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  Discussion on Not sure what's wrong
Author Message
Member:
fargo

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 8:41 pm:

When my horse was younger, he was wonderful. He'd let me hug his head, kiss his nose, built forts on him, you name it and he wouldn't mind. He interacted with me a lot, and he'd tell me distinct things through his body language (touching my hip etc etc).

Now that's he's gotten old (24ish?), however, his behavior has changed very drastically.

To start out with something medical, he shakes his head now. A lot. He'll set it near the ground between his legs and shake it violently back and fourth for a prolonged period of time. I've taken him to the vet a few times about it, and they've cleaned out his ears and called it behavioral, but it's not, I'm sure of it.

His behavior has changed as well. He doesn't really interact with me anymore, and acts like he doesn't really recognize me. Not only that, but he's gotten very headshy. When I first knew him he was very very headshy, but we worked though that and for years we were fine. Now if I try to place my hands on his face he jerks it away, and will rarely let me have too much contact with it.

This has been going on for quite a while, and if you have any thoughts as to what's going on I would be very grateful.
Member:
dres

Posted on Saturday, Feb 17, 2007 - 8:53 pm:

Frank, did you read up on head shakers. ? Is this seasonal? Or only out in full sunlight? Does he sneeze or strike out often like something is 'bugging' him.. ? How sad to feel you have lost your buddy..

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots.
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 9:02 am:

Besides what Ann said, have you had his vision checked? His teeth done? I'd think vision problems would cause the symptoms you describe, as would sores in his mouth from sharp points on his teeth.

I hope you get some answers and get your buddy back. Leave no stone unturned, no matter if you think it's the cause of his change in behavior or not.

Best of luck, keep us posted.
Member:
savage

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 1:16 pm:

Hi Frank, have you taken his temperature? is he still eating and drinking normally? how are his gut sounds?

Did this vet do a thorough exam of his head, including teeth, sinus, eyes for ulcers etc?

My horse would shake his head and grind his teeth when he was in pain.
Member:
fargo

Posted on Sunday, Feb 18, 2007 - 11:59 pm:

oh sorry Frank is my father, I'm his daughter Sarah.

I haven't checked his vision nor has the vet looked up his nasal cavities. Those will be two great starting points (his teeth, appetite, sensitivity to light are all normal).

Thank you for all of your ideas, I'll be giving the vet a call in the morning to get the ball moving!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Feb 19, 2007 - 5:52 am:

Hello Sarah,
I do agree there may be a connection between the behavioral changes you see and the head shaking. There are other important diagnostic steps however, for a list of diseases and diagnostic steps see, Training & Conditioning Horses » Behavioral Problems » Head Shaking.
DrO
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