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Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Kicks at Stall Walls, Doors or Fences
Summary
Kicking at stall doors, walls and fences can become a habit and is considered a stereotypical behavior or stall vice. It is most often seen in horses that are confined excessively and is usually related to boredom.
Injury to vital structures of the limb can result from this behavior, not to mention damage to facilities. Injury to the point of the hock, flexor tendon and hind feet can be seen in horses that do this. In addition, occasionally a horse will get a hind limb trapped in a fence, potentially causing severe injury.
Injury to vital structures of the limb can result from this behavior, not to mention damage to facilities. Injury to the point of the hock, flexor tendon and hind feet can be seen in horses that do this. In addition, occasionally a horse will get a hind limb trapped in a fence, potentially causing severe injury.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- To discuss your equine's general health and management.
your role
What To Do
Examine management and stabling to reduce this behavior. Move adjacent horses that may be provoking the behavior. Feed additional long-stem roughage to occupy the horse during the day. Provide more turnout and consistent exercise.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet may be called upon to treat injuries sustained by this behavior. Occasionally aberrant behavior can be caused by physical problems, such as gastric ulcers, or ovarian tumors in mares. A careful physical examination and potentially other diagnostics can help rule these things out.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Is there evidence of trauma or injury?
- Does the horse's behavior seem normal otherwise?
- How is the horse managed?
- Are there changes in management that could be made to reduce the behavior?
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)
