Horse Breather 64 Delilah's Recovery from Headshaking File Size

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Horse Breather 64 Delilah's Recovery from Headshaking File Size TiWhaTle There’s The alTernaTive? What’s the alternative: Photo © 1st Class Images helP FOr heaDshaKers Two years ago lorraine hocking bought Delilah in January headshaking. I had all the usual thought she had lost her horse 2010. We were looking for back and teeth checks done. The an all-rounder and she was vet prescribed steroids which Delilah, but thanks to equine I exactly as described in the advert. we started mid August. I did my Breathing they are back out The first six months with her was research and could see from other hacking, competing and enjoying wonderful with lots of hacking, people’s experiences that steroids jumping, cross country schooling didn’t work, so we came off them life together and our first dressage competition. as soon as we could. The vet Then in the late July early August then prescribed cyproheptadine of 2010 we had to move yard and tegretol but I sent them back suddenly and within a week our as my research told me they beautiful horse was unrideable. were also unlikely to work. We I knew what the symptoms were started on a course of Chinese and the vet confirmed that is was herbal medicine which seemed to 8 October / November 2013 HorsemanshipMagazine.co.uk ‘ equineTiT healle hereTh seminar. She showed me how to cover one nostril and almost Within a month I immediately I could see Delilah was able to use a relax. bridle and since I continued this over the winter months and noticed a difference then we haven’t in Delilah’s demeanour. While looked back working Delilah at liberty she would go to the side of the school and stand with her nose pressed against the wall. Was she trying 1N for herself? Eventually the ‘ evidence was overwhelming and in April 2012 I purchased an help her a little, but she was still Equine Breather. unrideable. Within 48 hours I could see As summer turned to autumn a difference, within the first there was still no improvement. week I was able to gently lunge Then suddenly, on 1st November, Delilah in a rope halter with no the symptoms completely symptoms. Within two weeks I disappeared. We started exercise had saddled her up and was riding again and all seemed well. The in walk with the rope halter. winter went by and we were Within a month I was able to use having a lovely time but on 11 a bridle and since then we haven’t March 2011 we went for a hack looked back. At the end of and the headshaking was back Autumn 2012 we were going out with a vengeance. on two hour hacks and I was able I took her to the dentist and to put her in the trailer and go to had her teeth rasped, but saw no training events. We even started Lorraine lovely horse again, I am so glad improvement in her symptoms. jumping again! and Delilah I persevered. I now have my A homeopathic vet prescribed I have had to be diligent with wearing her amazing horse back thanks to homeopathy and acupuncture. my regime. I try to use the Equine Breather Equine Breathing. The first acupuncture session Breather three to four times a before a I would love to think that other worked well and symptoms week for about 30-45 minutes per competition horses who headshake will benefit completely disappeared for about session. I usually put it on Delilah from us sharing our story, I would 36 hours but then came back. while I am grooming and tacking encourage owners of headshakers The homeopathic tablets didn’t up. When she is in her stable she to get in touch with Equine work. Delilah also had three wears the All Weather Breather Breathing and try it, they chiropractic treatments within on a breakable headcollar. I use won’t regret it. a few weeks, but this made no a fly mask and fly rug when she is difference to the headshaking. in the field and when hacking in In August 2011 we decided to the summer I use a Cashel riding Note from Clare move yard again and I called a fly mask which works well if there at Equine Breathing different vet for another opinion, are lots of flies. Now is a good time to start Equine but she also confirmed idiopathic It is now August 2013 and Breathing, especially if your horse headshaking and suggested I give Delilah’s recovery continues. has no symptoms over the winter. euthanasia consideration due to We have been competing for It will give the horse time to the severity of her symptoms. I about six months and she has improve so that by next spring he continued with the Chinese herbal been placed in both dressage and is more likely to cope with over- medicine and also had a course show jumping competitions. We breathing triggers such as pollen, of cranial osteopathy but the did our first unaffiliated one day sun and warmth and to avoid headshaking was now constant. event at Rabson Manor a couple symptoms. The simple technique During the winter of 2012 of weeks ago and are planning to of 1N is easy to do using the free a friend suggested an equine start eventing in September. instructions at breathing technique called 1N Two years ago I could have www.equinebreathing.com which she had heard about at a lost all hope of ever riding my HorsemanshipMagazine.co.uk October / November 2013 9.
