178 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERT. 



solid body, arches his neck, gathers his feet together, 

 and undoubtedly swallows air, blowing himself out, 

 sometimes to a tremendous extent.* 



Of the two vices this is the worst; a wind-sucker 

 being more subject to colic, indigestion and polyuria 

 than a crib-biter. 



To prevent crib-biting a muzzle or neck-strap 

 made for the purpose is sold by saddlers; and for 

 wind-sucking a strap, studded with sharp points of 

 iron opposite the lower part of the jaw is the best 

 preventative, whilst the indigestion from which these 

 animals seem to suffer is best combated with purga- 

 tives, alkalies, rock salt in the manger and regular 

 work. Want of work, indigestion and the irritation 

 of teething are generally the causes of these vices. 



j- " It is very doubtful whether crib-biting origi- 

 nates from any disease. It may perhaps with more 

 reason be considered a propensity, a habit, or a vice, 

 which in time may result in indigestion, loss of con- 

 dition, etc. This however, depends much upon the 

 extent to which it is practiced, and the constitutional 

 vigor or strength of the animal ; for it is well known 

 that many a horse constantly practicing the vice is 

 neither retarded in his growth nor injured in his 

 health. 



* For my part I cannot understand why a crib-biter should only 

 expel gas, and a wind-sucker swallow air. The action and noise made in both 

 cases are similar, as also are the results of the vices. I am inclined to believe 

 from observation that air is swallowed in both instances. 



t Dr. H. H. Paaren in Breeders' Gazette, Vol. IX, Page 353. 



