Twitch (device): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Device used to restrain horses in stressful situations}} |
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| ⚫ | A '''twitch''' is a device that is used to restrain [[horse]]s |
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[[File:Simple horse twitch.jpg|thumb|Simple horse twitch]] |
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| ⚫ | A '''twitch''' is a device that is used to restrain [[horse]]s during various stressful situations, such as [[veterinary medicine|veterinary treatment]]. <ref name="Beckstett">{{cite web|last1=Beckstett|first1=Alexandra|title=How Does Nose Twitching Affect a Horse?|url=http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36512/how-does-nose-twitching-affect-a-horse|website=The Horse|accessdate=24 June 2016|date=October 2, 2015}}</ref> It is usually made up of a stick-like handle loop of chain or rope on the end, or a metal ring with a rope loop which is wrapped around the upper lip of the horse and tightened. Another design, sometimes called a "humane" twitch, is a plier-like clamp that squeezes the lip with motion akin to that seen in a nutcracker. The aluminium screw twitch is yet another form of twitch. |
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==Use== |
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==How the twitch works== |
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The upper lip of the horse is grasped and the loop of chain or rope is placed around it, then the handle of the twitch is twisted until the loop is firmly around the lip. A wooden handled twitch has the disadvantage that it requires a handler and the handle may injure the horse handler if the horse throws its head. Other twitches may be attached to the [[halter]] or headcollar. An emergency twitch can be improvised by placing a loop of leather or heavy cord around the nose and tightening it by twisting a stick around and around until it is tightened sufficiently.<ref name="Hayes">Hayes FRCVS, Horace M., ''Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners'', Stanley Paul, London, 1970</ref> |
The upper lip of the horse is grasped and the loop of chain or rope is placed around it, then the handle of the twitch is twisted until the loop is firmly around the lip. A wooden handled twitch has the disadvantage that it requires a handler and the handle may injure the horse handler if the horse throws its head. Other twitches may be attached to the [[halter]] or headcollar. An emergency twitch can be improvised by placing a loop of leather or heavy cord around the nose and tightening it by twisting a stick around and around until it is tightened sufficiently.<ref name="Hayes">Hayes FRCVS, Horace M., ''Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners'', Stanley Paul, London, 1970</ref> |
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The twitch is popularly believed to work by distracting the horse, but may act instead by triggering the release of [[endorphin]]s from the horse's brain, producing a calming effect.<ref> |
The twitch is popularly believed to work by distracting the horse, but may act instead by triggering the release of [[endorphin]]s from the horse's brain, producing a calming effect.<ref>{{cite journal | pmid = 6089344 | volume=225 | issue=4667 | title=The twitch in horses: a variant of acupuncture | journal=Science | pages=1172–4 | last1 = Lagerweij | first1 = E | last2 = Nelis | first2 = PC | last3 = Wiegant | first3 = VM | last4 = van Ree | first4 = JM| doi=10.1126/science.6089344 | year=1984 }}</ref> It is hypothesized that its effects are similar to acupuncture.<ref name="Beckstett"/> The twitch is considered a humane method of restraint and is commonly used by horsemen and veterinarians to keep an animal still and quiet.<ref name="Hayes"/> |
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==Misuses |
==Misuses== |
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A twitch is not intended to replace proper pain management of the horse.<ref name="Beckstett"/> It is not intended for use on any other part of the body of the horse other than the upper lip. It may cause permanent damage and behavioral issues if it is used--even correctly--such as a head-shy horse when used on the ear. Additionally, if a twitch is left on for an extended period of time, it can cause permanent damage.<ref name="Beckstett"/> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://compepid.tuskegee.edu/syllabi/clinical/large/clinical/chapter3.html Restraint of Domestic Animals] |
*[http://compepid.tuskegee.edu/syllabi/clinical/large/clinical/chapter3.html Restraint of Domestic Animals] |
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*[https://thehorse.com/113187/how-does-nose-twitching-affect-a-horse/ Study of impact of twitch on horses] |
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*[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0737080606810154 Preliminary studies on the use of plasma β-endorphin in horses as an indicator of stress and pain] |
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{{Horse equipment}} |
{{Horse equipment}} |
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[[Category:Horse health]] |
[[Category:Horse health]] |
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[[Category:Horse tack]] |
[[Category:Horse tack and equipment]] |
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Latest revision as of 20:02, 30 June 2023
A twitch is a device that is used to restrain horses during various stressful situations, such as veterinary treatment. [1] It is usually made up of a stick-like handle loop of chain or rope on the end, or a metal ring with a rope loop which is wrapped around the upper lip of the horse and tightened. Another design, sometimes called a "humane" twitch, is a plier-like clamp that squeezes the lip with motion akin to that seen in a nutcracker. The aluminium screw twitch is yet another form of twitch.
Use
[edit]The upper lip of the horse is grasped and the loop of chain or rope is placed around it, then the handle of the twitch is twisted until the loop is firmly around the lip. A wooden handled twitch has the disadvantage that it requires a handler and the handle may injure the horse handler if the horse throws its head. Other twitches may be attached to the halter or headcollar. An emergency twitch can be improvised by placing a loop of leather or heavy cord around the nose and tightening it by twisting a stick around and around until it is tightened sufficiently.[2]
The twitch is popularly believed to work by distracting the horse, but may act instead by triggering the release of endorphins from the horse's brain, producing a calming effect.[3] It is hypothesized that its effects are similar to acupuncture.[1] The twitch is considered a humane method of restraint and is commonly used by horsemen and veterinarians to keep an animal still and quiet.[2]
Misuses
[edit]A twitch is not intended to replace proper pain management of the horse.[1] It is not intended for use on any other part of the body of the horse other than the upper lip. It may cause permanent damage and behavioral issues if it is used--even correctly--such as a head-shy horse when used on the ear. Additionally, if a twitch is left on for an extended period of time, it can cause permanent damage.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Beckstett, Alexandra (October 2, 2015). "How Does Nose Twitching Affect a Horse?". The Horse. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
- ^ a b Hayes FRCVS, Horace M., Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners, Stanley Paul, London, 1970
- ^ Lagerweij, E; Nelis, PC; Wiegant, VM; van Ree, JM (1984). "The twitch in horses: a variant of acupuncture". Science. 225 (4667): 1172–4. doi:10.1126/science.6089344. PMID 6089344.