OCD equine

By Shelby D Burns, Tue, September 13, 2011

Is there anything to be learned from horses with obsessive compulsive disorder? That’s right: horses are diagnosed with OCD as well as humans. In fact, as many as 15% have the affliction while even more exhibit the behaviors.

Horses will chew blankets, nod their heads up and down and paw the ground repetitively and without reason. Not unlike human treatments, the equine variety may include anti-depressants or retraining – something we might refer to as behavior modification.

The most common and destructive type of equine OCD is called cribbing. It entails the pulling of wood in its stall, damaging the stable. There is accompanying grunting, huffing and puffing. The stalls must be repaired. The wood can cause intestinal disorders when swallowed by the horse. Insurance coverage can be lost because the behavior is so unhealthy for the horse.

Interestingly, cribbing is not a behavior seen in wild horses. As a matter of fact, it is widely believed that there is no record of OCD type behavior in a wild horse. One of the treatments for an obsessive horse is to spend more time with him, proper training, and not confining them to a barn or stall. A change to a more textural diet can also help.

Could these principles also help people with OCD? Greater socialization, more exercise, less sedentary lifestyle? All of these reduce stress and stress is a trigger for OCD. It could be that horses in their natural environment, grazing on the plain, slowly and methodically chewing their grassy meals, interacting with each other and with trainers are showing us a more natural way of relieving stress and reducing the symptoms of a modern and anxious life.

Source: Horses and Horse Information

Free Treatment Assessment
Call Now—Help Available 24/7 (877) 331-9311

OCD Self Test

Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD?
Take the Self Test now to get more information.

Sponsored Links

The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.