Hypnic jerks in horses?

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peanut0611

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Anyone ever encountered their horse having a hypnic jerk (the falling sensation people get when falling asleep at times)? My mare keeps having them, or something of the like anyway -- I'll be grooming her, she slowly closes her eyes and relaxes, then literally jumps with all four feet off the floor and is quite shaken up for 30 seconds.

Anyone experienced something similar?
 
My tb does this but only when he is being tacked up wheather it be his bridle or saddle cannot leave him tied up have to tack up in stable or outside but stay with him , does anybody's else's suffer from neuroepsy and any treatment ? X
 
Sounds very,very like narcolepsy. We have a horse on the yard with it. It is potentially v dangerous for you (when you around your horse!) and your horse,obviously. Please get a vet to investigate. If it is narcolepsy,there's medication (imipramine is one) that will help but the horse will probably be on it for life. Good luck!
 
Thanks so much everyone. I'll definitely consult my vet. Forgot to add; she is a 12 y/o Hanoverian mare, have had her since she was 4 and has never had any other issues except for Kissing Spines which is being treated. She is on MSM and Cosequin, and gets fed Spillers Original nuts and a conditioning mix of which I can't remember the brand. She gets ad lib hay, is in at night and out with two friends during the day where she has grass and water. Her performance has not deteriorated, and neither have her eating habits.
 
My mare suffers them when she is dozing off, but they only affect her head and neck. They look just the same as what we do when we are nodding off in a chair. I always feel a bit sorry for her as obviously they wake her up with a big start.
 
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