My OTTB Horse Has a Shivering Front Leg

Heavy horse breeds, including drafts and warmbloods, are affected most by shivers.

Shivering, also known as shivers, is a disease that affects the nervous system in horses. The condition can affect a horse's performance and quality of life. Horses don't always show signs of shivers, which can make a diagnosis difficult.

Symptoms

Symptoms include muscle twitching, difficulty lifting the legs and backing or turning in a tight circle. A back leg may be held out to the side while it shivers and the horse may stand up on its toes. Rarely, the horse will hold a foreleg out or bend it at the knee, or the neck muscles, ears or lips will twitch along with rapid blinking.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for shivers nor are there effective treatments. Generally, the disease gradually worsens to the point where the shivering becomes severe, along with extreme weakness, and muscle wasting and cramping. However, veterinarian Karen Coumbe stated in HorseandHound that she has known many horses with mild shivering that had not deteriorated over several years.

What You Can Do

If you suspect your horse has shivers, have your veterinarian do a complete physical evaluation to rule out other hoof and leg ailments with similar symptoms. Long periods of rest from working, but with regular activity should help ease symptoms. Provide a diet low in starch and high in fat along with the natural form of vitamin E and selenium. Try massage and acupuncture to make your horse more comfortable.

References

• HorseandHound.Co.UK: Understanding Shivering
• University of Minnesota Equine Center: Shivers