Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Stall Vices, Behavioral Stereotypies
Synonyms: Stereotypical Behavior
Summary
A stereotypy or stereotypical behavior is defined as a repeated movement or behavior with no obvious function for the animal, and likely either caused by frustration, stress or brain dysfunction.
There is confusion over the term "stable vice," which implies that the horse is misbehaving. This is not the case with stereotypical behaviors. These behaviors do not arise out of the lack of discipline or proper training. Horses with stereotypical behaviors are acting out of frustration stemming from an environmental deficiency.
Stereotypical behavior is therefore a response to the conditions in which horses must live. Wild animals confined in zoos display similar behavior commonly. Examples commonly seen in these animals include constant pacing in an enclosure, and even self-mutilation. Lack of exercise, normal socialization and unnatural feeding practices probably all contribute to the development of stereotypies in both horses and zoo animals.
Stereotypical behaviors are thus rarely observed in animals in their natural environments. Stereotypies are found more commonly in stabled and performance horses than in other groups of horses.
A careful history and physical exam helps a vet rule out physical factors that may be associated with or cause the behavior.
There is confusion over the term "stable vice," which implies that the horse is misbehaving. This is not the case with stereotypical behaviors. These behaviors do not arise out of the lack of discipline or proper training. Horses with stereotypical behaviors are acting out of frustration stemming from an environmental deficiency.
Stereotypical behavior is therefore a response to the conditions in which horses must live. Wild animals confined in zoos display similar behavior commonly. Examples commonly seen in these animals include constant pacing in an enclosure, and even self-mutilation. Lack of exercise, normal socialization and unnatural feeding practices probably all contribute to the development of stereotypies in both horses and zoo animals.
Stereotypical behaviors are thus rarely observed in animals in their natural environments. Stereotypies are found more commonly in stabled and performance horses than in other groups of horses.
A careful history and physical exam helps a vet rule out physical factors that may be associated with or cause the behavior.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Once stereotypical behavior starts, it may improve with management changes but is often difficult to completely eliminate. The key is prevention with proper management in the first place.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What can I do differently to reduce this behavior?
- What management changes should I make?
- Is there anything I can do different nutritionally to lessen this behavior?
Prevention
Maximize turnout and social interaction with other horses. Maximize the feeding of roughage, and feed only the minimum grain required for the horse to perform.
Related References:
McGreevy P. Equine Behavior, A Guide for Veterinarians & Equine Scientists. Edinburgh: Saunders, 2004.
Higgins AJ, Snyder JR eds. The Equine Manual. 2nd Ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier Saunders 2006.