Has anyone had a horse that sucks the sides of his mouth and jaw in after eating? He almost goes into a trance for a minute or two. He only does it with grain, not hay. My vet says it is just a habit. But I do wonder.
One of my horses has started doing this, almost like he’s trying to get food unstuck from his teeth. He’s scheduled to have his teeth floated tomorrow.
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I am caretaking a mare that goes into a food trance sucking her tongue after getting treats. Almost like she’s trying to suckle or crib her own tongue
It can be a form of windsucking when the horse has been prevented from physically windsucking.
Still it never hurts to get them checked out by a vet. Well maybe your wallet.
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I’m going to say teeth, I have a mini with bad teeth and every single time he has a dental issue, sucking his teeth/tongue is the very first sign. One vet dismissed it as a quirk. A new vet noticed it before I even mentioned it and she commented on it saying she thought it was tooth related.
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I used to suck in my cheeks and rest my teeth on them when I had really bad TMJ disorder a few years back. I would do it without realizing it. I know I’m not a horse, but … it felt good, it was a way to rest my jaw I guess. It turned out my bite was way off after some then-recent dental work and I needed to have my bite adjusted.
I do have the vet scheduled to do shots and teeth this spring. For the last 2 years she has said that this is nothing. I can’t find any pain, the horse eats with no problems, he doesn’t suck wind or do things with his neck, etc… But I do wonder, which is why I asked if anyone else has seen this. I may get an equine dentist out at some point.
