What is Quidding?

Quidding is a habit which some horses form due to mouth pain or other health problems. When a horse quids, it stores a bolus of food in the side of its mouth, or it drops food after a few bites. Sometimes horses will form balls of material while quidding and then spit them out; compacted masses of hay or grain covered in saliva around a stall or manger, for example, are a sure sign that a horse has been quidding.

The most common cause for quidding is bad teeth. Horse teeth grow continuously throughout life, because historically horses ate a range of forage which would wear down their teeth. Domestic horses often do not eat varied diets, and their diets tend to be low on abrasive minerals, so while their teeth keep growing, they are not worn down. As a result, the teeth may become pointed, sharp, or uneven, making it difficult to chew. Horses can also get cavities and gum infections, just like people, and these can both cause dental pain which makes it difficult or unpleasant to chew.

If a horse starts quidding, a vet visit should be scheduled immediately. The vet may need to float the horse's teeth, which means that the vet will use a power tool, rasp, or file to file down the sharp areas of the teeth and make them even again. This should ease the discomfort of the horse, resolving the quidding behavior. The vet can also check for signs of an infection in the teeth, gums, or jaw which might explain the quidding.

Horses who have experienced chronic neglect may retain quidding as a lifelong habit, because they are so accustomed to dental pain. Even with caring dental treatment, formerly neglected horses have difficulty abandoning the behavior. Quidding may also be accompanied with nervous habits like licking or chewing at the stall, sometimes indicating that the horse is frustrated. In these instances, you may need to feed your horse a special diet to ensure that he or she gets enough nutrition; a veterinarian can help with this.

In cases where quidding is a learned behavior, rather than a response to a medical problem, sometimes a horse will recover with time. An equine psychologist or behavioral consultant may be able to help with this, but it is still important to ensure that the horse gets supportive nutrition while he or she is treated for quidding.

Quidding is a condition observed in animals, particularly horses, where they form balls of partially chewed food that fall from their mouth. This behavior often indicates dental problems, such as sharp edges on teeth or pain that prevents proper chewing, leading to potential weight loss and nutritional deficiencies if not addressed by a veterinarian.

Quidding is concerning because it signals that a horse may be experiencing dental issues or other oral discomforts, which can affect its ability to eat and digest food properly. This can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and a decline in overall health. Early detection and treatment by a professional are crucial for the animal's well-being.

While quidding is most commonly associated with horses, other animals with teeth can exhibit similar behaviors if they experience dental discomfort or abnormalities. It's essential for pet owners to monitor their animals' eating habits and seek veterinary care if they notice signs of quidding or changes in feeding behavior.

Treatment for quidding typically involves addressing the underlying dental issue. A veterinarian may need to file down sharp teeth, extract problematic teeth, or treat any oral infections. Regular dental check-ups and maintenance can prevent the condition from developing or recurring, ensuring the animal maintains good oral health.

Signs of quidding include dropping partially chewed food from the mouth, difficulty chewing, excessive drooling, bad breath, and a reluctance to eat, especially harder foods. Weight loss and changes in behavior may also occur. Observing these signs should prompt a consultation with a veterinarian.

Quidding can often be prevented with regular dental check-ups and care. For horses, this means routine floating (filing down) of teeth to smooth out sharp edges and remove hooks that can cause discomfort. Providing a proper diet and monitoring for any changes in eating habits can also help in early detection and prevention of quidding.