Behavioural Disorders...

[mpicton]

A thought crossed my mind last night when I was in bed, do you think horses can suffer from disorders such as autisim, ADHD, dyslexia etc?

Sorry may sound like an odd question, just wondered as horses are individuals just like people...thoughts?

 

[moneypit1]

Interesting notion. I suppose all behavioural "quirks" are labelled in humans because we need to label and quantify everything. Physical damage, brain damage etc yes, personality disorders, yes i suppose so. Anything varient from the "norm" is a disorder in most peoples eyes anyway!

 

[Angelbones]

My mare can't spell but can definitely read the STOP sign painted on the road, so perhaps you've hit on something...

 

[TequilaMist]

Interesting!There is a pony at our yard that sort of call autistic like tendancies!!EVERYTHING has to be done certain way,only grazes in one specific field otherwise has a complete skeppy

 

[Rueysmum]

I think one of mine is autistic and have thought so for a long time.

 

[Flame_]

One of my work's driving ponies is like someone with OCD. He has lots of strange little rules he's invented in his head that he has to follow. He box walks compulsively and is ridiculously clingy, and while I know this is not really unusual, he has this obsessive need to stand or walk with his right hand side against a stable wall. If you move him over or face him the other way so his left hand side's against the wall, you can see the stress and unease in his eyes. He fidgets and worries until you let him go back the way he has to go!!?? Bonkers, but he must have his reasons in his head.

My own riding mare also has serious behavioural issues and I'd love it if a vet could come up with a medical label for why she's missing some marbles, then I might be able to get LOU on the insurance 'cause its not looking likely that the bl**dy thing's ever going to get on with a job.