Recommended publications
  • Headshaking Common Problems by Dr John Kohnke Bvsc RDA Fact Sheet 33
    C33 Headshaking Common Problems By Dr John Kohnke BVSc RDA Fact Sheet 33 Headshaking can be a difficult problem to diagnose and manage. around the globe have been able to shed some light on this type of Research has shown that the incidence is increasing in horses headshaking in horses. Researchers in the UK suggested in 2000 between 6 and 12 years of age. that the behaviour is due to increased sensitivity in the trigeminal nerve which provides sensation to the upper face, nose and muzzle Headshaking was first described almost 200 years ago. It is areas. Local anaesthesia of the rear nasal branch (maxillary) of the characterised by an uncontrollable, often repetitive vertical and trigeminal nerve in the studies resulted in an 80-100% reduction horizontal (head nodding) or rotary movement of the head and in clinical signs in most headshakers. The researchers also found neck, often without any obvious external cause or stimuli. Some that fitting a nasal filtering mask to slow the air entering the nostrils horses also rub their face and nostrils, often on the front legs or on and inhalation of particulate matter can reduce the signs of fences. A number of affected horses might also snort regularly and headshaking by 90-100% in most headshakers. However, when the these horses often have mild nasal discharge. Some horses exhibit mask is removed, the symptoms often return. This supports the only mild or intermittent symptoms, others develop a frequent, theory that there is a trigger zone in the rear nasal cavity. violent headshaking habit with the appearance of distress.
    [Show full text]
  • Published in ” Natural Horse 3, 44-47, 2001 Volume 3, Issue 6
    Published in ” Natural Horse 3, 44-47, 2001 Volume 3, Issue 6 – Equissentials Photo: (bitless bridle?) TITLE: Who Needs Bits? With Dr. W. Robert Cook In today's horse world, we have a delightful trend toward keeping it natural while at the same time 'unnaturally' riding these powerful animals that once roamed free. Their natural instincts remain, but their amiable natures allow us to harness their power and enjoy the pleasure of their company. Riding or driving these magnificent creatures involves the risk of causing them harm by using, for example, ill-fitting saddles and harness. The knowledge we have gained from research, however, has enabled us to choose our equipment more wisely, with the horse's best interests in mind. Another area of equipment that has been researched is the bridle, or more particularly, the bit. The snaffle bit has come to be accepted as kind, with shank and port bits being regarded as unkind. But do we need a bit at all? When we have the likes of Pat Parelli and Robin Brueckmann achieving Olympic level riding without even a bridle, who needs bits? Furthermore, do bits actually cause harm? Veterinarian and researcher Dr. W. Robert Cook has uncovered some very interesting findings regarding the effects of the bit on the horse's mouth and also on the whole of the horse. What Dr. Cook has found is that a bit is actually detrimental, in various ways, from subtle to profound. His discoveries have led to the use of a new design of bitless bridle, which has been developed according to his specifications, to act upon the whole of the head, without causing the horse either pain or physiological confusion.
    [Show full text]
  • Trigeminal-Mediated Headshaking in Horses: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Strategies
    Roberts, V. (2019). Trigeminal-mediated headshaking in horses: prevalence, impact, and management strategies. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 10. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S163805 Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record License (if available): CC BY Link to published version (if available): 10.2147/VMRR.S163805 Link to publication record in Explore Bristol Research PDF-document This is the final published version of the article (version of record). It first appeared online via Dovepress at https://www.dovepress.com/veterinary-medicine-research-and-reports-journal. Please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher. University of Bristol - Explore Bristol Research General rights This document is made available in accordance with publisher policies. Please cite only the published version using the reference above. Full terms of use are available: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/red/research-policy/pure/user-guides/ebr-terms/ Journal name: Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports Article Designation: Review Year: 2019 Volume: 10 Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports Dovepress Running head verso: Roberts Running head recto: Trigeminal-mediated headshaking in horses open access to scientific and medical research DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S163805 Open Access Full Text Article REVIEW Trigeminal-mediated headshaking in horses: prevalence, impact, and management strategies Veronica Roberts Abstract: Trigeminal-mediated headshaking is a little-understood neuropathic facial pain con- dition of the horse. The condition may affect around 1% of the equine population to a degree of Bristol Vet School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, severity sufficient to require veterinary attention. As a pain condition, this represents a significant Langford, North Somerset BS40 5HB, welfare issue.
    [Show full text]
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    Page 1 of 7 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bitlessbridle.com THE BITLESS BRIDLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The following pages provide brief answers to the most frequently asked questions but for more details please visit our website at www.bitlessbridle.com What is special about The Bitless Bridle and how does it work? It works on an entirely new concept compared with other bridles, including all other bitless bridles; i.e., the Hackamores, bosals and sidepulls. The current bitless bridles work primarily by potentially painful pressure on the nose, bringing about poll flexion. A bit also controls primarily by poll flexion but brings this about through potentially painful pressure on the mouth. In contrast, The Bitless Bridle is special because of the way it works. It provides control by applying gentle and painless pressure, distributed to the whole of the head. In other words, there is pressure across the poll, behind the ears, down the side of the face, behind the chin and across the nose. It does not depend for its control primarily on poll flexion. Whereas the bit exerts focal pressure on the mouth, The Bitless Bridle distributes its pressure over a wide area (one or both sides of the head, depending on whether you are steering or stopping) and over less sensitive tissues (skin and mainly underlying muscle). It does this through two loops, one over the poll and one over the nose. Essentially, it gives the rider an inoffensive and benevolent headlock, as compared with the bit's potentially offensive and painful control of the mouth.
    [Show full text]
  • Information Resources on the Care and Welfare of Horses
    NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY ARCHIVED FILE Archived files are provided for reference purposes only. This file was current when produced, but is no longer maintained and may now be outdated. Content may not appear in full or in its original format. All links external to the document have been deactivated. For additional information, see http://pubs.nal.usda.gov. United States Information Resources on the Care and Department of Agriculture Welfare of Horses AWIC Resource Series No. 36 Agricultural Research November 2006 Service Updates Housing, Husbandry, and Welfare of Horses, 1994 National Agricultural Library Animal Welfare Information Center Compiled and edited by: Cristin Swords Animal Welfare Information Center National Agricultural Library U.S. Department of Agriculture Published by: U. S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service National Agricultural Library Animal Welfare Information Center Beltsville, Maryland 20705 Web site: http://awic.nal.usda.gov Published in cooperation with the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Web Policies and Important Links Contents Forward About this Document Request Library Materials Horse Welfare by D. Mills, University of Lincoln Equine Welfare Issues in the United States: An Introduction by C.L. Stull, University of California, Davis Bibliography Anesthesia and Analgesia Behavior Environmental Enrichment Housing Law and Legislation Nutrition and Feeding Feeding Methods Feeding Restrictions Age Specific Nutrition Concentrates Roughages Vitamins and Supplements Pasture PMU Ranching Safety Training Transportation Web Resources Forward This information resource came to fruition through the diligence of a student employee at the Animal Welfare Information Center. The document contains a comprehensive bibliography and extensive selection of web site resources. Two papers introducing horse care and welfare issues are also included.
    [Show full text]
  • Pathophysiology of Bit Control in the Horse W
    First published in 1999; updated in 2007 Refereed PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF BIT CONTROL IN THE HORSE W. Robert Cook, FRCVS., Ph.D., 1 SUMMARY The use of one and often two bits, in traditional or normal horsemanship, constitutes a welfare problem, a hazard to health, and a handicap to performance. • The bit method of control is invasive, physiologically contraindicated and counter- productive • A bit frightens a horse and causes pain, suffering and injury • It is often responsible for a horse’s poor attitude to exercise and the source of over 100 behavioral problems in all types of equitation from dressage (eg., headshaking) to racing (eg., dorsal displacement of the soft palate). • Horses are happier in a bridle without a bit • The bit is a common cause of airway obstruction and abnormal inspiratory noise (stridor) at exercise • If the speed of a racehorse is governed with a bit and rein traction this causes poll flexion, which in turn obstructs the airway and leads to premature fatigue, poor performance, and asphyxia-induced pulmonary edema (“bleeding”). • Measurement of jowl angle is recommended as an indicator of upper airway patency • A bit triggers digestive tract reflexes, which are physiologically opposed to rapid breathing Horses are being expected to eat and exercise simultaneously, two activities that are mutually exclusive • As the bit interferes with breathing and as breathing is coupled with locomotion, the bit also interferes with locomotion • A horse that leans on the bit loses self-carriage and becomes heavier on the forehand. Its stride becomes shorter and, therefore, slower. In addition, greater stress is placed on the tendons, ligaments, joints and bones of the forelegs.
