Tail clamping reflex

[Leafcutter]

Following on from a fascinating youtube video about neurological symptoms posted on here, I’ve just tried the suggested palpations on my old horse and he’s totally unresponsive when I lift his tail and prod his bum or the underneath of his dock. He doesn’t even twitch, never mind clamp his tail down. His other responses all seem pretty normal. Now I’m worrying there’s something really wrong. I’m going to mention it to my vet, who is down in the next few weeks, but wondering if anyone else’s horse is like this?

 

[rabatsa]

A couple of mine really enjoy having under their tails fondled/prodded/played around with so would never consider clamping down with the tail.

 

[Leafcutter]

Yeah mine’s always enjoyed a good scratch under there too. His bum did pucker a little bit, maybe he’s just waiting for a scratch, I should probably not watch so much YouTube horsey stuff, I’m such a worrier!

 

[Gloi]

I'd only worry if he is unable to feel or move it.

 

[Fluffypiglet]

I tried the straw tickle test from that video and no skin twitching. He did however turn round and give me a look (wtf are you doing woman?) so I decided that’s a pass. Mine has an issue that could cause neuro problems in the future so I’m always mindful (slightly worried). If it helps - i knew a horse who had zero tail reflex who was absolutely fine and jumping to a high level. It was assumed he’d done something to it as a foal maybe. Tbh his owner hadn’t really noticed it was unusual and vet confirmed no concerns. If yours is otherwise fine, I would just mention it in passing when the vet is next out. I’m not mentioning the tickle test as I think my vet would tell me to stop watching you tube videos!

 

[poiuytrewq]

I almost posted this myself but wanted to investigate further/do more of the tests.
I have two horses. One is neurological, the other allegedly not. He does and always has had a dodgy tail since being a foal. So neither respond at all to the tail and anus test.
The Neuro one absolutely will not cross his hind feet or let me put them in a strange position. The good one lets me but corrects it.
The hay/fly thing both react on their sides but not flanks (at all)
Neither show any pain along the back response.
So i too was thinking Is my "good" horse also neurological, I was also thinking the neurological one maybe isn't that bad! I'd expected a much bigger difference in the two.
I am planning to spend a little more time and go through all the tests more carefully, maybe ill try them on the ponies too just for interest.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I've been trawling through posts trying to find this video clip again, Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

 

[Lurfy]

Yes can someone please tell us where the video is? I would like to try some of these tests on my old boy.

 

[nutjob]

This is the one I use to check on my horse (known low grade wobbler)

 

[poiuytrewq]

This is the one I use to check on my horse (known low grade wobbler)

Thank you!