Head shaking in winter? Help needed

[thatsmygirl]

I know somebody who has owned their stunning horse for 3 yrs but only in the last month has she started head shaking? Has anybody got any ideas to why she would start it all off a sudden. The vet has looked but came up with no idea. If she doesn't stop it soon she's going to sign her over to me as she can't cope with it. I would just like some thought and advise from people who has had this problem. Iv known head shakers and dealt with them but has baffled me a bit as to why now going into winter?

 

[DuckToller]

Head shaking is such a tricky problem, they really don't know all the triggers and that's why it's so difficult to sort. If it's only just started, then it probably isn't pollen, although there are various mould spores around this time of year.

Has the owner tried all the obvious things - ie teeth and back checked? Maybe try a nose net just in case that works? I have a pony that shakes mildly but he is fine on a loose rein, it only starts when you take up a contact, and we have tried various options. A thin myler bit and a broader browband helped him, but he still does it occasionally (it's more of a nose itch than actually shaking).

Can't offer any real help, I'm afraid, but always worth having a second opinion from a vet. Some that have started head shaking have been found to have a hay seed in their ear - it might be something physical, so worth another try.

 

[thatsmygirl]

Thanks for your reply. A nose net didn't help at all. They are thinking off pts so I will give her a chance if it comes to it and try things. Hasn't done it in 3 yrs so a bit off a odd one I feel.

 

[MissCandy]

A friend of mine has a horse who is a very violent head shaker, all year round, but much worse in summer - she tried everything and finally took him to Liverpool. Turns out he had a fractured cheek bone (before she got him) which has healed wrong and can press on a nerve. Its worse in summer because if he shakes his head like a 'normal' horse because of flys etc it sets him off. She has started him on a course of drugs for pain relief (no idea what they are called) to see how he goes and so far he seems to be ok.

I would think your friends horses' headshaking may be pain related as its the wrong time of the year for the usual triggers? And as above I would do all the usual checks and if it continues I would get the vet involved asap - it took my friend ages to get referred to Liverpool.

Hope its something simple and gets sorted quickly.