    [Show full text]
  • Ongoing Research Into a Neurologic Cause of Headshaking May Soon
    Sarah brought her new horse home in December. Westley, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred cross, was well- behaved and showed real potential as the pair spent the winter months training in the indoor arena. It was only when warmer weather arrived that their troubles began. The first time Westley flipped his nose up, jerking the reins from her hands, Ongoing Sarah thought he had been bothered research into a by an insect she didn’t see. But neurologic cause then he did it again. And again. of headshaking Within minutes, Westley was having may soon lead a full-on meltdown: tossing his head up and down frantically, snorting, to more effective and rubbing his nose on his front treatments legs. He became so agitated that he for the most was unsafe to ride. Sarah hopped off frustrating and wondered what had happened cases. to her easy-going horse. It would be a weeks of veterinary visits before she By Anna Sochocky had the devastating answer: Westley was a headshaker. very horse shakes his head on occasion---after all, it’s an effective method for evading flies and other pests. In NEW some cases, however, Eheadshaking is signal that a horse is uncomfortable or in pain. Repetitive headshaking can be caused by poorly fitted tack, a heavy-handed rider, tooth HOPE FOR abscesses, tumors, ear mites, cysts or infections around the eyes or in the sinuses. The behavior is disruptive, but once the source of trouble is identified and addressed, it stops. Far more frustrating are cases of headshaking that have no identifiable 46 EQUUS 499 HEAD SHAKERS NEW HOPE FOR HEAD SHAKERS EQUUS 499 47 cause.
    [Show full text]
  • Commission Regulation (EU)
    13.2.2013 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 42/1 II (Non-legislative acts) REGULATIONS COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 122/2013 of 12 February 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 establishing, in accordance with Directive 2001/82/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Community code relating to veterinary medicinal products, a list of substances essential for the treatment of equidae (Text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, modes of actions, different pharmacokinetic or phar­ macodynamic profiles, different lengths of treatment or different routes of administration. Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, (4) Substances listed in the Annex to Commission Regu­ Having regard to Directive 2001/82/EC of the European lation (EU) No 37/2010 of 22 December 2009 on phar­ Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the macologically active substances and their classification Community code relating to veterinary medicinal products ( 1), regarding maximum residue limits in foodstuffs of 4 and in particular Article 10(3) thereof, animal origin ( ) should not appear on the list of essential substances and substances bringing added clinical benefit. Therefore, it is necessary to amend the Whereas: list in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 to remove from that list any substances listed in Regulation (EU) No 37/2010. (1) Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 ( 2 ) estab­ lished a list of substances essential for the treatment of equidae which, by way of derogation from Article 11 of (5) It is also appropriate to remove from the list in the Directive 2001/82/EC, may be administered to equidae Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 several intended for slaughter for human consumption subject to substances identified as alternatives to the substances a withdrawal period of not less than six months.
    [Show full text]
  • BIT-INDUCED FEAR: a Welfare Problem & Safety Hazard for Horse and Rider
    BIT-INDUCED FEAR: A welfare problem & safety hazard for horse and rider W. Robert Cook FRCVS, PhD1 Part II: BITS AND DISEASES Table I provides a summary of the 40 or more bit-induced diseases that I have recognized in the last ten years, the evidence for which has already been published. This is not the place to repeat the evidence but, by way of exemplifying the problems that bits cause, I will comment on two of the major problems, the headshaking syndrome and airway obstruction. In Part III I will focus on another problem which is the most serious of all and hence the title of this trilogy…the problem of bit-induced fear. BIT-INDUCED DISEASES # ORAL & DENTAL DISEASES NOTES 1 Sore mouth (gingivitis) and lips (dermatitis) Dermatitis can lead to sarcoid formation at the corner of the mouth 2 Mandibular periostitis ‘Bone spurs’ on the bars of the mouth (very common) 3 Hypersalivation at exercise ‘Drooling of ‘ropes’ of saliva, sometimes admixed with air so that the saliva foams 4 Sequestrum formation on the bars Rare 5 Laceration of the tongue Including amputation of the apex of the tongue 6 Mandibular fracture For example, from a loose horse treading on a trailing rein 7 Temporo-mandibular joint disorders Evidence questionable but frequently suspected (Cook 2006) 8 Dental pain (toothache) From bit trauma to unerupted vestigial wolf teeth in the lower jaw 9 Dental pain (toothache) From bit trauma to wolf teeth in upper jaw (less of a problem than #7) 10 Erosion of canine teeth In the gelding.
