Modified Forssell's operation for crib biting in the horse

Thirty-five horses with a history of crib biting or wind sucking were treated with a modification of the Forssell procedure. The technique involved bilateral neurectomy of the ventral branch of the accessory nerve combined with excision of a portion of the omohyoideus, sternohyoideus, and sternothyroideus muscles. Twenty horses became free of the vice, while in 11 there was a noticeable reduction in frequency of the vice. Four horses returned to crib biting/wind sucking at the same intensity as before surgery. The observation time following each operation was at least 12 months. Complications from wound healing were minimal, and cosmetic results were considered excellent in most horses. It was concluded that this modified surgical procedure produced a better result than neurectomy alone, without the disfigurement of Forssell's procedure.