Characterisation of headshaking syndrome–31 cases.

This research article examines the condition known as headshaking syndrome in horses, highlighting factors such as onset, symptoms, and treatment. The study relies on a survey of owners of 31 horses suffering from this condition and finds that around 60% of headshaking incidents are triggered by light, it is a seasonal and recurring condition, and treatment with cyproheptadine improved symptoms in 76% of cases. The symptoms of this condition suggest the presence of neuropathic pain in the face and muzzle area of the affected horses.

Survey Data and Overview of Headshaking Syndrome

• The study was based on the responses to a questionnaire completed by owners of 31 horses diagnosed with headshaking syndrome, a state where a horse “flips” their nose, acts like a bee flies up their nostril, and engages in other behaviours such as snorting or sneezing.
• The intention behind this paper was to draw further attention to the disorder and its common manifestations, with the ultimate goal of improving the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of headshaking in horses.

Clinical Presentation of Headshaking Syndrome

• Headshaking syndrome is characterized as a maturity onset condition, indicating that it typically starts to manifest as horses reach a mature age.
• Clinical signs include the ‘flipping’ of the nose, nose rubbing, snorting or sneezing, and acting as though a bee is flying up the nostril. These symptoms are suggested to be the result of neuropathic pain that produces itching, a tingling sensation, or electric-like sensations in the facial and muzzle area of the affected horses.

Temporal and Environmental Factors linked to Headshaking Syndrome

• About 60% of the headshaking cases seem to be triggered by light, implying that the disorder may have a photic or light-induced component.
• Furthermore, the condition is reported to be seasonal and recurring among the majority of the examined horses. However, the paper does not elucidate on which seasons are most likely to precipitate the symptoms.

Treatment of Headshaking Syndrome

• The findings showed that treatment with the pharmaceutical drug cyproheptadine led to symptom alleviation in approximately 76% of the cases. This implies that cyproheptadine can be effective for reducing or managing the symptoms of headshaking syndrome in horses. However, it is essential to note that this does not suggest the drug can eliminate the condition entirely.