What Are The Symptoms Of Stringhalt In Horses?

What is stringhalt? Stringhalt, or equine reflex hypertonia, is a neuromuscular condition that causes a gait abnormality characterized by involuntary, exaggerated upward movement of one or both of the hindlimbs. It looks like a jerk or hop, with the affected hindlimb(s) snapped up towards the abdomen.

Can a horse with Stringhalt be ridden?

These horses are not appropriate for riding and are often very limited in their ability to perform groundwork maneuvers.

What causes string halt in a horse?

The cause of classic stringhalt is unknown. It is thought that classic stringhalt is the result of traumatic damage to sensory nerves to the extensor muscles of the rear limb. Unlike Australian stringhalt, this form of the condition is usually persistent and does not resolve.

What is affected by Stringhalt?

Stringhalt is a distressing but not painful disease that is commonly characterized by exaggerated lifting of each hind leg. This disease has been associated to a degeneration of the nerves in the horse’s hind legs, however, horses generally revocer depending on the severity of the disease.

What is the difference between Stringhalt and shivers?

Unlike Shivers, signs of stringhalt are often apparent when walking forward, with most or every stride appearing abnormal. Facial twitching and tail head elevation are absent. Signs of stringhalt are also observable at the trot, while Shivers horses trot normally.

Does stringhalt go away?

Most horses with acquired stringhalt improve within days, but recovery can take months or years in some cases. Relapses may occur, but even severely affected horses may return to normal. Idiopathic stringhalt is usually irreversible without surgery.

How long does stringhalt last?

The prognosis of recovery for horses with stringhalt can be regarded as fair. Full recovery can occur, but it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years.

Is stringhalt a neurological?

Stringhalt is a neurological disorder whereby the horse exhibits involuntary, exaggerated flexion of the hock. Australian Stringhalt is one of three different forms of stringhalt that have been documented in horses.

Is stringhalt a progressive?

Some horses will recover spontaneously when taken away from the weeds. Other horses may take weeks, months or even years to return to a normal gait. Unfortunately, come cases of Stringhalt will become progressive conditions, with the gait abnormality becoming so severe that euthanasia may be warranted.

How do you stop a horse from hanging in?

Using circles whilst riding transitions can help to bring the horse’s inside hind leg more underneath him, which will, in turn, lift his forehand and relieve his reliance for balance on your contact. Another exercise that can be effective in backing a horse off the contact is rein-back.

Is stringhalt a neurological?

Stringhalt is a neurological disorder whereby the horse exhibits involuntary, exaggerated flexion of the hock. Australian Stringhalt is one of three different forms of stringhalt that have been documented in horses.

Does Capeweed cause stringhalt?

On top of the above effects, capeweed can actually cause a magnesium deficiency in horses that can lead to abnormally nervous horses, with some even developing stringhalt.

How do you stop a horse from hanging in?

Using circles whilst riding transitions can help to bring the horse’s inside hind leg more underneath him, which will, in turn, lift his forehand and relieve his reliance for balance on your contact. Another exercise that can be effective in backing a horse off the contact is rein-back.

What weeds cause stringhalt?

Stringhalt in Australia and New Zealand is most commonly caused by grazing Flatweed (Hypochaeris radicata)- (pictured above), although other weeds such as Dandelion have also been implicated. The symptoms are caused by damage to the nerves that run to the affected area.

Is Stringhalt a progressive?

Some horses will recover spontaneously when taken away from the weeds. Other horses may take weeks, months or even years to return to a normal gait. Unfortunately, come cases of Stringhalt will become progressive conditions, with the gait abnormality becoming so severe that euthanasia may be warranted.

What are signs of neurological problems in horses?

Lack of coordination, weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs, muscle twitching, impaired vision, head pressing, aimless wandering, convulsions, circling and coma are some of the severe neurologic effects. Horses typically have non-neurologic signs, too, such loss of appetite and a depressed attitude.

How do you tell if your horse has a neurological problem?

Neurologic signs often include ascending paralysis with urine dribbling, loss of anal tone and control, poor tail tone, and pelvic limb weakness. Diagnosis of EHM is easier to establish when several horses on the same premises present with fever, followed by ataxia and urine dribbling and in some cases abortion.