Neurology

We offer a range of neurological investigations and therapies for your horse.

Investigations of ataxia (‘Wobblers’) 

Horses with ataxia have an unpredictable gait, often due to compression of the spinal cord.  

Our medical and orthopaedic teams will assess the horse for other signs of neurological disease or lameness which can look similar. Following thorough evaluation at rest and at exercise, we will determine next steps for investigation. This can include radiographs (x-rays) of the spine performed on the standing horse, followed by advanced imaging such as computed tomography (CT).  

To image the head only, CT can be performed under standing sedation. General anaesthesia is usually recommended in ataxia cases to allow us to reach the full length of the neck. This is performed in conjunction with our team of specialist anaesthetists. 

Investigation and treatment of headshaking  

Headshaking can be caused by many different problems in the head or neck of the horse. To diagnose a horse with ‘true headshaking’ (also known as idiopathic trigeminal mediated headshaking), we must rule out any other cause of head pain or irritation. This involves a series of investigations including: 

• Clinical examination 
• Assessment of the nerve function in the head and neck 
• Ophthalmological examination  
• Dental examination  
• Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract including the guttural pouches 
• Computed tomography (CT) of the head.

We offer all these investigations as part of a package, and this can usually be completed on a same-day appointment. Following these investigations, we will discuss the results with you on the same day or the following day and advise the best treatment options for your horse.  

We offer Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (EquiPENS) therapy for the treatment of headshaking. The first course includes three treatments, each performed under standing sedation.