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Sudden Attack: What Could Cause a Stallion to Become Aggressive?
Pat, Colorado
A. It is difficult to say much about what brought on a sudden attack of this type in a 14-year-old stallion, assuming he has not shown similar aggressive tendencies in the past. An attack of this type can have both physical/medical as well as social and handling causes. In rare instances, something as simple as a sudden startle can evoke fear sufficient to provoke a sudden severe outburst, but the owner likely would have recognized a tendency for that type of reaction before this age.
So first, I would recommend a detailed veterinary workup including a neurologic exam. Some medical conditions can affect the brain and should be considered when uncharacteristic and severe aggression occurs. For example, liver disease can affect the brain enough to cause aggressive outbursts. Also, a sudden sharp pain or startling stimulus (e.g., static electricity spark) can elicit such a response
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Written by:
Sue McDonnell, PhD, Certified AAB
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