Avoiding kick and bite injuries

Avoiding kick and bite injuries What can be done to reduce the risk of kick and bite injuries in horses? Researchers in Switzerland used a questionnaire-based survey to investigate the occurrence of such injuries in horses in that country. Information from 2912 horses and ponies was analysed. They looked at factors such as breed, and housing (Some horses were housed individually for at least part of the day; others were housed permanently in groups.) Whether the horses were used for competition or pleasure was also recorded, as was any recent change in the housing arrangements.

Nearly a third of the horses in the survey were kept permanently in groups. However, many of the "individually" housed animals were turned out in paddocks with other horses for at least part of the day.

The owners reported some health disorder in a quarter of the horses. In the previous twelve months, 7.7% of the horses had been injured, and 1.7% had a kick or bite wound. Kick wounds were much more common than were bite wounds.

Certain breeds were more likely to suffer bite and kick wounds than others were. Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds and Arabians were more than 4 times more likely to suffer kick or bite wounds than other breeds  - such as the Swiss Franches Montagnes and ponies)

Eighteen percent of kick or bite injuries were related to a change in housing arrangements. After the introduction of new horses to the group the risk of bite and kick wounds increased compared with the risk of other types of injury.

The researchers conclude that group housing may not be ideal for herds of horses with frequent changes in horses - for example on boarding farms.

For horses kept in groups, the risk of kick and bite wounds can be minimised by establishing a consistent group of horses. Large barns with individual feeding areas should be used, together with large turnout paddocks. Sudden changes in housing or grazing management should be avoided.  And remember that different breeds respond differently.

For more details see:
Bite and kick injuries in horses: Prevalence, risk factors and prevention.
JM Knubben, A Fürst, L Gygax, M Stauffacher.
Equine Vet J (2008) 40, 219 - 223.

Reproduced with kind permission of Mark Andrews BVM&S CertEP MRCVS
© Copyright Mark Andrews  - Equine Science Update 2008

Photograph supplied by Voices for Horses

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