Successful treatment of head shaking by use of infrared diode laser deflation and coagulation of corpora nigra cysts and behavioral modification in a horse.
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.
Berger
Jeannine M
JM
Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.
Bell
Stephanie A
SA
Holmberg
Bradford J
BJ
Madigan
John E
JE
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