2/23/2024 0 Comments Signs of head trauma in horses![]() ![]() Headshakers have been seen to hit their heads against walls due to the deep pain in their heads. Neuropathic pain is characterized by sudden onset of itching, burning, tingling or electric-like sensations. Headshaking may also be thought of as simply bad behavior, but the basis of behavior for true headshakers stems from evidence of neuropathic pain 3. Seasonality affects headshaking with seasonal headshakers displaying symptoms in the spring and summer that may abate in the winter months 6. Allergies may play a role in some, but not all cases, associated with sneezing, runny nose, tearing of the eyes or eye swelling. ![]() Headshaking is often reported to be exacerbated with exercise 2. ![]() Extreme nose blowing, snorting and coughing are other symptoms. Affected horses may also flip their head in reaction to wind, movement, stress, etc. These photic headshakers may seek unusual places for shade such as hiding their head in bucket or barrel to block light, and may show relief when out of the sun. There is a photosensitivity component in many cases with headshaking being triggered by sunlight 5. Many triggers for headshaking, although not necessarily causes, have been reported. Headshaking often develops suddenly with some cases resolving spontaneously, while others worsen as time goes on. Thoroughbreds and warmbloods have been found to be overrepresented in some studies 4. HSK most commonly affects geldings 3 and can be observed in all ages, with symptoms most commonly appearing in mature horses between the ages of seven and nine 2. A veterinarian will typically rule out other medical reasons for head shaking behavior such as middle ear disorders, ear mites, cranial nerve disorders, guttural pouch infection or a head trauma. It consists of three branches (the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular) and runs from the back of the head, around the ears, along both sides of the face and terminates in the nose and muzzle area. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for facial sensation. However, hypersensitivity of the trigeminal nerve 1, inflammation of the trigeminal ganglia or an immune-mediated reaction may be causative factors of the disorder 2. The exact etiology of headshaking is unknown. Currently, there are no lab tests to confirm that a horse has HSK. Horses may rub on anything including their own front legs, or strike at their noses with their forelegs. Rubbing involves a vigorous, incessant and maybe even frantic rub rather than a motion used to satisfy an itch. Another common activity that is displayed by horses with HSK is that horses will scratch or rub their noses and muzzles on objects. A horse may display a wide degree of this reflex from mild annoyance due to the prickly facial sensations up through severe panic and extreme pain. It may involve a sudden, intense downward flick of the nose, or the entire head and neck in more severe cases. Horses with HSK exhibit a repetitive, involuntary headshaking that is an up-and-down, vertical motion that is more severe and predictable. Confusing to diagnose and difficult to treat, it is a medical condition recognized by veterinarians with ongoing research being performed to best diagnose and treat this mysterious syndrome.Īll horses shake their heads as a normal response to stimuli, such as a reaction to insects, though this type of shake is usually a horizontal movement. Trigeminal-mediated headshaking, also known as equine idiopathic headshaking (HSK), is still a perplexing disorder in horses. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |