| 词条 | Twitch (device) |
| 释义 |
A twitch is a device that is used to restrain horses for various stressful situations, such as veterinary treatment. It is believed that a twitch calms the horse by releasing endorphins as pressure is applied, thus reducing stress and pain, though this is not supported by veterinarian research or evidence which indicates that the compliance of the animal comes from pain.[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. How the twitch worksThe 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] MisusesA 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, its can cause permanent damage.[1] References1. ^1 2 3 {{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}} 2. ^1 Hayes FRCVS, Horace M., Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners, Stanley Paul, London, 1970 3. ^{{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 }} External links
2 : Horse health|Horse tack and equipment |
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