Crib-biting

Crib-biting is a bad habit and an unsoundness met with especially in the lighter breeds of horses, and those spending a considerable amount of leisure in the stable. The act consists in the animal seizing with his teeth the manger, rack, or any other such object, and taking in at the same time a deep inspiration, technically called wind-sucking. Crib-biting springs often from idle play, may be first indulged in during grooming, especially if the operation is conducted in the stall, and the animal be needlessly teased or tickled; is occasionally learned, apparently, by imitation from a neighbour; and in the first instance is frequently a symptom of some form of indigestion. Its indulgence may be suspected where the outer margins of the front teeth are worn and rugged, and will soon be proved by turning the animal loose where he can find suitable objects to lay hold of. It usually interferes with thriving and condition, and leads to attacks of indigestion. It can be prevented only by the use of a muzzle or throat-strap; but in those newly-acquired cases resulting from gastric derangement, means must further be taken to remove the acidity or other such disorder.