The most notable signs of Horner’s syndrome are seen in the . Affected individuals will show miosis, ptosis, enopthalamos and protrusion of the third eyelid. Other signs include hyperemia of the mucus membranes, skin hypothermia, hyperhydrosis of the face and neck and inspiratory stridor. All signs present on the affected side of the face and neck. Diagnosis is through clinical signs and symptoms and case history, and the ruling out of other neurological defects affecting the face and neck such as cranial nerve paralysis.
There is no known treatment for Horner’s syndrome.
Seizures/ Epilepsy
Seizures rises due to sudden uncontrolled excessive brain
. Epilepsy is a condition
in which the horse has recurring seizures.
There are numerous causes of seizures including idiopathic (hypoxia/tumour/infection/toxin), congenital (hydrocephalus/malformations), acquired (trauma), metabolic (hypocalcemia /glycemia) or iatrogenic (overdose/injection). Regardless of cause, there is abnormal electrical activity within the brain, usually seen in the cerebrocortical neurons, but location can vary. There are numerous predispositions for seizures including; head trauma, infection, poisoning, hypoxia, rabies and liver failure. Idiopathic seizures can be triggered by a specific event. Arabian foals are at risk of epilepsy due to a genetic link. Signs & symptoms will vary depending on the location and magnitude of the seizure. They can include; unexplained wounds/lesions or blindness, alterations in or loss ofconsciousness, anxiety, muscle fasiculations, hypertonic stiff limbs, repetitive & rhythmic struggling, recumbency, loss of bladder/anal control and sweating. After the seizure, horses have a return to normal, appear to be restless or distracted and tend to suffer from temporary mild depression/stupor and blindness. Seizures will range in timeline but most last less than seconds. Diagnosis is based on case history, S&S, CSF analysis, CBC, and an electroencephalography. Conditions that mimic seizures should be ruled out. Treat the underlying cause if known. Anti-convulsant medications such as phenobarbital & can be used to stop & prevent seizures. Supportive care includes DMSO & Lasix for cerebral edema, CS & NSAIDs for pain and inflammation & wound management. Horses should be under watchful observation and be housed in a safe environment. Horses with a history of seizures should not be ridden/driven. Caretakers should take precaution when a horse is having a seizure and not attempt to help the horse for fear of injury.
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