hiccups in horses?

[only_me]

merlin seems to get hiccups quite a lot really

he got them on saturday night when i was waiting to jump, and they lasted about 20 mins. he pawed the ground occasionally when he hiccuped, so not sure really why he got them. maybe he was nervous?

but seriously, what causes hiccups and are they a symptom of something? thanks

 

[Gonetofrance]

I've had a couple do it, but only when they have eaten too fast and got a horse nut stuck.........so not much help, really.........

 

[ISHmad]

Daft as it sounds one of our horses does this if he is being ridden and wants a wee! He just simply will not wee with a rider on board.

 

[onemoretime]

My old mare used to get hiccups occassionally it never came to anything and she lived until she was 21. I think it is similar to us really.

 

[aran]

my gelding gets them usually when very cross, or after a big fright. He then is very grumpy until they pass - not normally longer than 15 minutes or so.
Just like humans - there isn't really a known cause or trigger.

 

[k9h]

It's called "thumps" in horses!

Use to have a hunter that got them quite regular for no apparent reason!

 

[swellhillcottage]

Hi My TB gets them when angry or stressed - i said to my friend who is quite qualified Vet nurse and she says its a form of windsucking

and in all fairness i think she is right.

Sharonxx

 

[Shilasdair]

I think the proper term is (and I'm sorry for this) synchronous diaphragmatic flutter if you want to google it.
I think equine 'thumps' (the common name) are more serious than human hiccups, as they can have links to dehydration and electrolyte deficits.
Here's an article:
http://northcountryrider.com/articles/how-scare-horse-hiccups
S

 

[swellhillcottage]

[ QUOTE ]
I think the proper term is (and I'm sorry for this) synchronous diaphragmatic flutter if you want to google it.
I think equine 'thumps' (the common name) are more serious than human hiccups, as they can have links to dehydration and electrolyte deficits.
Here's an article:
http://northcountryrider.com/articles/how-scare-horse-hiccups
S

[/ QUOTE ]

Blimey that is scary reading

now i am going to worry

Sharonx