Headshaking is a serious and distressing condition for both horses and their owners.

Derek Knottenbelt, OBE, BVM &S, DVM, Dipl. ECEIM, MRCVS, from the University of Liverpool's Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, in England, discussed this condition, its clinical signs, and treatment options at the Australian Veterinary Association’s Annual Conference, held May 25-30 in Perth.

Knottenbelt said the prognosis for headshaker horses is currently very poor: “Investigations of headshaking horses are disappointing as signs can be similar to a range of behavioral and clinical abnormalities.

“Whatever is said about the disease in terms of cause, diagnosis, or treatment, there’s no doubt that horses are very distressed by it," he continued. "Some horses are so badly affected that they can cause themselves serious injuries in an attempt to relieve themselves of the discomfort or pain. There are also major safety implications for riders and handlers of horses