Scientists have established the link between cribbing (also called windsucking) and colic, but a “causal” relationship between the two remains to be proven, say researchers from the University of California, Davis.

Colic is an important and often nerve-wracking event for horses and their owners. Cases can be mild or severe, and all too frequently, colic is fatal. Knowing what predisposes horses to colic is an essential part of preventing future episodes. Researchers previously reported an association between cribbing/windsucking and two different types of colic in 2002 and again in 2008.

To better define the link between colic and cribbing/windsucking, Rachel Malamed, DVM, and colleagues performed a retrospective study of horses admitted to the University’s veterinary medical teaching hospital for colic between January 2006 and December 2008. Owners of these horses were then sent questionnaires to obtain information about their horse’s behavior traits and repetitive behaviors