Equine Epilepsy

Horses, like humans, may suffer from epilepsy characterized by seizures. Left untreated, this condition may cause serious injury to horses.

  1. Symptoms

    • The most common symptom of equine epilepsy is uncontrollable seizures. Horses convulse without warning, which may cause them to hurt themselves or nearby people or animals. Symptoms typically develop in horses under 4 years old.

    Causes

    • In horses, the specific causes of epilepsy are unknown. Most veterinary medical professional believe the disease is caused by additional medical problems such as tumors or infections.

    Diagnosis

    • Seizures in horses may also be the sign of other medical conditions such as narcolepsy, bone fractures and poisoning. It is important to contact a veterinarian at the first sign of a seizure to ensure proper diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • A veterinarian can identify the underlying causes of equine epilepsy and developing an adequate treatment plan. The medications diazepam and phenobaritone can help stop convulsion during a seizure.

    Safety

    • Keep epileptic horses safe by removing items from their stalls that may injure them during a seizure.