Headshaking in Horses

Headshaking in Horses:

Horses can shake their heads for many reasons, from an occasional “normal” flick to severe repetitive movements that can make a horse difficult or dangerous to work with. When the headshaking is severe, repetitive, or relentless, it is usually due to an underlying disease or nerve problem which can cause intense irritation and discomfort.

Signs of Headshaking can include:

• Vertical (up and down), horizontal (side to side) or rotational head movement
• Nose twitching and lip smacking
• Scrubbing the nose on the floor, against their legs, on the rider’s feet or stable walls
• Excessive snorting/irritation

Common causes include:
• Dental pain, including sharp points, periodontal disease or other dental problems
• Nasal or sinus disease, ear or throat irritation
• Pain involving the poll, neck or temporomandibular region
• Allergies or environmental irritation, including dust, pollen, insects or bright sunlight/eye irritation
• Neuropathic pain, particularly irritation or abnormal sensitivity of the trigeminal nerve. This is often referred to as trigeminal-mediated headshaking. Nerve pain can be hard to diagnose - Diagnosis typically involves treating or ruling out all other potential causes.

Treatments for Headshaking:

• Treatment options vary depending on the individual case and underlying cause.
• Correcting any dental pain is often one of the first steps.
• Allergy treatment trials or control of environmental factors such as bright sunlight can help.
• Fly masks/UV masks as well as nose nets can help reduce some causes of irritation.
• Diagnostic imaging and musculoskeletal examination can help identify possible areas of pain.
• Allergies or environmental irritation, including dust, pollen, insects or bright sunlight
• Neuropathic pain (Most often the trigeminal nerve) can be more challenging to treat. Medications for nerve pain can sometimes help. Therapies such as PENS therapy or electroacupuncture have also been used successfully in some cases.

When to come visit us 😊
• New, persistent, or worsening headshaking should be investigated, particularly if it is associated with exercise, difficulty eating, nasal discharge, facial sensitivity, rubbing the nose, behavioural changes or other signs of pain
• Identifying and addressing the underlying source of pain or irritation is important for managing these horses.

EOTRH — a painful dental condition in older horses

EOTRH — a painful dental condition in older horses

Great work to everyone who guessed correctly last Friday!

Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a progressive, painful condition that primarily affects the incisors (front teeth) and canine teeth of older horses. Changes can include abnormal tooth shape, gum swelling/enlargement of roots, loosening of teeth, and discomfort when eating or having the mouth handled.

Horses are very good at hiding dental pain, so subtle signs such as difficulty eating, weight loss, reluctance to accept the bit, or changes in behaviour may be worth investigating.

Yearly dental examinations are important, particularly in older horses, as early detection allows us to monitor progression and discuss next steps. Radiographs (x-rays) can be performed at the clinic or on farm to identify any changes to the teeth and roots, which allows us to make a treatment plan. Removal of the affected teeth can provide a massive improvement in comfort and quality of life.

𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀

Kick wounds around the hock should usually heal quickly with minimal proud flesh. If they’re not improving within a few days, something may be wrong. Getting a second opinion early can prevent expensive complications.

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵𝘀 – 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘃𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

When it comes to colic, myths can be dangerous. Many horse owners have heard advice that sounds reassuring but is not always true.

Understanding a few common colic myths can help you make calmer, smarter decisions when every minute matters.

"Colic is a disease."

• Colic is not a specific disease – it simply means abdominal pain.

"Colic only happens because of feed."

• Feed changes can contribute, but colic can also be linked to many management factors

"Rolling causes a twisted gut."

• Rolling is usually a sign of pain: Preventing violent rolling can help avoid injury, but rolling itself is not usually what creates the problem.

"If the horse passes manure, it's not colic."

• Horses can still pass manure and have serious colic: Manure output is helpful information, but it does not guarantee everything is normal.

"Colic always looks dramatic."

• Not always- Some horses show only subtle signs!!

"You should always wait and see if it passes."

• Delaying can be dangerous.

• Early veterinary assessment often improves the outcome, especially in more serious cases.

"Pain relief fixes the problem."

• Pain medication may reduce signs: WATCH...... A horse that looks better can still have a serious issue.

