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Jerre R
Member
Username: jerre
Post Number: 270
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Mar 24, 2008 - 4:13 pm: |   |
I noticed a new behavior with my 8yo mare. When she lowers her head to graze, she will frequently twitch her nose quickly in toward her feet, as if there was a fly or a gnat. She does this on her own or on the lead line, so it is not associated with any part of the halter or rope.
Infrequently, she will raise her head and shake it as if there was something in her ear. The shake is short and not violent.
She does it in sun or shade, any time of day. I don't see any flies or gnats.
She seems calm, her eye is quiet. Sometimes after a minute or so of this she blows. Sometimes she'll jerk a few times and then settle in to graze.
I also see it somewhat when eating hay off the ground, but not at all with grain. I think the grain is too attractive for her to be distracted.
It definitely is associated with putting her nose to the ground.
She is due for spring shots and teeth floating, but I'm looking for any other suggestions to offer my vet.
Jerre |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 20328
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Mar 25, 2008 - 6:45 am: | |
I don't know Jerre, it sounds like pretty normal horse behavior in response to stimulation around the head, but what that stimulation might be I have not a clue.
DrO |
