Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Dunks or Soaks Hay in Water Bucket
Summary
This observation is common in horses that have dental issues or discomfort in their mouths from another cause. It is most common in old horses with poor teeth. However, some horses simply engage in this behavior normally and have no diagnosable dental or oral problems.
The behavior may be beneficial to the horse in that abrasive feed stuffs are softened and hydrated. Total water intake may be higher, but if feed is allowed to ferment in the water source, then water can be fouled and horses may stop drinking.
The behavior may be beneficial to the horse in that abrasive feed stuffs are softened and hydrated. Total water intake may be higher, but if feed is allowed to ferment in the water source, then water can be fouled and horses may stop drinking.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If you want to rule out any physical issue being a factor in the behavior.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to how the horse eats and whether it seems normal or not. Assess teeth and mouth (wear gloves) looking for other abnormalities.From a management standpoint, be very careful to keep waterers sufficiently clean so that that horses continue to drink well. Consider moving feed tub far enough from water source so that the behavior moderates.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
With a careful physical and dental exam, your vet can help you rule out dental issues as a cause. Sometimes this behavior stops or lessens after dental work is performed.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- When did you first notice the behavior?
- Does your horse show any other signs of dental problems, such as difficulty eating, slow eating, dro
- Have you changed your horse's feed or management lately?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health