Nuchal crest avulsion fracture in 2 horses: a cause of headshaking.
The medical records of 2 Thoroughbred horses that developed headshaking after blunt trauma to the occipital region are reviewed. The history, signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, diagnosis and treatment were recorded in each case. Both horses displayed headshaking, while one horse repeatedly lifted its upper lip and pawed excessively at the ground. In both horses, diagnostic imaging of the occipital region revealed avulsion fragments of the nuchal crest and a nuchal desmitis in association with hyperfibrinogenaemia. The presence of an avulsion fragment of the nuchal crest with associated nuchal desmitis should be considered in horses presenting with headshaking and may respond favourably to conservative therapy.
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Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Equine Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa.
Saulez
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MN
Donnellan
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CM
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006257:Head; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014221:Triamcinolone