CRIB-BITERS AND WIND-SUCKERS. 541 



belcliing or eructation causes further derangement of the stomach, 

 tlie increased formation of gases, and the consequent tympanitis. 

 I was at first disposed to tliink that the first opinion was the cor- 

 rect one, as it is quite possible for air mixed with saliva to be 

 swallowed; but further experience inclines me to the latter, 

 namely, that gases are expelled, and that increased disorder of 

 the stomach is induced by the habit. A chronic crib-biter may 

 be easily recognised by the appearance of the incisor teeth, 

 which are worn and rounded at their anterior borders, and by 

 an enlarged or hypertrophied condition of the muscles which 

 depress the jav/, the sterno-maxillaris, stylo-maxillaris, &c., and 

 generally by the mark of a strap on the neck. 



A wind-sucker smacks his lips, gathers air into his mouth, 

 extends his head, or presses it against some 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 a 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 preventive ; w^hilst the indigestion from wMch 

 these animals seem to suffer is best combated with purgatives, 

 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. 



