Head shaking Syndrome | Headshaking in horses

WHAT IS IT?

This condition is characterised by the shaking of the head up and down or side to side acting as though an insect has gone up the nose.

Head-shaking is primarily a disruption or sensitization of the trigeminal nerve. This disruption is caused by a range of triggers and a thorough diagnosis is the only way to decide on either treatment and/or management.

What has to be determined as well is that what started off a clinical condition, may have developed into an evasion.


CAUSES:

With the incidence of headshaking on the increase it pays to understand the condition a little better There seems to be a few common denominators pointing to possible causes and these will be covered later. If you can identify the causes the easier and more effective will be the treatment. C

There are two pathways to headshaking syndrome

1 – Exogenous causes arising externally (usually environmental triggers), pollens, spores sunlight, dust insects 2- Endogenous causes refer to internal changes within he body that activate the nerves and tissues surrounding trigeminal nerve

The two are of course interrelated  because  a compromised body is more likely to succumb to the symptoms.

BEFORE STARTING TREATMENT

Are critical in deciding what course of action either veterinary, management or herbal treatments to start on. Note: Always get a veterinary diagnosis first.

There are herbs that are specific to addressing elevated serotonin levels. We know that these are to be given when the horse seeks shady areas, is worse in summer and bright sunshine.

Other herbs specific to addressing vessel dilation or constriction. Those that address pain and others to address allergies

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

1 – Those horses exposed to EHV-1 lies dormant in the trigeminal nerve; then with heat, exercise, stress and/or sunlight, becomes active.

2 – Up/down involuntary twitching of the head — movement range varies from mild to severe to include twitching, plus ear and eyelid flicks.

3 – Pain responses — rubbing, sweating and rearing or striking at the face. Face rubbing is a common sign that corresponds to areas of perceived pain or numbness.

4 – High or low head carriage.

5 – Snorting or high-blowing, sometimes coupled with nasal discharges and behavioural seeking of muzzle protection (under the tail of another horse, a water bucket, etc).

6 – Nostril clamping after exercise may suggest the trigger zone is inside the nasal cavity where normal nostril dilation would lead to pain and discomfort.

7 – Distracted behaviour may be seen, such as loss of stride, stopping, rearing and striking at the face during exercise at all paces.

8 – True headshaking signs are shown in different circumstances, such as free exercise or lunging, and with different riders.

9 – In some cases the clinical and physiological causes have been resolved but what remains is a behavioural by-product that then presents as an evasion.

10 – Ears stuck out at right angles to the head.

11 – Horse will actively seek shady areas

12 – Symptoms may worsen in summer and improve with nightfall.

MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

  While these solutions offered may seem too onerous and long term, it is worth noting when looking at cost/benefit ratios. It is more cost effective in the long run to put more time and money into the establishment phase.  In other words planting permanent species that require less maintenance progressively decreasing over a 10 year period means you reap the benefits later at a reduced cost.   Here I will try to demonstrate that by making some changes to the horse’s environment you will have increasing rewards and reducing maintenance costs as time progresses.  HEADSHAKING MANAGEMENT TIPS

These methods may be tried at home and you can use them in combination with any of the other treatments (dietary and drug).Herbs will be discussed separately

If light is a trigger:

1 – keep the horse indoors during the day.

2 – Consider having the horse wear a UV blocking sun shade fly mask.

3 – Try a tinted polo eye guard. This is important if serotonin is the trigger, as sunlight on the retina stimulates serotonin production.

4 – Provide natural shade in the form of planting shade trees in the corners of all paddocks. See junction planting note Website link. 5 – While trees are being established consider a sun shade over a covered yard where the horse can seek shade at will. 5 – Consider providing extra Vitamin D and A supplements

If exercise is a trigger:

1- As the horse warms up through exercise more blood flows to the nasal area and will affect fluctuation of flow.

2- The levels of fluctuation are determined by either levels of constriction or dilation of the blood levels.

3- Dilated blood vessels have less fluctuation and certain plants can help with dilation.

