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
Dropping Chewed Feed or Hay Balls, Quidding
Summary
Quids are chewed feed balls which are dropped out of a horse's mouth. Quidding is the act of dropping these feed balls.
This is a common observation in horses with significant dental disease, especially in older horses with advanced dental problems. Quidding can also occur in horses that have difficulty chewing or swallowing for other reasons.
This is a common observation in horses with significant dental disease, especially in older horses with advanced dental problems. Quidding can also occur in horses that have difficulty chewing or swallowing for other reasons.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Offer a small amount of feed and carefully watch what happens. Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), and assess their mouth (wear gloves), looking for anything abnormal. Consider whether anything has changed in the diet that might account for the change. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will perform a careful evaluation of the horse's mouth, looking particularly for loose teeth, missing teeth and periodontal disease. Once that has been done, a dental and nutritional management plan may be formulated.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the horse?
- Has there been any recent change in the hay?
- When did your horse last have a dental exam or dental work?
- What were the findings?
- What is the horse eating when it drops quids?
- Does the horse appear to be losing weight?
- Does the horse seem to take a long time to eat a meal?
- 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
Rare
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