Very 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
Chewing On or Playing with Tongue, Lolling
Summary
This is a "stereotypical" behavioral vice seen primarily in horses that are stalled, as a result of stress, boredom or excitement, particularly in relation to feeding time.
Horses that have suffered an old injury to the mouth may engage in this behavior long after the injury has resolved.
Tongue lolling is also commonly seen in retired racehorses, and sometimes seen in combination with other stall vices such as cribbing.
In rare cases, this observation is the result of nerve damage causing tongue dysfunction. When under saddle, this behavior may result from pain caused by a bit or resistance to the rider's hands.
Horses that have suffered an old injury to the mouth may engage in this behavior long after the injury has resolved.
Tongue lolling is also commonly seen in retired racehorses, and sometimes seen in combination with other stall vices such as cribbing.
In rare cases, this observation is the result of nerve damage causing tongue dysfunction. When under saddle, this behavior may result from pain caused by a bit or resistance to the rider's hands.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- To discuss your equine's general health and management.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Try to determine whether this behavior is "normal" or a sign of an underlying problem. When is your horse engaging in this behavior? Does it simply appear to be a means of expressing excitement at feeding time? Is it accompanied by any other signs of illness or injury?Look for other signs of injury or discomfort in the mouth, and examine your bit. Consider your horsemanship. Share your findings and concerns with your vet and trainer.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet may be able to rule out physical causes for this behavior. Given the horse's history and current management, they may have ideas for related factors. If there is no underlying physical cause, changes in management may lessen or resolve this behavior.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What is the horse's turnout and exercise regimen?
- When do you see the behavior exhibited?
- How is the horse managed?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Is the horse eating, drinking and behaving normally otherwise?
- When was the horse's last dental exam by a vet or dental tech working with a vet?
- 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.
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)
