Re: [RC] Horse Won't Accept Syringe - Barbara McCrary
He might be a good candidate for the bit that is hollow
and allows the handler to feed meds through the bit. I've seen them
somewhere in vet supply catalogs, I think. If your horse takes a bit
readily, this might be the solution.
My gelding who I have owned for 2 years won't accept an oral
syringe - wormers, bute, electrolytes, etc. I have managed to
treat him up to now by sneaking products into his feed, but he needed bute
after getting his teeth floated and after day 1 has refused his meds.
Once he sees the syringe he pulls back, raises his head, gets very upset and
he is strong. I don't want to get into a fight or have either of us
get hurt and this time pretty much gave up, since he seems to be eating
OK, but I know that some time in the future we will need to use a
syringe. He seems touchy about his muzzle and if I'm going to touch
him around his muzzle or lips I usually have to work my way down his
head. But he accepts the bit readily, lets me handle his ears,
eyes, jaw and actually seems to relax when I hug or stroke him in those
places. He doesn't toss his head or otherwise seem uncomfortable
in his mouth just wary.
Does anyone have any suggestions to help him get over his fear of the
"white plastic thing" and me to deal with this without either of us getting
hurt. Right now he is suspicious when my hands head for his
face and I'm worried that I have already pushed him too far.
I lurk on Ricecamp and don't recall ever seeing this issue come up but
at rides I have seen horses fight their riders when the electrolytes came
out so I don't think I'm the only one with this issue.