4- Thicker blood due to platelet aggregation will have more fluctuation and irritation to surrounding nerves.

5- In some cases blood vessels themselves are thin and fragile.

6- Plant species like yarrow can be added to pasture which help with blood vessel integrity

7-Certain shade trees that have leaves that will help lower platelet aggregation ie ginkgo

8 –Other hedgerow species will help with the vascular system ie hawthorne.

9- certain herbs can be given before riding to help dilate blood vessels.

If Irritation to the Trigeminal Nerve is a trigger

These may include pollens and midges

1 – Use a nose net or other device which sits/falls gently over the nostril and muzzle area. Some have found a cut-off piece of panty hose pulled over the nostril to be effective.

2 – Ear covering and forehead ‘dangling’ material may help allay allergic responses to midges and pollens.

3 – Remove tree and hedge species that are known allergens ie pines with pollen, nearby privet hedges,

4 – All poisonous pasture and tree species that have known neurotoxic effects ie catsear, ragwort, buttercups, laburnum should be removed.

5 – Look at changing the pasture blend to include those that help with blood vessel integrity ie yarrow

6 – Provide blood thinning and analgesic species like willow, birch and poplars that can be harvested and added to feed.

7 – Tree species that help reduce platelet aggregation like ginkgo

8 – Hedgerows to include hawthorn that will help with the vascular system.

9 – Hedgerows that will provide anti oxidants like rosa rugosa. Hips, branches and leaves will provide these as well as fibre

10 – Essential fatty acids can be provided through the grazing of seed heads like juncus, flaxseed, evening primrose, even thistle seed heads

11 – Allow species to flower and form seed heads as these will provide natural oils broken down in the hind gut.

12- Low hedges of rosemary will help with the circulatory system. Hedge trimmings can be kept and dried and added to chaff mixes to improve blood flow.

HERBAL TREATMENTS : 

Herbal treatment will be more effective if you can determine what are the triggers and then certain herbs can be used to address those causes and reduce symptoms.

Further it is important to identify two of the more important causes which involves the levels of serotonin and sensitivity to light. If the wrong herb is given this will make matters worse

EXTRACTS USED IN TREATING HEADSHAKING:

1 – Steady head Concentrate: has a blend of anti serotonic herbs, vasodilators, anti-inflammatory and calming herbs to include ashwagandha, chamomile, mugwort

2 – So Calm Valerian is a concentrated extract of valerian to calm and act as a vasodilator

3 – Ginkgo is a PAF inhibitor and helps thin the blood.

4 – Chamomile Calm is a concentrated extract made from chamomile flowers and acts like a mild anti-histamine. 

IF LIGHT IS A TRIGGER

1 – Anti serotonic herbs may help dial down the response to light hitting the retina. This is one situation where St John’s Wort is not suitable.

2 – If it can be established that light irritates the trigeminal nerve the STEADY HEAD CONCENTRATE will be the recommended extract.

3 – May be combined with anti inflammatory herbs like DEVIL’S CLAW. 

4 – ST JOHN’S WORT when applied topically in the nasal passages acts as an anti inflammatory and will help calm the nerve fibres. This is used traditionally for shingles.

5 – Reduce inflammation of the nerve sheath by administering  3 fatty acids (ALA and GLAs)  daily to correct the balance between Prostaglandins E1 and E3 against the pro-inflammatory  E2.

6 –  OMEGA OIL COMPLEX which has oil soluble vitamin c added,  will help reduce the over production of noradrenalin which can promote irritability, and excess seratonin byprotecting the nerve sheath.

IF EXERCISE IS A TRIGGER

1- Exercise can cause blood flow to fluctuate and irritate the nasal passages.

2 – SO CALM VALERIAN  is a vasodilator which helps expand blood vessels to reduce the range of fluctuation between dilation and constriction.

3 – GINKGO 3ml daily will help improve blood flow by reducing platelet aggregation.

