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Related Experiment Videos

Photic headshaking in the horse: 7 cases

J E Madigan1, G Kortz, C Murphy

  • 1Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis 95616-8737, USA.

Equine Veterinary Journal
|July 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Equine headshaking, often starting in spring, may be triggered by light. Covering horses' eyes reduced headshaking, suggesting a link to light sensitivity and potential photic sneeze reflex.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Neurology
  • Equine Ophthalmology
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • Equine headshaking is a poorly understood condition affecting horses.
  • Seasonal onset, particularly in spring, is noted in some cases.
  • Potential triggers for headshaking require further investigation.

Observation:

  • Seven horses with headshaking were studied, with no physical abnormalities found.
  • Six horses exhibited clinical signs beginning in spring.
  • Headshaking ceased in horses when their eyes were covered (blindfold, dark lenses, face mask) or in darkness.
  • Horses actively avoided light during outdoor observation.
  • One horse showed a consistent 3-year pattern of headshaking onset.

Findings:

  • Light appears to be a significant trigger for equine headshaking.

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  • Blindfolding and darkness effectively stopped headshaking in most horses.
  • Grey lenses provided partial relief, indicating a dose-dependent effect.
  • The photic sneeze reflex in humans is proposed as a potential analogous mechanism.
  • Cyproheptadine treatment improved symptoms in 5 out of 7 horses.
  • Seasonal onset may involve photoperiod mechanisms and optic trigeminal summation.

    • Implications:

    • Light avoidance strategies and eye coverings may alleviate headshaking symptoms.
    • Understanding the role of light sensitivity can lead to better management of equine headshaking.
    • Further research into neuropharmacological pathways is warranted to explain seasonal onset.
    • The findings suggest a potential link between equine headshaking and photic reflexes.