Characterisation of headshaking syndrome--31 cases.
Headshaking is a maturity onset condition with the most commonly reported clinical signs being 'flipping' of the nose, nose rubbing, snorting or sneezing, and acting like a bee is flying up the nostril. A questionnaire was completed by owners of 31 horses with headshaking syndrome. The history, time of onset, clinical presentation and treatment of this condition were reported. Headshaking appeared to be light-stimulated in approximately 60% of the horses. The condition is seasonal and recurring in the majority of horses. Treatment with cyproheptadine produced improvement of symptoms in 76% of cases. The clinical signs are suggested to be compatible with neuropathic pain producing itching, tingling or electric like sensations in the face and muzzle area of affected horses.
Madigan
J E
JE
Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis 95616, USA.
Bell
S A
SA
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D003533:Cyproheptadine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012621:Seasons; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013577:Syndrome
D000975:Antioxidants; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D003533:Cyproheptadine; D008550:Melatonin