Colitis in Horses — When "Off Colour" Becomes an Emergency

Colitis is inflammation of the horse's large intestine (colon), and it is one of the most serious conditions we treat in equine practice. A bright, healthy horse can become critically ill within hours — and even with the best intensive care, outcomes are never guaranteed.

Why it's so dangerous

The colon is the horse's main reservoir for fluid and electrolytes. When it becomes inflamed, the horse loses enormous volumes of water and protein through profuse, often watery diarrhoea. Dehydration, electrolyte derangements, profound protein loss and absorption of bacterial toxins (endotoxaemia) follow quickly — bringing with them the risk of shock, laminitis, and death.

Causes are varied —In many cases a definitive cause is never found.

Early signs to watch for:

• Dullness, lethargy, or standing away from the herd

• Reduced or picky appetite

• Fever (often the very first indicator)

• Mild colic — pawing, flank-watching, lying down more than usual

• Reduced, softer, or unusually foul-smelling manure before diarrhoea begins

• Bright, dark, or tacky gums

• Reduced gut sounds

Once profuse watery diarrhoea develops, the horse is already seriously ill. This is an emergency.

Why the standard of care matters

With colitis, survival is dictated by how quickly treatment starts — and how deep the resources behind it run. Effective management means aggressive intravenous fluid therapy and round-the-clock support and monitoring. Protein loss can be so severe that plasma transfusions become necessary.

Central Otago is fortunate to have our dedicated equine hospital right here on your doorstep and round-the clock caring veterinarians -             Lucky You 😉

If you notice any of the early signs above, don't wait for the diarrhoea to start. Early intervention is the single biggest factor in survival!!

Did you know- Horses Have No Gallbladder!!

A gallbladder stores bile: For horses, their liver simply produces bile continuously

What is Bile

• Function: Emulsifies fats to aid in their digestion

• Production: In the liver 24/7

• Delivery: From the liver to duodenum via a specialised duct

• Adaptation:  horses can’t handle sudden, large fat loads efficiently

Digestive Implications

Feeding large, fatty, or starchy meals at once can strain their digestion.

Dental Exams on Young Horses

Even young horses need their teeth checked thoroughly. Today we found this overgrown lower cheek tooth in a 5 year old mare. Loss of the opposite upper tooth meant it had nothing to wear against. Remarkably she was showing minimal signs of discomfort. 

Did you know your horse’s annual dental is also the perfect opportunity to check his sheath and penis health?

Many geldings and stallions are understandably sensitive about this area, and a proper examination can be difficult — and sometimes unsafe — when they are fully awake. When your horse is already sedated for his dental, it allows your vet to comfortably and thoroughly examine the sheath and penis with minimal stress for everyone involved.

Regular checks are important because horses can develop issues that often go unnoticed until they become painful or serious. These may include excessive smegma build-up (“beans”), irritation, swelling, infections, cuts, growths, melanoma, sarcoids, or other tumours. Early detection means treatment can often be simpler, more effective, and less costly.

Combining a sheath examination with routine dentistry is an efficient way to support your horse’s overall health and wellbeing while avoiding the need for additional sedation later.

If your gelding or stallion is booked in for his dental, a sheath and penis check is included in the cost. 

Preventative care plays a big role in keeping our horses happy and comfortable!

What’s Good About Mud?

With winter just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about preparing our horses’ feet. While we often dread the wet, muddy months, a bit of mud isn’t all bad — it can actually have some surprising benefits!

Did you know?
Mud that packs into the soles of your horse’s feet can act like natural sole support, helping to encourage and maintain healthy sole thickness.

But it’s not all positive… here are a few things to watch for in wet conditions:

• Slippery surfaces: Consider removing any pre-existing pads, especially from hind feet, to reduce the risk of slipping.

• Thrush: Look out for a dark, smelly discharge around the frog.

• Seedy Toe: Horses prone to this can worsen in damp conditions — small stones can also creep in and cause problems: See the photo on todays post of an advanced seedy toe lesion Becci treated

Shoes On or Off?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your horse and the ground conditions.

• On stoney ground, weak hoof walls can crack without protection.

