Observations on headshaking in the horse.
Abstract: The clinical records of 100 cases of headshaking in horses were reviewed. Possible causes of the abnormal behaviour were identified in 11 animals; these included ear mite infestation, otitis interna, cranial nerve dysfunction, cervical injury, ocular disease, guttural pouch mycosis, dental periapical osteitis and suspected vasomotor rhinitis. However, in only two of these could it be shown that correction of the abnormality led to elimination of the headshaking. The additional clinical signs exhibited by the other idiopathic cases of headshaking included evidence of nasal irritation, sneezing and snorting, nasal discharge, coughing and excessive lacrimation. Many of these horses also showed a marked seasonal pattern with respect to the onset of the disease and the recurrence of signs in subsequent years. The clinical presentation of idiopathic headshakers and the seasonal incidence of the signs closely resemble allergic rhinitis in man.
Publication Date: 1987-07-01 PubMed ID: 3622462DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1987.tb01424.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research examines the causes and symptoms of headshaking behavior in horses, suggesting that in the majority of cases, the cause remains unknown, and underlines a noted seasonal pattern and similarities between this behavior and allergic rhinitis in humans.
Research Overview
The paper involves a review of 100 cases of horses exhibiting headshaking behavior. The primary objective was to investigate the possible causes and additional clinical signs accompanying the behavior. Despite identifying potential reasons in 11 cases, only two saw a cessation of headshaking after the abnormality was rectified.
Identified Causes
- Specific potential causes were identified in 11 of the examined horses. These include <a href="/ear-mites-in-horses/" title="Ear Mites & Psoroptic Mange in Horses: Transmission, Treatment & Prevention”>ear mite infestation, otitis interna (inflammation of the inner ear), cranial nerve dysfunction, cervical injury, ocular disease, guttural pouch mycosis (fungal infection in the guttural pouch), dental periapical osteitis (inflammation in the area surrounding the root of a tooth), and suspected vasomotor rhinitis.
- In only two of these cases did the resolution of the underlying condition result in the cessation of the headshaking behavior.
Additional Clinical Symptoms
- The study details additional signs associated with headshaking cases that remain idiopathic, or without an identified cause. These include nasal irritation, sneezing, snorting, nasal discharge, coughing, and excessive lacrimation (tear production).
Seasonal Pattern and Allergic Rhinitis Similarity
- Many of the horses demonstrated a significant seasonal pattern regarding the onset of the disease and recurrence in subsequent years.
- The researchers highlight that the clinical presentation of idiopathic headshakers and the seasonal incidence of signs bear a strong resemblance to allergic rhinitis (a type of inflammation in the nose) found in humans. It leads to consideration of similar underlying allergies or sensitivities being responsible for the headshaking behavior in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Lane JG, Mair TS.
(1987).
Observations on headshaking in the horse.
Equine Vet J, 19(4), 331-336.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1987.tb01424.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Female
- Head
- Horses
- Male
- Movement
Citations
This article has been cited 14 times.- Franzen V, Reisbeck D, Leibl Y, Schoster A, May A. Pain Assessment of Horses With Trigeminal-Mediated Headshaking (TMHS) at Rest Between Episodes. J Vet Intern Med 2025 May-Jun;39(3):e70064.
- Becker R, Haenssgen K, Precht C, Khoma OZ, Hlushchuk R, Koch C, Kaessmeyer S, de Preux M. An anatomical study of the subarachnoid space surrounding the trigeminal ganglion in horses-in preparation for a controlled glycerol rhizotomy in equids. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1424890.
- Nessler JN, Delarocque J, Kloock T, Twele L, Neudeck S, Meyerhoff N, Riese F, Cavalleri JV, Tipold A, Feige K, Niebuhr T. Sensory nerve conduction stimulus threshold measurements of the infraorbital nerve and its applicability as a diagnostic tool in horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking. BMC Vet Res 2024 May 16;20(1):201.
- Kloock T, Hellige M, Kloock A, Feige K, Niebuhr T. Application of the HRE-S to 140 horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking and the association of clinical signs with diagnosis, therapy, and outcome. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1329054.
- Bell T, Kyriazopoulou P, Mowbray C, Murphy BA. Equine Headshaking Syndrome: Triggers, Seasonality, and Treatment Efficacy in Australia. Animals (Basel) 2024 Mar 13;14(6).
- Kloock T, Hellige M, Kloock A, Feige K, Niebuhr T. Impact of Different Diagnostic Procedures on Diagnosis, Therapy, and Outcome in Horses with Headshaking: Recommendations for Fast-Track Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Protocols. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 13;12(22).
- Stange LM, Krieter J, Czycholl I. Comparison of the Current Situation of Equine Headshaking Syndrome in France and Switzerland Based on an Online Survey. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 28;12(11).
- Aleman M, Sheldon SA, Jospin G, Coil D, Stratton-Phelps M, Eisen J. Caecal microbiota in horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking. Vet Med Sci 2022 May;8(3):1049-1055.
- Sheldon SA, Aleman M, Costa LRR, Santoyo AC, Weich KM, Howey Q, Madigan JE. Luteinizing hormone concentrations in healthy horses and horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking over an 8-hour period. J Vet Intern Med 2019 Mar;33(2):885-888.
- Sheldon SA, Aleman M, Costa LRR, Santoyo AC, Howey Q, Madigan JE. Intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate and its effect on horses with trigeminal-mediated headshaking. J Vet Intern Med 2019 Mar;33(2):923-932.
- Roberts V. Trigeminal-mediated headshaking in horses: prevalence, impact, and management strategies. Vet Med (Auckl) 2019;10:1-8.
- Bell C, Hnenny L, Torske K. Internal neurolysis of the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve for the treatment of equine trigeminal mediated headshaking syndrome. Can Vet J 2018 Jul;59(7):763-769.
- Roberts VL, Fews D, McNamara JM, Love S. Trigeminal Nerve Root Demyelination Not Seen in Six Horses Diagnosed with Trigeminal-Mediated Headshaking. Front Vet Sci 2017;4:72.
- Bell AJ. Headshaking in a 10-year-old Thoroughbred mare. Can Vet J 2004 Feb;45(2):153-5.
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