Head Shaking Syndrome

This is my horse, Cowboy, who is exhibiting symptoms of Head-shaking Syndrome. It started last year on the trail and seems to get 90 percent better when he wears a riding mask. It appears to be a tickling annoyance in his nose because he is constantly rubbing it with his leg. Other issues have begun to appear though, like possible sight issues. Here he is in the video without his riding mask. Whenever he gets the nose issue he loses his self-control and ability to think clearly and tries to get back to the herd. This makes it difficult to assess whether it's behavioral or physical.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Cowboys
• issues

[MrsLREZ]

I have been told this by an expert on the syndrome: "It might be beneficial to use a mask that has more UV protection such as the Guardian Mask on my website. the custom one is the best. It is a bit pricey but will definitely help reduce symptoms. You need to keep it on 24/7 except when riding or other work. Magnesium, esp. a supplement called Quiessence is helpful at 2-3 or 4 X the recommended dose. Start at the low dose and slowly work up."

I'm going to try the recommendation--can't hurt.

[Highwhites]

Wow, I thought my boy was bad. Poor Cowboy. Poor you! My guy is very sensitive to touch when he is having a bad episode. I have had really great luck with max-ox. He has stopped headshaking, at least for now on just the magox. Good luck with him. He is a lovely horse and I can see that he wants to be close to you.

[wtd2011]

Hi, visit Yahoo Groups - Mineral Imbalance for help

[judifamily]

Linda: My horse does the exact thing. I THINK I have in narrowed down to allergies -pollen- and anxiety. What about the sight problem. Have you found any remedies yet for Cowboy? I know the frustration first hand. I would do anything to help my horse. Thanks and good luck. Judi

[AlisaGayle]

Linda, this makes me so sad. He is so irritated and I can clearly see now how dangerous he can be, he doesn't even know it. He just seems to try so hard to be there with you, but gets that irritation and can't help it.

[1lightsurfer]

my horse is doing this too, under tack, am going to find a therapeutic muzzle, go bitless or use something that doesn't interfere with his sinus - allergy I think...