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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Comparison of the Current Situation of Equine Headshaking Sy...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2022; 12(11); 1393; doi: 10.3390/ani12111393

Comparison of the Current Situation of Equine Headshaking Syndrome in France and Switzerland Based on an Online Survey.

Abstract: Equine headshaking syndrome (EHS) is characterised as non-physical and involuntary movement of the horse's head and neck. Although EHS is clinically simple to diagnose, its aetiopathogenesis often remains unclear. The aim of this study was to gain an overview of signalment and therapy possibilities used in France and Switzerland. To do this, an online survey was developed and distributed via newsletters. A total of 933 complete, answered surveys from France ( = 804) and Switzerland ( = 129) were evaluated. The median age in France was 12.4 years (CH = 14.3). Mostly geldings were affected (58.5%, 57.4%). There was an association with Warmbloods in Switzerland (55.8%), but in France, in addition to Warmbloods (34.4%), Thoroughbreds (27.2%) were also affected. Moreover, horses affected by EHS often show stereotypical behaviour (15.7%, 14.7%). A total of 38.4% and 67.4% of horse owners utilised therapy measures, with nose covers being most commonly used (19.9%, 30.2%). Horse owners resorted to alternative treatments that had not previously been studied in context with EHS (15%, 20.9%). Conservative treatments, such as medication, were used by 5.4% and 1.9%. This study provides an overview of the status of horses affected by EHS in France and Switzerland and thus offers a fundamental step to understanding the consequences of welfare issues associated with EHS.
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Publication Date: 2022-05-28 PubMed ID: 35681857PubMed Central: PMC9179245DOI: 10.3390/ani12111393Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research discusses Equine Headshaking Syndrome (EHS) in horses in France and Switzerland, based on an online survey. It highlights the situations and possible treatments for the symptoms related to the syndrome.

Study Purpose and Method

  • The research’s main objective was to obtain a comprehensive overview of the identification and treatment possibilities of EHS in France and Switzerland. The main tool employed in the study was online surveys, which were then analysed for results.
  • The survey was disseminated through newsletters leading to a substantial response with 933 completed surveys, 804 from France and 129 from Switzerland.

Equine Headshaking Syndrome

  • The syndrome is marked by excessive, uncontrolled head and neck movements of the horse. Despite the ease of clinically diagnosing EHS, the exact cause isn’t fully understood, making it a challenge to treat effectively.
  • The condition is prevalent enough to warrant concern for horse welfare owing to the discomfort caused to the affected animals.

Survey Findings

  • The age median among the horses surveyed was 12.4 years in France and slightly higher in Switzerland at 14.3 years.
  • The survey revealed that mostly geldings were impacted by the syndrome. Furthermore, there was a significant association with Warmbloods in Switzerland and in France; while Warmbloods were also affected, Thoroughbreds constituted a sizable fraction of afflicted horses.
  • The study further found that horses with EHS often exhibit stereotypical behaviour.

Treatment Methodologies

  • Although some form of therapeutic measures were employed by horse owners in both countries, the rate varied significantly. In France, 38.4% of horse owners actively engaged in some treatment practices, while in Switzerland this percentage rose to 67.4%.
  • The most commonly employed method was the use of nose covers.
  • Remarkably, a notable section of horse owners resorted to alternative treatments which had not previously been studied in relation with EHS.
  • Lastly, conservative treatments like medications were marginally used.

Conclusion

  • The study furnishes a comprehensive overview of the status of EHS-stricken horses in France and Switzerland, offering vital insights into the syndrome’s manifestation, the treatments employed, and the impacts on animal welfare.
  • This knowledge forms a crucial foundation for further studies on understanding EHS and developing effective treatments to reduce the discomfort faced by the afflicted horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Stange LM, Krieter J, Czycholl I. (2022). Comparison of the Current Situation of Equine Headshaking Syndrome in France and Switzerland Based on an Online Survey. Animals (Basel), 12(11), 1393. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111393

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 11
PII: 1393

Researcher Affiliations

Stange, Laura Maxi
  • Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
Krieter, Joachim
  • Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
Czycholl, Irena
  • Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
  • Pig Improvement Company (PIC), 100 Bluegrass Commons Blvd. Ste 2200, Hendersonville, TN 37075, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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