#Signs of head trauma in horses how to#
#Signs of head trauma in horses driver#
#Signs of head trauma in horses free#

If a traumatic episode is observed, an immediate evaluation by your veterinarian is recommended.

#Signs of head trauma in horses free#

These types of accidents cannot always be prevented, but are less likely if your horses are trained to load calmly, are taught to give to pressure rather than pull back, and are turned out in a safe paddock or pasture free of unnecessary objects and with good footing. Trauma to the spinal cord can occur when a horse collides with a relatively immobile object or hits the ground hard during a fall. It can also happen if a horse rears up when loading into a trailer or in a barn with a low ceiling. Trauma to the brain most commonly occurs when a horse rears up and flips over backwards, hitting the back of his head on the ground. The most common cause of ataxia is cranial and/or spinal trauma, followed by cervical vertebral myelopathy/instability (wobblers), infection (EPM, WNV, EEE/WEE/VEE, EHV-1, rabies), and degenerative disease (EDM). When you observed the clumsiness and swagger of those who had too much to drink, you were seeing alcohol-induced ataxia.

#Signs of head trauma in horses driver#

The best example I can think of is to recall a time when you were the designated driver at a cocktail party.

It occurs when there is a disruption or failure of information flow at any point along the pathway from the brain to the muscle, or from the muscle back to the brain. This ability to coordinate multiple muscle contractions and relaxation is voluntary (it requires the desire to move) is developed over time (through the strengthening of muscle and nerve connections – “muscle memory”) and requires the proper integration of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles.Ī lack of coordination during voluntary movements, such as walking, is called ataxia.

#Signs of head trauma in horses how to#

He must first learn how to crawl, then to stand, then how to balance while taking a step or two, then finally put multiple steps together in a row to produce walking.

The act of walking may seem simple to you, but consider a baby learning to walk. One of the more common and disturbing gait deficits that can arise from neurologic disease is ataxia. The head, neck, forelimbs, body and hind limbs will all be assessed for any neurologic abnormalities. Mental status and behavior will be evaluated along with gait and posture. During the exam, your vet will either rule out or confirm that the nervous system is involved, and attempt to locate where the problem is within the system. Fortunately, your veterinarian can help you determine whether or not your horse’s central nervous system is to blame by performing a neurologic examination. It can sometimes be very hard to tell if a horse is displaying lameness, or has underlying neurologic deficits that are altering his performance or gait. A general exam labeled him as neurologic, and a trip to the local equine hospital left them with the unfortunate diagnosis of wobblers. Some days he would look a bit “off” behind, though not consistently enough for her to pinpoint the cause. Understanding it can play a key role in early detection and appropriate treatment.Īs Sarah began working with her young Warmblood gelding, preparing him for under saddle work, she noticed something odd. Ataxia is a common symptom of neurologic disease.