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
Licking More Than Normal
Summary
Occasionally, horses develop the habit of licking their owners or handlers. These horses often also lick their surroundings, stall walls, feeders, etc. While this can seem to be an endearing habit, it might be indicative of a problem.
Incessant licking may be an attempt to create saliva, and in some cases it may be related to the presence of gastric ulcers. Horses that do not have access to salt may also engage in this behavior. Horses may also lick out of boredom. Licking also can have no seeming cause and occur in otherwise apparently normal healthy horses.
Incessant licking may be an attempt to create saliva, and in some cases it may be related to the presence of gastric ulcers. Horses that do not have access to salt may also engage in this behavior. Horses may also lick out of boredom. Licking also can have no seeming cause and occur in otherwise apparently normal healthy horses.
-
Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If this behavior persists without an apparent cause.
your role
What To Do
Assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), as well as their feed and management. Ensure the horse has access to salt and mineral and good quality hay and increase turnout.If the horse continues to lick excessively despite these changes, or shows any other signs of illness or disease, contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Your vet will observe this behavior and assess management and the environment. A physical examination is always important to assess general health. If the behavior is extreme, or accompanied by other abnormalities, your vet may recommend additional diagnostics to determine whether this behavior is associated with gastric ulcers.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- When did you first notice the behavior?
- Does the horse have access to salt?
- Do you think the horse's attitude and appetite are normal?
- Have you noticed any signs of abdominal pain (colic)?
- 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.
Less Common
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)
