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  Discussion on Serious Head Flicking - leading to rearing
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 28, 2000 - 4:15 am:

Hi, we are trying to research for more information on a horse which has started shaking his head voilently leading to rearing to escape the pain.
It started with a white nasual discharge - similiar to silicon in appearance, about 5 weeks ago.
The horse was preparing to do a dressage test, when he reacted suddenly by shaking the head badly, and striking out with his front feet. It was like he had been stung by a bee between his ears.
On Monday, the vet examined his ears, teeth,etc and could not locate anything. It has progressed to become more consistent, and he gets very tense when you touch his skin etc.
The vet said that it was sun induced, and to stable him during the day, and only ride him during the night. This has not helped. The horse does not shake his head in the paddock, only when he is ridden.
He is anxious, and it appears to be associated with the sinus - nasual discharge. The horse has continued to jump successfully, as it is like he is focused on something else other than pain.
He has been examined by an equine massager, and there appears to be no muscular damage.
We would appreciate any advise on what may be the cause or remedy for the above situation. Thanks

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 28, 2000 - 7:19 am:

We have an article at Training Horses: Behavorial Problems: Headshaking that gives you some of the known rule outs and some possible treatments. Good Luck this can be a frustrating problem.
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 28, 2000 - 12:28 pm:

I would hope your vet could do more testing on this horse. Perhaps it is a nasal infection, or some inner-ear problem. It doesn't sound like a training problem. Do you use the same bit and bridle for jumping that you use in dressage? Except for the nasal discharge, I would think that equipment could be a culprit, though perhaps not in this case. There must be diagnostic tests that can be run on the respiratory tract, throat, and ears.

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 29, 2000 - 8:47 pm:

I think there is a tear duct that ends up in the nose. If I recall, if it is working normally, there is always a damp spot in the nostril. I had a horse that stumbled a bit, and we found that it was a clogged tear duct. Don't remember what was done to correct it though. Maybe, since there is a nasal discharge, and your vet has ruled out a respiratory infection, maybe it is that. Also, if you are in the south, this is the beginning of tick season and they can often get in places that will cause you grief, like in the ears. I've never seen one in the nose, but I guess anything is possible.
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