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Discussion on Head trauma resulting in head tilt
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Member:
Lisao
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2003 - 11:04 pm:
Looking for references on head (brain) trauma prognosis. I am considering buying a filly, but she had a bad fall 3 mos. ago (she is only 8 mos. old now) where she fell and hit her head on the ground. This did cause her to seize, but she was up and apparently OK by the time the vet got out to see her. Now she has a residual head tilt, but no other symptoms. Senses all fine, gaits unimpaired, balance good, etc. Just that darned tilt! She had a basic neurologic exam this week and there was no apparent nerve damage. I'm trying to figure out what the damage could be (inflammation still?) and whether there's any reasonable possibility that she will fully recover. I'm interested in finding someone with equine neurological experience to check her out, but I'm not sure how to find someone good. Help?!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 29, 2003 - 9:20 am:
There is nerve damage (8th cranial nerve) and it is the reason for the head tilt. I think this will improve with time but cannot predict if it will completely heal. Even if it all looks ok as a yearling this horse may have difficult to detect deficits that cause it to be an unreliable mount once under saddle.
I would wait for this horse to show me that it can be safely ridden before I would buy it, unless the deal was too good to pass up and was willing to take that risk.
DrO
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Member:
Lisao
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 29, 2003 - 9:25 am:
Thanks! It is a very sad case because otherwise this filly is spectacular!
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Member:
Lisao
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Posted on Friday, Feb 21, 2003 - 3:27 pm:
Hi, I wrote a while back about a filly that fell and hit her head with resultant seizures. I still haven't decided whether or not to buy (the price is right for the original risk, but now I have one more question). This filly was intended to be used primarily as a broodmare on down the road. Is it possible or probable for the endocrine system to be messed up from severe head trauma to the point where she may be unable to breed...ie, pituitary or hypothalmic disruptions?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Feb 21, 2003 - 8:48 pm:
I don't think this is likely. But you may find the seizure pattern changes (for worse or better) when pregnant.
DrO
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