Head Shaking

This condition is characterised by the shaking of the head up and down or side to side acting as though an insect has gone up the nose.

Causes:

These may include:

·         Middle ear disorders, ear mites, fungal rhinitis, periodic opthalmia

·         Stress, intense exercise, heat and sunlight seem to make head shaking worse.

·         Head shaking may be the result of a pathophysiologic mechanism in response to light stimulation. Similar to a light-stimulated sneeze in humans.

·         These stimuli affect the sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve in the muzzle area which may explain nasal rubbing, snorting and nose flicking.

·         Alterations in blood flow in nasal area could explain some of this behaviour.

·          Horses that have been exposed to EHV-1 may be more at risk. Theory behind this is that the herpes virus lies dormant in the trigeminal nerve then with heat, exercise, stress and/or sunlight, becomes active.

Clinical signs:

·         Flicking of the nose. Rubbing nose on objects

·         Ears stuck out at right angles to the head.

·         Horse will actively seek shady areas

·         Symptoms may worsen in summer and improve with nightfall.

Immediate Action

Have the horse examined by a vet to check for photosensitivity and/or an abnormal build up of seratonin.  Test for any infections. Check teeth and fitting of the bit.

Veterinary Treatment may include:

·         Anti-seratonergic  and antihistamine drugs.

·         Anti-inflammatory drugs.

Alternative Preventative and Herbal Remedies.

·         Provide environmental protection from sunlight. Plant shade trees.

·         Reduce inflammation by taking a range of Essential fatty acids  (ALA and GLAs)  daily. These cold pressed only oils will correct the balance between Prostaglandin E1 and Prostaglandin E2.

·         The GLAs will help reduce the over production of noradrenalin which can promote irritability, hostility and excess seratonin. 

·         Evening Primrose, hemp seed, and borage Oils will assist in protecting the nerve sheath.

·         To address free radical damage by providing plant material rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. Green tea tailings daily, proflavonals from grapeseed.

·         Restore integrity of blood vessels using some of the following herbs: hawthorn, yarrow, chestnut.

·         To improve blood flow using circulatory herbs.

·         The herb valerian will help relax the horse as well as acting as a vasodilator which will assist with blood flow to muzzle area.

·         The herb Camomile  may help with symptoms.

·         Some horses have obtained temporary relief after having ointment containing St John’s Wort and Calendula applied up the nostril.( Note St John’s Wort acts directly on the nerve endings)

·         Some people have placed a panty hose leg over the muzzle to prevent pollen entering nasal passages which has in some cases given considerable relief.

Additional Considerations

• Excessive use of herbicides and pesticides leave toxic residues. This in turn  compromises the immune system further causing oxidative stress. This will  predispose the horse to headshaking syndrome.

• Some proprietary feeds have refined oils which are pro-inflammatory. In addition to this, many have high levels of salts which, when excreted onto pasture, will affect the soil biology. This in turn will reduce the beneficial soil bacteria and fungi that out-compete pathogens that make our horse sick.

• Heavy metal poisoning will further compromise horse health making it susceptible to allergic reactions. Correct soil microflora will immobilise these toxins by reconstructing elements into inert, safe substances. The most effective natural substance responsible for this is humic acid, a by product of earth worm leachate.