title: Successful treatment of head shaking by use of infrared diode laser deflation and coagulation of corpora nigra cysts and behavioral modification in a horse.
abstract: METHODS
  A 15-year-old Saddlebred gelding used for competitive pleasure driving had a 1-year history of head shaking while pulling a cart.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The horse had cystic corpora nigra in both eyes and concomitant classic and operant conditioned responses to wearing a bridle with bilateral eye covers (blinkers).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Deflation and coagulation of the cysts with an infrared diode laser and behavior modification consisting of desensitization and counter-conditioning were used to successfully restore performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Behavioral changes in horses can result from a combination of physical and psychologic causes. A combination of appropriate medical treatment of physical abnormalities and a behavioral modification plan is necessary to successfully treat behavioral problems in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.
authors.forename: Jeannine M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Bradford J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Holmberg
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Madigan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D003560:Cysts / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D007259:Infrared Rays; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome