Horse Seizures

Although rare, when a seizure strikes a horse, the situation can become highly dangerous. Horses are large powerful animals. When their nervous system isn't functioning properly, an otherwise gentle friend can turn into four flaying legs attached to a disoriented animal with a strong fight-or-flight instinct. Horses with a history of seizure disorder should not be ridden or kept in close quarters with other horses. Learning more about horse seizures will help an owner make treatment decisions.

  1. Symptoms

    • A horse experiencing a seizure is most likely lying on the ground with its legs waving in the air as if it were attempting to run. A horse going into a seizure that is still standing shows signs of anxiety and will probably end up on the ground due to disorientation. The horse's eyes are rolled back in their sockets and not focusing. The horse's neck is probably stiff or will become stiff, and its jaw is clamped. The horse will experience labored and shallow breathing. Most likely, it will urinate or defecate uncontrollably.

    Causes

    • Veterinary researchers are beginning to better understand the exact causes of seizure in a horse. Similar to human seizure, researchers believe its cause is abnormal electrical discharges in the cerebrum. Seizures in horses are often linked to the presence of another medical condition caused by trauma, an infection, toxic exposure, lack of appropriate nutrition or liver disease.

    Types

    • There are two types of seizures in horses. The first is a partial seizure in which only a portion of the cerebral cortex is affected, generally causing limited twitching in the face or legs or uncontrolled chewing. A generalized seizure involves engagement of the whole cerebral cortex that is receiving abnormal signals. This is the most common type of seizure in horses and lasts anywhere from five to 60 seconds.

    What to Do

    • Only highly experienced horse handlers should be in direct contact with a horse while it experiences a seizure. Due to the uncontrolled limb movement and changes in the horse's attitude, even an equine that is normally calm can be very dangerous. It is best to give the horse space and keep others away from it until the seizure passes. Once the episode has passed, call your veterinarian.

    Treatment

    • Because seizures are difficult to predict, chances are a veterinarian is not on hand to witness the event. Unfortunately, this means that a pattern of seizure may have to be established while the veterinarian assesses the horse's history and runs medical testing. If infection is the cause, a course of antibiotics can cure the ailment. In some horses, underlying causes are never specifically determined and its owner may decide to have the horse euthanized for the protection of other horses and handlers, and to end the horse's suffering.