IF POLLENS AND INSECTS ARE A TRIGGER:

1- Use a nose net or other device which sits/falls gently over the nostril and muzzle area. Some have found a cut-off piece of panty hose pulled over the nostril to be effective.

2- Ear covering and forehead ‘dangling’ material may help allay allergic responses

3 – CAMOMILE CALM will act as a mild anti-histamine and will help calm the histamine response.

4 – Ear mites may be controlled using aromatic oil drops applied to the ears twice daily.

EMS

Grass Affected Horses and High Fructan Levels

Introduction 

This article only discusses high levels of fructans in grasses and how some of the effects can be mitigated. Other factors that are not discussed here is that levels and ratios of potassium and sodium are also critical in managing behavioural and adrenal issues

Horses-grazing-field

 

High Sugar levels in Grass or Myco-toxins? A more detailed explanation is provided on our website which can be followed by clicking on this link.

Just be aware that high sugar levels are only part of the story as is supplementation of magnesium.

A question that often occurs is this:

  • Is my horse affected by the high sugar levels in the grass?…or …
  • Are myco-toxins present on the surface of the leaf blade responsible for spooky behaviour.

There is a big difference and both are caused by environmental conditions but the actual causative factor is very different working on different parts of the horse’s physiology. High sugars and low magnesium levels will lead to excessively spooky and reactive behaviour which will act on the adrenals making the horse more reactive to stimuli.

Myco-spores on the other hand when ingested act on the neurological system making the horse ‘see’ and ‘feel’ things that don’t exist.  In other words the horse is experiencing a mild form of a trip one would get when taking magic mushrooms.

High Sugar Grasses

Now with the advent of new grass and paddock species, usually with higher than normal high fructan levels tailored toward milk production, the problem with grass affected horses increases yearly.

What are Fructans in Grass? 

Fructans  are fructose chain molecules, a type of sugar which is the by-product of photosynthesis which manufactures energy in the form of starches. On sunny days, fructose is produced in large quantities and stored within the foliage to be used at night for growth or cell division.

Some suggestions 

  • Autumn and spring particularly brings the need for magnesium   supplementation particularly as you build up the fructan processing micro-flora. Anti Al MAG has biologically available ionise magnesium that is quick acting and can be doubled up if your horse is being troublesome.
  • The best time to graze your horse is a couple of hours after sunrise and again later in the evening as the sun sets when sugar levels are at their lowest.
  • A lot of behavioural problems can be completely eliminated by changing your pasture.
  • Applying a biological tea and improving soils biodiversity will reduce the need for expensive supplements and toxin binders.
  • Ensure your horse has sufficient salt (sodium chloride) this helps maintain the correct sodium/potassium balance. Imbalance can lead to neurological problems and can affect adrenal function.
  • High sugars lead to excess glycogen storage in the muscle fibres which makes the horse more reactive so lower the GI of feed by adding fats or oils to the diet. This will help manage sugar peaks and insulin disruption
  • Ensure that your horse gets sunlight with out the cover on for at least two hours a day. This will help increase calcium, vitamins A and D levels, all responsible for maintaining deep organ health as well as the nervous system ie levels of serotonin responsible for feelings of contentment. St John’s Wort can also be supplemented at this time too.

Cushings Newsletter

 June 2016 Something About Equine Metabolic Syndrome  

 

Introduction 

 

In our last letter had a special on our Immune Tonic and we are almost out of this and will have to make up a fresh batch.

Of interest was that a client came back to us with this written in an email

“Firstly can I please order a litre of your Immune Tonic – it’s not only cured my boys cough but also irradiated his parasite problem.   Tested 0 in his FEC today after having continuous high counts for the past 10months.”

By law we cannot make any claims about this being a parasitic treatment but we do have herbs in this blend that are known vermifuges.
General Information on Equine Metabolic Disease

cushings croppedTo maintain calm healthy horses is one way to ensure that they will not succumb to excessive stress which combined with age could lead to metabolic conditions like cushings, laminitis etc.

This condition is primarily a disruption to the endocrine system occurring with age and prolonged stress.