• Horses with soft soles or prolapsed frogs may be uncomfortable barefoot.

• If your horse has strong, healthy feet and is on soft footing, a barefoot break can be beneficial.

Client Question of the Month
“My horse has wedge pads on her hind feet — should I remove them for winter?”

Answer:
It depends on the foot balance your farrier has achieved. The best way to know for sure is with radiographs — they show how the angles have changed over the season

Tip: Wedge pads should ideally be a temporary measure until they’re no longer needed.

In summary: Keep an eye on hoof health this winter, and when in doubt, chat with your vet or farrier

Dorsal Spinous Process Impingement (DSPI), commonly referred to as kissing spine

Thanks for all of your questions following Tuesdays post….. happy reading

DSPI is a condition in which the dorsal spinous processes of the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae are positioned abnormally close together. This proximity can lead to inflammation of surrounding soft tissues or osseous (bony) contact,  resulting in chronic axial skeletal pain.

Clinical Presentation:

Affected horses may exhibit:

• Reduced range of motion through the thoracolumbar region

• Resistance to collection, bending, or engagement of the hindquarters

• Altered gait mechanics and shortened stride length

• Behavioural changes under saddle, anxiety, or hollowing of the back

Diagnosis:

A thorough diagnostic work-up typically includes:

• Palpation and dynamic assessment of the back

• Radiographic imaging

Treatment Modalities:

• Pharmacologic: corticosteroid injections into the interspinous spaces to reduce inflammation and pain (PHOTO ATTACHED)

• Physiotherapeutic: Structured rehabilitation programs focusing on core strengthening, topline development, and postural correction.

• Biomechanical management: Optimizing saddle fit, rider balance, and training techniques to reduce axial loading.

In some cases….

• Surgical: Interspinous ligament desmotomy or partial ostectomy in refractory cases, often followed by intensive post-operative rehabilitation.

Prognosis:

With early detection and a multimodal treatment approach, many horses can return to full athletic function. Chronic or advanced cases may require ongoing management to maintain comfort and performance.

Get in touch if you would like Becci to help you with any issues you have.

Serum Amyloid A (SAA)

Our Horse-Side Machine Saves Lives!!

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is a protein that elevates in inflammatory conditions. It is produced primarily by the liver in response to pro-inflammatory internal signals. In healthy horses, baseline SAA concentrations are typically <1-4.

Following the onset of systemic inflammation — whether due to bacterial, viral, or traumatic causes — SAA levels can rapidly increase within 12–24 hours. This rapid and marked response makes SAA an excellent screening and monitoring tool in equine medicine.

Even better news is it reduces just as fast, which helps to guide cessation of treatment.

Clinical applications include:

• Early detection of issues

• Help to decipher between infectious and non-infectious causes of illness

• Monitoring treatment response

While SAA is highly sensitive, it is not disease-specific — elevated levels indicate inflammation but do not localise the source.

Our Portable horse side SAA testing allows for real-time decision-making and allows us to save lives!

𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙋𝙇𝙄𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙒𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘿 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙂

Sometimes it isn’t the size of the wound that worries us; the smallest of wounds can become the most challenging to treat.

The photo below shows a small puncture wound to the hock which is causing no lameness and should have healed well as the horse received appropriate care initially. Sadly, this small wound would not heal and kept discharging.

𝙁𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙:

Radiographs show some fragments of devitalised bone. This bone needs removing!

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨?

Under heavy sedation and sterile conditions, we use radiographs to guide a special sterile bone curette to remove the damaged bone.

The second step is to use a pressure pump to flush the wound with sterile water and remove the last bits of debris.

We wish this lovely girl a speedy recovery!

𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙?

Don’t wait for lameness to appear. If you notice persistent discharge, unusual swelling, or a wound that just won't close, give us a call! We’re here to help ensure your horse gets back on track.

Devitalised incisors in horses

When an incisor becomes devitalised (loses its blood and nerve supply), it can become discoloured, weaken, and in some cases become infected. This can be the result of trauma, developmental issues, or previous dental disease.

After the tooth dies, there is an open channel through the pulp cavity to the bone underneath, and bacteria can travel along this canal and cause a tooth root infection. Sometimes pus escapes through a tiny pimple on the gum called a draining sinus tract.

