Horse tremors | PetMD

What is horse shivering?

Shivers is a chronic progressive neurological disease characterised by an abnormal shuddering gait when the horse retreats.

Essentially, it appears as if the horse’s legs are “trembling.” Tremors have been seen for many years and reported in a variety of breeds, and are thought to be relatively rare.

Tremors appear to be breed-related, so there may be a genetic basis or predisposition to the condition.

Latest the study It turns out that one of the causes of tremors is related to injury or damage to Purkinje cells (specific neurons) in the cerebellar cortex of the brain.

Tremors in horses can be confused with stringhalt. Both conditions have a neurological component, but stringhalt is characterised by an involuntary, excessive upward movement of one or both hind legs, usually with each stride at the walk. Tremors can be seen when retreating and, in severe cases, only when walking forward at the walk.

Symptoms of horse shivering

Clinical signs of tremor usually begin by age 5 and typically increase in severity with age. Horses get old.

Common clinical symptoms of tremor include:

• Hyperflexion or hyperextension of hind legs when retreating

• Muscle tremors

• In some cases, the muscles in the face and neck may contract.

• Resistance to lifting the hind legs, for example to clean the hooves or for the farrier to put on the horse’s shoes

• Muscle atrophy

Causes of horse shivering

The cause of horse trembling is still under investigation, as much remains unknown. It appears to be caused by damage to Purkinje cells (specialized nerve cells) in the cerebellum part of the brain.

Both males and females can be affected, but geldings are more likely to be diagnosed with shivering. Also, taller horses (over 16.3 hands) are more likely to be diagnosed with shivering than shorter horses. Shivering can occur in draft horses, warmbloods, Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds.

Excitement or stress can also cause tremors.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Horse Tremors

The diagnosis of shivering is based on a physical examination, the horse’s characteristic gait as it retreats, and the exclusion of other diseases such as stringhalt. EPM, and lameness.At the time of publication, there is no test to diagnose shivering in horses.

How to Treat Tremors in Horses

Currently, there is no cure for tremors, but proper management can reduce clinical symptoms.

Managing your horse’s shivering

Once a horse has been diagnosed with shivering, regular management is the best way to reduce recurrence. Management methods that have been found to be effective for horses with shivering include:

Work with your veterinarian to develop the best protocol for your individual horse.

Massage, acupuncture and veterinary spinal manipulation therapy may help keep your horse comfortable and competitive.

If your horse shivers too much and his muscles atrophy, he will be more susceptible to injury and lameness.

Supplements to reduce horse tremors

Current research suggests that the antioxidant Vitamin E may be beneficial for horses at risk of shivering. Vitamin E aids in the development of healthy nerve and muscle tissue.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant (important for healthy nerve and muscle tissue) and may be crucial for horses at risk of shivering. Supplements containing Vitamin E that may be helpful for horses include: Nano E® or Elevate®.