Cushing’s Disease  is  known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction or PPID, and  is a dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

Cushing’s (PPID) is caused by progressive nerve degeneration called the hypothalamus, (in brain)leading to a reduction in a neurotrasmitter substance called dopamine. Dopamine is important in controlling the secretions of a part of the pituitary gland which in turn is responsible for controlling the secretion of hormones including ACTH and cortisol.

When the pituitary is not exposed to enough dopamine from the hypothalamus,  the production  of these hormones (ACTH)  becomes abnormally high .

ACTH refers to Adrenocorticotropic hormone is produced in the , pituitary gland in the brain. The function of ACTH is to regulate levels of the steroid hormone cortisol, which released from the adrenal gland. Too much and sustained will cortisol/stress will  lead to cushings.

The diagram below shows the stress pathway.

stress axis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

  • Blood tests will reveal abnormally high levels of ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone which is often the end result of prolonged stress and elevated levels of cortisol.
  • This condition is accompanied with low levels of dopamine
  • Hypertrichosis  (long, curly hair ) along with delayed haircoat shedding
  • Change in body conformation through loss of muscle mass and a pot belly due to weakening and stretching of abdominal muscles.
  • Decreased athletic performance due to loss of muscle integrity which leads to a change in attitude/lethargy.
  • Fat deposits, especially along the crest of the neck and over the tail head
  • Recurrent bouts of laminitis, stone bruises and secondary infections to the sole of the hoof.
  • Increased drinking and urination accompanied with abnormal sweating
  • Recurrent infections and delayed or poor wound healing due to compromised immune system.
  • Disruption to the reproductive system ie absent reproductive cycle/infertility

Possible Causes

  • Age ; generally older horses especially ponies are more prone to this disease.
  • Prolonged stress. This is not to be confused with neglect and cruelty though this would certainly contribute to its onset. I refer to more subtle form of stress from systemic inflammation, a predominantly hyper alert state, a horse that is exposed to situations that stress them and don’t respond well to desensitising training methods.
  • Untreated or poorly managed EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome)or insulin resistence.
  • Diet too high in simple sugars, transfats, prolonged exposure to mico-toxins, insufficient solule and insoluble fibre, low vitamin D levels

Veterinary Treatment

Treatment does not completely halt the progression of the disease, but clinical options include measuring the resting ACTH level, performing a TRH Stimulation Test, and others and from that prescribing the following

  • Bromocriptine (replaces dopamine production)
  • Trilostane (inhibits cortisol production)
  • Cyproheptadine (inhibits serotonin production)

Management of Cushings

  • A cushings horse is a special needs horse requiring special care and attention
  • Diet modifications because insulin and blood sugar metabolism may not be functioning properly so, avoid feeding traditional grains, treats or pasture because these can be high in sugars and starches.
  • Provide low-sugar/high-fiber feed and add between half to one cup of coconut oil to feed as this will help reduce the insulin fluctuations.
  • Feed coconut oil (MCT’s) are broken down immediately by saliva and gastric juice enzymes so that the pancreatic fat-digesting juices are not involved in their digestion. They are then broken down into medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Unlike other fatty acids these MCFA’s are absorbed directly from the intestines into the portal vein the then straight onto the liver. They are not packaged into lipoproteins like other fatty acids( tending to lay down fat) but are converted into fuel via the liver. This also helps help stabilize blood sugar.
  • Providing Omega Oils to help address the inflammatory response.

