Acquired torticollis in eleven horses.

The research article discusses a review of 11 horse case records over a 15 years period afflicted with torticollis, a muscular condition resulting in the twisting of the neck. Causes were determined for seven horses and included factors such as cervical intervertebral disk protrusion, skull fracture, neurogenic atrophy, and dystrophic myodegeneration, the latter being regarded as the main cause in the three recovered patients.

Case Study Analysis

• The researchers analyzed the case files of 11 horses that developed the condition of torticollis, a disorder characterized by the abnormal, asymmetrical head or neck position. This condition, which includes a twisted neck, was acquired by these horses over a period of 15 years.

Cause Determination

• Of the 11 cases studied, the research was able to establish the cause in seven cases. The causes ranged from physical deformation, injuries to neurogenic causes.
• The physical issues included cervical intervertebral disk protrusion, where the disks in the neck protrude causing pressure and pain, and skull fractures which can lead to numerous neurological problems including torticollis.
• The neurogenic cause reviewed was neurogenic atrophy, which is a loss of muscle due to nerve damage – this could potentially result in torticollis if the nerve damage affects muscles controlling neck and head position.

Dystrophic Myodegeneration as a Primary Cause

• In the case of the three horses who managed to recover, dystrophic myodegeneration was pointed out as the most likely cause of their torticollis.
• Dystrophic myodegeneration is a pathological condition where muscles waste away due to a lack of nourishment. In these horses, the condition likely affected the muscles responsible for maintaining normal neck position thus leading to the development of torticollis.