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Headshaking -
What is it?
It is a known fact , that the
Headshaking is not a behavioral issue but a disorder of the
"Trigeminal Nerve and it's branches"; the very same
disorder is known to man with following term "Tic
Doloreux" . Though to read often on other websites
and in theories, HS is NOT depending on breed and gender nor on
discipline!!!!!
The veterinary literature describes headshaking
as the 'sudden, intermittent and apparently involuntary tossing
of the head'.
It is usual to see horses shaking their heads when bothered by flies
or when excited or frustrated (e.g. racehorses at the start of a
race). However, a horse is a Headshaker when this shaking
occurs for no apparent reason when ridden or running free.
The severity of symptoms can vary widely between individuals, some
can shake so violently that both horse and rider are thrown off
balance or the rider is knocked in the face. And, whilst many
owners can learn to live with their Headshaker, others rapidly
become distressed and dangerous and some may have to be put down.
It is important to monitor your horse's symptoms carefully and
consult your vet at the first sign of any change in their normal
behavior. text
source Katy
Taylor
How do the symptoms look like?
More or less violent, involuntary and explosive horizontal or rotary
head tossing; quick and sharp nicking like under electricity;
flipping of the nose or the upper lip; tossing as "if something
crawled up the nostril"; excessive snorting; tossing by
bridling; high touch sensibility of the nostril; wiping the nose on
the ground, walls, objects or their own legs; wiping the inside of
the upper lip of the mouth on sharp objects like stones or posts;
playing with the tongue as if to free an object sticking on the
molars or in the checks; clear to whitish nasal discharge;
unwillingness to move forward under the rider or at hand; easily
agitated; from startling up to the point of panic; in training
quickly exhausted; laying unusually often or resting often with
lowered head; loss of weight. These are all TYPICAL symptoms of the
Headshaking Syndrome.
Additional Signs
Protectiveness towards the head or muzzle, i.e.: placing the head
under a trail leader's tail, in water, dense undergrowth or against
a wall. Inflamed and watering eyes; 'clamping' the nostrils shut;
swellings or hair loss on the face (broken skin and inflammation may
also be as a result of excessive rubbing); general hypersensitivity
of the head area; The above signs may result in a lethargic,
unresponsive horse or equally a nervous and unpredictable one. You
may find that their ability to concentrate and compete is adversely
affected. Try to remember that a change in their behavior and
performance is as a result of all these symptoms the horse is
suffering from. Try not to blame them for it.
Your horse may exhibit other signs such as odd breathing, coughing,
stumbling or a strange head carriage. Some of these may be due to an
additional problem to the headshaking (such as a respiratory
condition) so make sure your vet has cleared your horse of these
first.
A restive horse shaking his head not wanting to move is not to be
mistaken for a Headshaker which is an involuntary condition the
horse can't help and under no circumstances is to be punished for.
The horse feel pain during an attack.
Because Headshaking Symptoms can also be related to many other
diseases of for example to respiratory organs, eyes, teeth, ears,
back, hormone glands and adrenaline glands (adrenaline Maladaption)
you need to contact an experienced veterinarian. Tumors,
abscesses, infections or other diseases could be involved. It's
important to examine the horse thoroughly. If the disease is treated
properly headshaking will disappear.
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