Natural and Herbal Treatment

  • Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus) is the one herb that is able to influence the pituitary gland which will help modify the stress axis responsible for the onset of this disease. Vitex agnes contains steroidal hormone precursors which works by regulating the pituitary gland, by sending signals to other glands instructing them of how much of each hormone to make. A study has shown that extracts of vitex agnes can bind to opiate receptors which could explain why intake of vitex reduces is sedating.
  • Ashwagandha Withania somnifera is an adaptogen which is able to bring the endocrine system into balance as well as an is anti-inflammatory agent, and as an “adaptogen” (endurance enhancer) and able to reduce the effect of stress. Of note is that is also able to increase levels of available dopamine. (Something that is low in animals with Cushings. Its exact physiological effect can be found by following this link. https://hiralabs.co.nz/ashwagandha-2/.
  • Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) can help with this condition by increasing turnover of both dopamine and serotonin ginkgo also reduces stress and anxiety by lowering levels of cortisol.
  • Amino acids such as lysine methionine and threonine to support lean muscle mass
  • High doses of vitamin C and vitamin B1 can also help with Cushings.
  • Synthetic DHEA can be administered as that is depleted when cortisol levels are elevated

Feel free to contact us info@hiralabs.co.nz to get further information on specials surrounding this issue

 

 

 

Prohibited Herbs for Competition

Something about Prohibited Substances: abridged from ESNZ Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules.

ESNZ Clean Sport advises caution with the administration of herbal or natural medicinal preparations.

The use of herbal and natural products in a horse might result in an adverse analytical finding that violates the ESNZ Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules.

Herbal and natural medicinal products are classified as prohibited because of their

potential actions on various body systems when administered.

 

Prohibited herbs as listed by ESNZ Clean Sport and copied (and edited in an effort to correct possible botanical anomalies) I have attempted to ensure that the common names are indeed what the ESNZ Clean Sport are the plants they are trying to convey by adding the botanical names and some of the active ingredients that may show up as metabolites. International norms require common names to be always accompanied by the botanical names. This is because a number of species share the same common name and this inaccuracy could have disastrous consequences. I have made up this table using the common names provided by ESCNZ Edited and added further information in an attempt to clear up any ambiguity:

 

Common Name Botanical Name Comments
Valerian Valeriana officinalis Sedative. Valerinic acid is shared with rosemary which could also present with banned metabolites.
Kava Piper methysticum Sedative, psychoactive and increases dopamine levels Contains kavalactones,. Some ingredients shared with kawakawa.
Passion flower Passiflora incarnata Sedating. At a dosage of 10 mg/kg of the purified methanol extract, the anxiolytic effects were comparable to a 2 mg/kg of diazepam. The active constituent benzoflavone which reduce symptoms of withdrawal from, and addiction and dependence of benzodiazepines alcohol, morphine, nicotine and cannabis
Skullcap Scutellaria. lateriflora, Contains Baicalein  one of the Scutellaria flavonoids. Sedating and anti-inflammatory shown to inhibit histamine properties.
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla Sedating. Shares same ingredients as stinkweed Matricaria discoidea a common pasture weed. Chemical components have demonstrated anti-inflammatory,antihyperglycemic antigenotoxic and anticancer properties
Vervain


Verbena officinalis

 Derivatives of ursolic acid and oleanolic acids anti –inflammatory and sedative.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis Sedating and anti-viral.  Contains eugenol, tannins, and terpenes antithyrotropic activity, inhibiting TSH from attaching to TSH receptors, hence making it of possible use in the treatment of hyperthyroidism The major compound responsible for GABA transaminase inhibition activity was found to be rosmarinic acid Again rosemary. We have another plant that has similar action along with effectively slowing heart rate.
Devil’s claw Harpagophytum procumbens Has a anti Inflammatory, analgesic, sedative and diuretic properties. Harpagosides shared with a number of herbs. Again we have a number of plants that share similar active ingredients.
Leopards bane Arnica montana I think this is the plant ESNZ refer to but other plants called leopard’s balm are aconite, monkshood, wolf’s bane, women’s bane, Devil’s helmet or blue rocket. All toxic. Arnica is found in topical treatments for bruising and muscle sorenss. Internal only as a homeopathic substance.
Deadly nightshade Atropa belladonna The foliage and berries are extremely toxic, containing tropane alkaloids. These toxins include scopolamine and hyoscyamine, The drug atropine is derived from the plant. This plant is a common garden herb and horses will not eat it unless there is nothing else to eat or it is dried and mixed with hay.
hops


