Over a few weeks, you notice your horse has subtle, but distinct performance problems , but you can't decide if he is lame or not. In addition, the horse's energy seems depleted and it may be showing signs of depression or other unusual behavior.
Observing the horse walking
The ingredients to successfully diagnosing neurological problems in your horse are a thorough knowledge of how the normal horse behaves and moves, a systematic examination, and experience.
Your veterinarian suspects that your horse has neurological disease, and is going to do a full neurological examination.
- What does this mean?
- What is your veterinarian going to do?
- What is she trying to find out?
According to veterinarians at Tufts University, when your veterinarian does a neurological examination, she is trying to sort out two things. First, does a neurological problem exist? Second, what and where in the neurological system is the problem? It can be very difficult to sort out whether a subtle gait abnormality is a neurological problem or not.
The ingredients to successfully diagnosing neurological problems are a thorough knowledge of how the normal horse behaves and moves, a systematic examination, and experience.
What can I expect my veterinarian to do during a neurologic exam?
Your veterinarian will start with a complete medical history. Details such as the age, the breed, and the sex of the horse can be very helpful, because some diseases preferentially affect certain groups of horses. It is very important for your veterinarian to know what you use your horse for, and how hard the horse is being used.
For instance, if your horse is a pasture potato, he may have had subtle signs for quite some time that you haven't noticed because you haven't challenged your horse with difficult maneuvers (such as going up and down hills) and you haven't spent as much time with your horse.
Your veterinarian will want you to try to pinpoint exactly when the abnormal gait or behavior began, and whether it has progressed rapidly or remained relatively static. Your veterinarian is like a detective, who needs as many clues as possible to solve the mystery - your horse's problem.
Your horse will be observed in his own stall or a small turnout area. In familiar surroundings, the horse should be relaxed but should notice people and things around him. Anything new, such as an unfamiliar person or sound, should get a reaction from the horse even if itâs only a small movement of the head or ears.
An overreaction, such as unnatural panic without an appropriate stimulus, could be a sign of neurologic problems. Total disinterest in novel objects or sounds could also signify a problem.
Even if the horse isnât moving, his stance can indicate whether his nervous system is working correctly. He may stand with either rear leg relaxed but otherwise should be bearing weight squarely, with all legs correctly positioned under his body.
His head should be carried normally, not tilted to one side or held in an odd position. Muscling should be symmetrical on both sides of the body including the face, neck, forehand, and hindquarters, and should not show atrophied areas.
A closer examination of the horseâs face and head can help in the diagnosis of neurologic problems. If a hand is moved suddenly toward the horseâs eye from any direction, he should respond by blinking. Neurologic impairment could be suspected if a horse has a drooping ear or eyelid, poor ability in chewing or swallowing, a slow or absent reaction of the eye pupil to light, or a lack of sensitivity around the mouth, eyelids, nostrils, or ears.
After the veterinarian has examined the horse at rest, she will want to see him in motion. A freely moving horse that walks in circles, runs into trees or fences, or stands with his head pressed against a wall or other solid object is showing signs of a neurologic problem.
When led, the horse should be able to walk and trot, negotiate turns with good coordination, and step up and down a curb or slope without difficulty. If the horse is pushed sideways as he walks, he should be able to accommodate the force without staggering or falling.
Horses with neurologic conditions may not move well because they arenât always sure where their legs are or how to stay balanced. They may swing their legs too widely while turning or drag their hooves as they walk, wearing the toes to a flattened shape.
Based on the results of this examination, the veterinarian may be able to diagnose the horseâs neurologic condition, though further tests may be necessary to pinpoint the cause of the problem