    [Show full text]
  • Proceedings of the 14Th International Conference
    PROCEEDINGS OF THE 14TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Equitation Science 150 years after Caprilli: theory and practice, the full circle September 21-24, 2018, Hosted by Regiment “Lanceri di Montebello”, Roma, Italy Herein are summaries of presentations of the 14th Equitation Science Con- Proceedings edited by ference held in Rome in 2018. Along with synopses of plenary talks and Sue McDonnell, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Baragli practical demonstrations are abstracts describing recent research within the broad emerging field of Equitation Science. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL The Mission of ISES is to promote and encourage the application of objec- TH tive research and advanced practice which will ultimately improve the wel- fare of horses in their associations with humans. La Giornata di Studio è stata la prima occasione in ambito accademico per riflettere sulla ricezione di questo romanzo, sul suo ruolo nella formazione dell’immagine dell’Italia all’estero, nonché sulle diverse dinamiche culturali che entrano in gioco a seconda dei contesti in cui esso viene a trovarsi. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 14 ISBN 978-88-3339-109-0 12,00 € 9 788833 391090 Proceedings of the 14th International Conference Equitation Science 150 years after Caprilli: theory and practice, the full circle September 21-24, 2018 Hosted by Regiment “Lanceri di Montebello”, Roma, Italy Proceedings edited by Sue McDonnell, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Baragli Proceedings of the 14th International Conference : equitation science 150 years after Caprilli: theory and practice, the full circle : September 21-24, 2018, Hosted by Regiment “Lanceri di Montebello”, Roma, Italy / proceedings edited by Sue McDonnell, Barbara Padalino, Paolo Baragli. - Pisa : Pisa university press, 2018.
    [Show full text]
  • Headshaking: - an Alternative Hypothesis Derek C Knottenbelt OBE, BVM&S, DVMS, Dipeceim, MRCVS
    Headshaking: - An alternative hypothesis Derek C Knottenbelt OBE, BVM&S, DVMS, DipECEIM, MRCVS Abstract: Headshaking is recognised neurologic disorder of horses characterised by involuntary, hyper-reflexic, hyperaesthetic, up and down movements of the head during defined activities such as exercise or in defined circumstances not associated with exercise such as exposure to rain, cold, dust or wind. The condition is often reported to have an obvious abrupt onset of an apparent severe facial pain. Owners will frequently attribute the state to a “bee sting on the nose”. Affected horses are extremely distressed at the time and may be almost unmanageable. In contrast a few cases have a more insidious onset with a much milder head ‘tic’ being present for some weeks or even years before more obvious signs develop. A high proportion of horses show the worst signs during exercise (whether ridden or free or lunged) but many have very variable symptoms. Apart from the characteristic up-down head movement, rotatory or side to side movements can be encountered. In this circumstance the condition is usually complicated and many such horses have detectable pathology in the neck or are lame (forelimb, back or hind limb lameness). Additional signs include striking at the face during exercise, rubbing the face on hard objects or commonly on the front legs. Some horses become distracted and do not respond to ridden or verbal commands – they may refuse to go forward, rear or circle when encouraged to move forward. Careful observation will often identify ‘nostril clamping’ i.e. the horse attempts to close its nostril(s) as if trying to prevent the movement of air therein.
    [Show full text]
  • Ross, S., Murray, J., & Roberts, V. (2018). Prevalence of Headshaking
    Ross, S., Murray, J., & Roberts, V. (2018). Prevalence of headshaking within the equine population in the UK. Equine Veterinary Journal, 50(1), 73-78. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12708 Peer reviewed version License (if available): CC BY-NC Link to published version (if available): 10.1111/evj.12708 Link to publication record in Explore Bristol Research PDF-document This is the author accepted manuscript (AAM). The final published version (version of record) is available online via Wiley at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.12708/abstract. Please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher. University of Bristol - Explore Bristol Research General rights This document is made available in accordance with publisher policies. Please cite only the published version using the reference above. Full terms of use are available: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/red/research-policy/pure/user-guides/ebr-terms/ 1 Manuscript title - Prevalence of headshaking within the equine population in the United Kingdom. 2 Author’s names and affiliations: 3 S. E. Ross 4 V. L. H. Roberts* 5 J. K. Murray 6 * Correspondence email: [email protected] 7 School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Somerset, UK. 8 Keywords for publication: horse, headshaking, prevalence, questionnaire, laminitis. 9 Word count- 4534 10 Declarations: 11 Competing interests. No competing interests have been declared. 12 Ethical approval. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Bristol, Ethics of Research 13 Committee, application number 34361. 14 Source of funding. Funding was provided by the Langford Veterinary Services Clinical Research fund. 15 Jane Murray’s post was funded by Cats Protection.
    [Show full text]