Our clinic horse, Panda, had a devitalised incisor with a draining sinus tract. X-rays showed a widened pulp cavity, and blunt root. With sedation, and local anaesthetic nerve blocks to make his tooth numb, we extracted the tooth.

We're hoping he will feel much happier once it all heals up!

Breeding Season is in Full Swing — and That Means Foal Checks Are, Too!

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a new foal on the farm! But did you know those first 24 hours of life are some of the most important for setting your foal up for a healthy future?

A newborn foal exam helps ensure everything is off to a great start. During the visit we will:

Check the foal’s heart, lungs, eyes, joints, and umbilicus

Make sure the foal is nursing well and receiving enough colostrum

Screen for congenital issues or signs of infection

Ensure the mare is recovering normally post-foaling

One of the most important parts of the newborn exam is the IgG test, which measures the foal’s antibody levels.

Foals are born without antibodies and rely on colostrum (the mare’s first milk) to get the immune protection they need.

If the IgG level is too low, the foal is at higher risk for infections!

In those cases, we may recommend a plasma transfusion, which safely provides the antibodies a foal needs to fight off disease and stay healthy.

Even if your foal looks bright and bouncy, subtle issues can go unnoticed, and early exams help us catch them before they become serious.

Tip: Schedule your foal’s first vet check within 12–24 hours of birth. It’s the best way to make sure your newest member of the family gets the strongest start possible!

• If you’re expecting a foal this season, give us a call to get on the schedule. We can’t wait to meet your newest addition!

Spring Grass Flush & Laminitis

With the classic cool Central Otago nights and sunny days this time of year, our pastures are producing high-sugar spring grass. Great for growth, but risky for many horses!

Why Spring Grass Can Trigger Laminitis

When nights drop below about 5°C, the grass can’t use the sugars it produces during the daytime.

Those sugars build up, which means your horse may suddenly be eating a very sugary feed, even if the paddock doesn’t look lush.

This is especially dangerous for:

Ponies and easy keepers

Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

Horses with Cushing’s/PPID

Horses who are overweight or have ever had laminitis before

Insulin Testing: One of the Most Important Spring Check-Ups

Many cases of laminitis are actually caused by insulin dysregulation, meaning the horse’s body produces too much insulin in response to sugar.

These horses may look healthy, right up until they suddenly get sore feet.

Central Lakes Equine offers fast, onsite insulin testing!

Our clinic has a roadside insulin analysis machine, meaning we can:

Test insulin right at your property

Give you results same visit

Make immediate, personalised management plans

Why test insulin?

Detects hidden metabolic issues before laminitis starts

Helps tailor grazing plans and diets

Gives a clear risk assessment for spring and summer grazing

We’re Here to Help

If you’d like to book an insulin test, assess your horse’s laminitis risk, and create a safe grazing and diet plan, then send us a message! We’re happy to help keep your horses safe this spring and summer.

Equine Health Spotlight: Keratomas in Horses

Have you heard of keratomas? These slow-growing, benign masses inside the hoof can cause significant discomfort for horses.

What is a Keratoma?

A keratoma is a benign epithelial tumor of the hoof capsule that forms between the hoof wall and the coffin bone. As it grows, it can put pressure on sensitive structures in the hoof. A keratoma might develop as a result of localized chronic irritation, inflammation, or trauma to the epithelium of the hoof.

Common Signs to Watch For:

• Recurrent or unexplained lameness

• A hoof abscess that keeps returning

• Abnormal hoof wall growth

A keratoma typically appears on radiographs as a distinct circular or oval lytic area on the solar margin or the coffin bone. It almost looks like the keratoma has “taken a bite” out of the coffin bone!

Treatment typically involves surgical removal, followed by a carefully managed rehabilitation plan to support proper hoof healing.

Good News!

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most horses recover very well and return to full work!

If your horse has had repeated hoof issues or unexplained lameness, we’re here to help.

Call us today to schedule an evaluation, or message us with questions.

Thank you to Peter Gillespie for the excellent photos!

Happy New Year from all of us at Central Lakes Equine!

