These are not "bad habits" but captivity-induced compulsive behaviors stemming from frustration of the horse's evolutionary need for free movement and continuous foraging (the horse's stomach secretes acid 24/7; without constant roughage, gastric ulcers develop, and crib-biting releases endorphins that buffer pain). A veterinarian treating a crib-biter must first treat the likely gastric ulcers and then redesign the husbandry (hay nets, social turnout) – not punish the behavior.
This lack of behavioral literacy led to three major problems: misdiagnosis, compromised welfare, and occupational burnout (veterinarians are among the highest-risk professions for injury due to animal bites and kicks).
Veterinarians should recognize early signs of distress before overt aggression or shutdown:
