Behavioural Changes in Horses: When Should You Call the Vet?
- Ella Riley CertNCS (VCC), RVCCA
- May 21
- 5 min read
As horse owners, we all know that our horses are unique individuals with their own personalities. However, sometimes, they exhibit changes in behaviour that can leave us scratching our heads, wondering if something is wrong. Horses are masters at hiding discomfort, and behavioural changes can often be the first signs of a physical or mental health issue.
Understanding when a change in behaviour is a natural response to stress or environmental factors and when it may signal a more serious problem is key to maintaining your horse’s health and well-being.
Common Behavioural Changes in Horses
Behavioural changes can manifest in a variety of ways, and while some may be temporary or due to environmental factors, others can indicate underlying health concerns. Below are a few common behavioural changes that may warrant further attention:
Sudden Aggression or Irritability
Horses are typically gentle and calm animals, but if your normally docile horse becomes suddenly aggressive or displays irritability, it may be a sign of discomfort or pain. This behavior may be a reaction to an injury, dental problems, or other health conditions.
Possible Causes:
Pain or discomfort due to conditions such as ulcers, arthritis, or muscle soreness.
Dental issues such as sharp teeth or misalignment that cause pain while eating or during bridling.
Colic or digestive upset—Horses in abdominal pain may act out of character due to the discomfort.
Hormonal changes—Mare cycles, stallion behavior, or even changes in the season can affect your horse’s mood.
When to Call the Vet: If your horse's aggression or irritability persists, or if you notice other signs of discomfort like reluctance to move, loss of appetite, or weight loss, it’s important to contact your vet for a thorough examination.
Lethargy or Loss of Energy
A drop in energy or enthusiasm, especially when your horse is usually active and eager to work, could indicate an underlying health issue. Lethargy may present as a horse who suddenly becomes slow to respond, lacks interest in exercise, or seems unusually tired after mild exertion.
Possible Causes:
Illness or infection, such as respiratory infections, equine influenza, or other viral or bacterial conditions.
Nutritional deficiencies—A poor diet can lead to fatigue and weakness, especially if your horse isn't getting the proper balance of vitamins and minerals.
Anaemia or blood loss, which can cause a horse to feel weak and lethargic.
When to Call the Vet: If your horse’s lethargy is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, weight loss, or changes in appetite, contact your vet right away. A thorough blood test may be necessary to rule out infection or anaemia.
Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits
A sudden decrease in appetite or changes in drinking behaviour can be significant indicators of your horse’s health. Horses may stop eating or drinking when they are in pain, feeling ill, or stressed. Dehydration is a serious concern in horses, so it’s important to monitor their water intake closely.
Possible Causes:
Dental issues—If your horse is having trouble chewing or swallowing, they may stop eating.
Gastric ulcers—Ulcers can cause pain and discomfort, leading to a loss of appetite or reluctance to eat.
Colic or digestive upset—If your horse is in gastrointestinal distress, they may refuse food or water.
Respiratory issues—Horses with respiratory infections may struggle to eat due to nasal discharge or difficulty breathing.
When to Call the Vet: If your horse refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours, or if you notice other signs like abdominal discomfort (pawing, rolling, or looking at their sides), consult with your vet immediately.
Unexplained Weight Loss or Poor Coat Condition
If your horse begins to lose weight unexpectedly or their coat becomes dull and patchy, this could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Weight loss can be slow and subtle, so regular weight monitoring is key to catching potential problems early.
Possible Causes:
Parasites—Internal parasites, like worms, can cause malnutrition and weight loss despite normal feeding.
Endocrine disorders—Conditions like Cushing’s disease or insulin resistance can affect weight and coat quality.
Malnutrition or digestive problems—A poor diet or conditions like gastric ulcers can result in poor nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss and a dull coat.
When to Call the Vet: If your horse is losing weight despite maintaining their usual diet, or if their coat loses its shine and becomes patchy or rough, contact your vet to rule out metabolic or parasitic issues.
Pawing, Rolling, or Kicking at the Belly Horses are naturally stoic animals, and they often try to hide pain. However, if your horse is pawing, rolling, or kicking at their belly, this could be a sign of discomfort, and you should act quickly. These behaviors are often associated with abdominal pain and colic.
Possible Causes:
Colic—One of the most common causes of abdominal pain in horses, colic can result from gas buildup, digestive upset, or other gastrointestinal issues.
Gastric ulcers—Horses with ulcers may exhibit similar behaviors due to pain from the stomach lining.
Gas or bloating—An imbalance in the horse’s digestive system can cause painful gas buildup.
When to Call the Vet: If your horse is exhibiting signs of abdominal pain or colic (rolling, pawing, looking at their sides, or excessive sweating), it’s essential to call your vet immediately. Colic can escalate quickly and may be life-threatening.
Excessive Sweating or Rapid Breathing Excessive sweating, especially when it is not related to exercise or heat, or rapid, laboured breathing can be signs of an underlying health condition. Horses may sweat excessively due to stress, illness, or pain.
Possible Causes:
Respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia, can lead to rapid breathing and sweating.
Heat stress or dehydration, especially in hot weather, can cause excessive sweating and discomfort.
Pain or distress—If your horse is in pain, especially from an injury or condition like colic, they may exhibit unusual sweating.
When to Call the Vet: If your horse is excessively sweating or has rapid, labored breathing for no apparent reason, call your vet right away. These signs could indicate serious conditions like respiratory infections or heat stress.
When to Call the Vet: A Quick Guide
If you notice any of the following changes in your horse's behaviour, it’s time to contact your veterinarian:
Sudden or dramatic changes in behaviour (aggression, lethargy, anxiety)
A marked decrease in appetite or water intake
Unexplained weight loss or changes in coat condition
Signs of colic (pawing, rolling, kicking at the belly)
Excessive sweating or difficulty breathing
Any sign of pain, discomfort, or distress that lasts more than a few hours
Conclusion: Be Proactive About Your Horse’s Health
Horses can be masters at masking pain, but as a horse owner, it's important to stay vigilant and responsive to any signs of behavioural changes. These changes are often your horse’s way of communicating that something is wrong. By recognising the signs early and seeking veterinary care, you can help ensure your horse stays healthy, happy, and comfortable.
If you’re ever in doubt or if you notice any unusual behaviours, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
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