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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(6); doi: 10.3390/ani14060875

Equine Headshaking Syndrome: Triggers, Seasonality, and Treatment Efficacy in Australia.

Abstract: Equine headshaking syndrome is a poorly understood neuropathic pain condition presenting as uncontrollable shaking, flicking, or striking of the head. Therapeutic options are limited, and treatments are only partially successful. Currently, epidemiological information on headshaking in the Southern Hemisphere is lacking. An online survey was circulated to Australian owners of headshaking horses to collect information on triggers, symptoms, seasonality, treatments, and perceived treatment efficacy. The responses (n = 216) showed the mean age at symptom onset as 9.6 (±4.7) years. More geldings were affected than mares (76% vs. 24%), and symptom onset occurred later in geldings compared to mares (10.1 ± 4.7 vs. 7.9 ± 4.0 years; p < 0.01). Bright sunlight, wind, and high pollen were the most commonly reported triggers (61%, 46% and 40%, respectively), and seasonal onset of symptoms was reported by 54% of respondents. In total, 71% of respondents reported using two or more treatments. The most common treatments were supplements (68%), nose nets (63%), light-blocking masks (48%), bodywork (48%) and pharmaceutical compounds (38%). Overall, treatments were considered ineffective by 33% of respondents. The findings were in agreement with surveys from the Northern Hemisphere. Of note was the perception of bright light as a primary trigger, alongside the reported low treatment efficacy of light-blocking masks. Seasonal intensification of symptoms and its relationship to day length merits further exploration.
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Publication Date: 2024-03-13 PubMed ID: 38539973PubMed Central: PMC10967644DOI: 10.3390/ani14060875Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study aims to dissect the causes, prevalence, symptoms and treatment options for equine headshaking syndrome in Australia by conducting an online survey of horse owners who have experienced this issue with their horses. The research also seeks to understand how effective the current treatments are and pinpoints the main triggers for this condition.

Background and Aim of the Research

  • This research focuses on Equine headshaking syndrome, a condition that manifests as uncontrollable shaking or flicking of the head in horses, due to neuropathic pain. The condition is not well understood and therapeutic options are limited with partial success rates.
  • The aim was to fill a knowledge gap about the prevalence and characteristics of this syndrome in the Southern Hemisphere by conducting an online survey among Australian horse owners.

Survey Method and Results

  • A survey was distributed online collecting information about the leading triggers, symptoms, seasonal implications, potential treatments, and perceived treatment efficacy.
  • According to the responses collected from 216 participants, the average age of symptom onset was reported as roughly 9.6 years.
  • The study showed a gender difference, with more male horses (geldings) being affected than female horses (mares), and symptoms occurring later in male horses.

Triggers and Seasonality

  • According to the respondents, bright sunlight, wind, and high pollen concentration were identified as the most frequently reported triggers causing this condition.
  • More than half (54%) of the respondents said the symptoms have a seasonal onset, suggesting seasonality could be a factor.

Treatment and Efficacy

  • Most respondents (71%) reported using two or more treatments.
  • These treatments ranged from supplements and nose nets to light-blocking masks, manual therapy (bodywork), and pharmaceutical compounds.
  • However, the treatments were deemed ineffective by 33% of respondents, showing a considerable lack of success in the current therapeutic practices.

Comparative Analysis and Follow-up Suggestions

  • The results of this study were consistent with similar surveys conducted in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • The notable finding was the identification of bright light as a primary trigger, along with the fact that light-blocking masks, a common treatment method, was reported to have a low efficacy.
  • Therefore, the research concludes with a suggestion for further exploration of seasonal intensification of symptoms and its relationship with day length.

Cite This Article

APA
Bell T, Kyriazopoulou P, Mowbray C, Murphy BA. (2024). Equine Headshaking Syndrome: Triggers, Seasonality, and Treatment Efficacy in Australia. Animals (Basel), 14(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060875

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 6

Researcher Affiliations

Bell, Teagan
  • School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland.
Kyriazopoulou, Panoraia
  • Equilume Ltd., Naas, W91 TP22 Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Mowbray, Camilla
  • Independent Researcher, Galston, NSW 2159, Australia.
Murphy, Barbara A
  • School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland.

Grant Funding

  • n/a / Equilume (Ireland)

Conflict of Interest Statement

B.A. Murphy is a cofounder of Equilume Ltd., a spin-out company deriving from her research at University College Dublin and is a member of the company’s Board of Directors. P. Kyriazopoulou is an employee of Equilume Limited.

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