As we begin the new year, we’d like to highlight a less common but important cause of performance limitation in horses: fibrotic myopathy.

Fibrotic myopathy is typically associated with fibrosis of the semitendinosus and/or semimembranosus muscles, often following previous trauma, hematoma formation, or intramuscular injections. Affected horses are frequently sound at the walk, but demonstrate a characteristic abrupt cranial phase of the hind limb stride (“slapping” gait) at the trot or canter due to mechanical restriction rather than pain.

Clinical findings may include:

Reduced caudal phase of the stride

Palpable muscle firmness or asymmetry

Minimal response to flexion or nerve blocks

Diagnosis is based on gait evaluation and palpation, with ultrasound commonly used to identify areas of fibrosis and assess muscle architecture.

Treatment options depend on severity and chronicity and may include conservative management, targeted rehabilitation with mesotherapy and treatment with intravenous iodide infusions, shockwave therapy, or surgical transection (tenotomy/myotomy) in appropriately selected cases. Prognosis varies, with many horses returning to work following appropriate intervention.

As you plan for the year ahead, having subtle changes in your horse’s movement checked early can help prevent bigger issues down the road.

Here’s to a strong, sound New Year for you and your horses!

Shivers in Horses: What Every Owner Should Know.

Have you ever noticed your horse struggling to back up, lifting a hind leg and holding it strangely in the air, or trembling unexpectedly? These could be signs of Shivers, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and coordination.

Shivers is caused by damage to specialized nerve cells (Purkinje cells) in the brain. Clinical signs usually appear before five years of age, and geldings and taller horses are more commonly diagnosed.

The hallmark of Shivers is an abnormal gait when backing up. Horses may hyperflex a hind limb—lifting it and letting it tremble—or hyperextend, placing the foot further back than usual. Many horses also resist having their hind feet picked up for cleaning or farrier work. Over time, muscle loss in the thighs can lead to hindquarter weakness and stress or excitement can make episodes more noticeable.

There’s currently no cure for Shivers, but affected horses can often continue to train and perform, especially if the condition is mild. Management focuses on consistent exercise, turnout, and limiting stall time. Identifying and avoiding each horse’s personal triggers, reducing stress, and sometimes supplementing with vitamin E and selenium can also help. Sedation may even be used during farrier visits to make hoof care safer and easier.

While Shivers can be challenging, early recognition and careful management allow many horses to live comfortable, active lives.

If you notice unusual hind limb movements or changes in your horse’s gait, contact us at Central Lakes Equine at to schedule an appointment!

Third Eyelid Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in Horses

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the third eyelid is a locally invasive neoplasm arising from squamous epithelial cells and one of the most frequent ocular tumors in horses.

Clinical presentation may include:

• Proliferative, ulcerative, or plaque-like lesions on the third eyelid

• Redness, swelling or chronic ocular discharge

• Progressive enlargement of the third eyelid and failure to respond to routine medical therapy

Predisposing factors:

• Chronic ultraviolet (UV) light exposure

• Lack of pigmentation around the eye

• Increasing age

Diagnosis & management:

Diagnosis is based on physical examination and confirmed via histopathology. Early intervention is critical, as SCC is locally aggressive and can invade surrounding ocular structures. Treatment options may include surgical excision of the third eyelid, sometimes combined with adjunctive therapies such as cryotherapy or chemotherapy, depending on lesion size and extent.

Prognosis is significantly improved with early detection and treatment.

If you observe any persistent or progressive ocular abnormalities in your horse, contact us at Central Lakes Equine for prompt evaluation and treatment planning. Early action helps preserve ocular comfort, function, and long-term outcomes!

Did you know?

In horses, one of the alternative sites for blood collection is the facial vein, specifically the facial venous sinus.

This venous sinus is a dilation of the facial vein and is located just below the facial crest on the side of the head.

It is sometimes preferred when horses have had previous damage to their jugular vein. It’s readily accessible, consistent in location, and allows for efficient blood sampling with minimal restraint when proper technique is used. It’s even a good option for needle shy horses.

Well aren’t we just full of Friday night surprises.

Have a fabulous last weekend in the first month of the year of the horse