 Humulus lupulus

 Sedating. contains myrcene, humulene,  xanthohumol,  myrcenol,, linalool,, tannins, and resin.
laurel ??? This common name is shared by many other plants.
Lavender Lavendula sp. Used as a relaxant. More suitable as an inhalant. Unlikely to show up in a test.
Red poppy  
Green Tea Camellia sinensis Mild stimulant .May be included in list due to the slow release of caffeine. Wonderful garden plant grown as a hedge or as part of a shrub border. Horses will nibble on theses leaves if they can be reached over a fence.
Indian Snakeroot Rauwolfia serpentine Tranquillizer, lowers blood pressure and may help with mental disorders. Active ingredients  include, reserpine, ajmaline, deserpidine, rescinnamine, serpentinine and yohimbine. The last one interesting because it shares identical ingredients to an African plant used for erectile disfunction. Pausinystalia yohimbe(Yohimbe), and is a protected species confined to Africa. 
Comfrey Symphytum officinale Allantoin helps repair cells in the body. Treats ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne, skin condition, bone and teeth building properties. Constituents include mucilage, steroidal saponins, tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, inulin, and proteins. , Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are thought to cause liver problems if taken for prolonged periods of time.
Hot chilles Capsaicin Analgesic due to altering the perception of pain by acting on the neuro-transmitter substance P. The higher the Scoville scale the more effective it is. Topical and ingested can be detected in a test.
St John’s wort Hypericim perforatum Sedative, behaviour modifier. I did not see this herb listed in the bulletin but heard that it is regarded as an environmental contaminant. It is commonly found in pastures.
Poppy (Flanders and/or opium


 Papaver rhoeas or Papaver somniferum

 Uncertain as to whether they mean P. rhoeas or P. Sominfera. Somnifera is the opium poppy containing alkaloids such as morphine, thebaine, codeine and oripavine are extracted. Morphine is the predominant alkaloid found in sominfera. They are also use in poppy seed toppings and muffins so don’t share these with your horse!Papaver rhoeas or Papaver somniferum
White Willow Salix sp. Salicylates natural source of salicylic acid. Pain killer. Be aware that other species containthese metabolites too ie alders, poplars, birch.

 

Our Comments 

Given that there is an increasing list of banned herbs including those that may be tested for, we continue to caution people to discontinue any liquid herbal extracts 8 hours before a major competition. This is increased to 24 hours for whole herbs, dried product etc. due to the slower rate of metabolism as they travel through the digestive system.

Herbs like chamomile have been added to the list in spite of the fact that a number of naturally occurring weeds contain the same active ingredients that will also show up should there be a test for it. Be aware that birches, alder and poplar also have salicylates.

Other banned environmental contaminants include theobromine one of the constituents of chocolate. So don’t feed your horse chocolate coated tit bits, M&Ms, Moro bars etc, leaves off your cocoa tree etc. Caffeine is found in a wide range of food stuffs but also be aware that if your chaff has come in bags that originally had coffee beans this will also show up in a test. Tests ONLY provide the presence of a banned substance it does not provide lower acceptable thresholds of a substance.

We do have the odd query over peppermint . While the main ingredient is menthol it does have a secondary ingredient hesperine which is found in cholesterol lowering drugs so we can’t be sure on that one either so if in doubt leave it out. So no Odd Fellows before an event.

 

What is a Tide-Over Herb? 

These are herbs that effect changes to the body’s physiology and biochemistry over a longer period of time without leaving ‘evidence’ of metabolites should the horse be tested on the day.

Most of these herbs will act on the endocrine system and neurological pathways which will help reduce levels of cortisol and its subsequent cascade of effects. Two herbs we have found have a long acting residual period are:

  • Hypericum perforatum St John’s wort Acting on levels of serotonin and Dopamine.
  • Vitex agnes or Chaste berry  acting on the adrenals and endocrine system.

 For more detail and tips on competeing using herbs contact us info@hiralabs.co.nz

 

 

 

 

 

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