Nuchal crest avulsion fracture in 2 horses: a cause of headshaking.

The research article presents a case study of two Thoroughbred horses suffering from headshaking due to nuchal crest avulsion fractures, caused by blunt trauma. The researchers suggest that such condition should be considered in similar cases and may respond positively to conservative therapy.

Cases Overview

• The study focuses on the analysis of medical records of two Thoroughbred horses that started displaying symptoms of headshaking following blunt trauma to their occipital region, the area at the back of the skull where the neck and head connect.
• Each case details include history, breeding, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, diagnosis, and treatment provided, paving the way for an in-depth case analysis.

Symptoms

• Post trauma, both horses displayed the symptom of headshaking. Interesting to note, one horse also exhibited additional signs such as lifting its upper lip repeatedly and excessive pawing at the ground. These unusual actions were indicative of discomfort or distress.

Diagnostic Findings

• Upon diagnostic imaging of the occipital region in both horses, avulsion fragments of the nuchal crest were discovered. An avulsion fracture occurs when a muscle or ligament pulls on the bone, causing a piece to break off. In this instance, the avulsion was present in the nuchal crest, the ridge at the back of the horse’s skull where it connects to the neck.
• Additionally, both horses were found to be suffering from nuchal desmitis, an inflammation of the nuchal ligament, in association with hyperfibrinogenaemia, a condition characterized by excessive fibrinogen in the blood. Fibrinogen is a protein responsible for blood clotting.

Research Implications

• The findings suggest that the presence of a nuchal crest avulsion fracture with associated nuchal desmitis could be a probable reason behind headshaking in horses.
• The paper highlights the importance of considering such a condition in diagnosis when horses present with headshaking symptoms.
• Lastly, the study provides insights into the treatment options for such a condition, indicating that it may respond favorably to conservative therapy.