:
Hello Sir, I have an 8 yr old gelding who was our breeding stallion for 5 years. He learned to crib after spending one night in a barn with a cribber. My vet and I have discussed the Forssells surgery for him, but he feels the horse is too old. He has cribbed for about 5 years now.
What are your thoughts on advantages/disadvantages of each of the procedures for older horses who have suffered this addiction for many years?
We tried every method know to man, with only a grazing muzzle proving successful, but the muzzles have left scars on the bridge of his nose, and his temperament when forced to wear the muzzle 24/7 is a mixture of frustration, anger, and avoidance.
I've also read that many horses do this from TMJ pain, do you have a thought on that theory and would resolving pain from any source cure his vice?
I ask as he has also developed some hind end issues, that can not be identified by typical lameness exams, my vet believes it may be neurological. So I'm questioning if he might have a spinal problem that might have instigated his cribbing (?)Or could this be a chicken or the egg situation?
Thank-you. Dianne
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Sunday, Sep 26, 2010 - 9:58 pm:
Hello Diane,
I am not aware of any information that 8 years old is too old for the modified Forssels procedure however the 5 year history of cribbing will decrease the prognosis some. I would discuss this with a surgeon who has done a few of these procedures as I have not.
Concerning TMJ disease, does your horse also display difficulty chewing? If not I don't think it to be likely but if you continue to worry about this consider having radiographs of the joints done.
Concerning the spinal issues it does not seem from the history you provide to explain the cribbing.
DrO
|
|
|
