Page 524 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

However it has to be given frequently and the results are inconsistent. The drug is expensive

and can induce drowsiness.
VetBooks.ir beneficial effect in some horses the side effects include sedation, depression, inappetance and
Cyproheptadine is used to treat vascular/cluster headaches in people. Although it has a

colic.

Neither of these medicines are permitted under FEI or British Horseracing Authority
rules. They can be used on their own or together.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines and corticosteroids are rarely

effective.

Surgical treatment

A surgical procedure that positions a platinum coil to compress the caudal part of the
infraorbital nerve within the horse’s head so it ceases to function can be effective in some

horses. It is performed under general anaesthesia and is reported to be effective in around
50% of cases. However, the effect can diminish with time and repeat surgery is needed in a

significant number of horses. Unfortunately some animals experience adverse effects
following the procedure, which include severe self-trauma and increased headshaking

necessitating euthanasia on humane grounds. This procedure should only be considered as a
last resort.

Sclerosis of the posterior ethmoidal nerve by injecting an agent that causes the nerve to
cease to function is rarely carried out now because of a high incidence of recurrence of

headshaking.

Prognosis

The prognosis is guarded as these horses and ponies need careful management and not all of
them will respond to treatment. Electroacupuncture and PENS should be regarded as a
management tool rather than a cure. However, some horses will experience many months or

more than 2 years of remission following treatment.

Warning
Affected animals can show unpredictable and violent behaviour, putting riders and

handlers at risk of injury. If the signs are seasonal, unscrupulous owners
sometimes sell them on during winter periods when they are showing no clinical
signs.