Shivers, or equine shivering, is a rare, progressive neuromuscular disorder of horses. It is characterised by muscle tremors, difficulty holding up the hind limbs, and an unusual gait when the horse is asked to move backwards. Shivers is poorly understood and no effective treatment is available at this time...
Not a lot is known scientifically about the origins of shivers. There is a tendency is for the spasms to increase in both frequency and severity. I believe the cause is related to inflammation and gradual changes in the CNS, nerve plexus as well as the spine itself.
Most horses with Shivers will dispay it before five years old, and 75% are progressive in severity (1). Usually horses with Shivers will show signs before the age of ten. Geldings, mares and stallions can be affected, but geldings are three times more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder (1).
Symptoms
- Muscle tremors - shivering or a quivering of the legs
- Lifting the back legs high
- Unusual gait when moving backwards
To help prevent deterioration, and to even possibly reverse the condition, I would feed a diet that is inflammatory neutral or anti-inflammatory. We have treated this condition before with vary degrees of success. The success depends on how severe the initial problem is.
Diet recommendations
Soy is absolutely contraindicated in cases of Insulin Resistance due to its endocrine disrupting effects. There is an enzyme inhibitor in soy that disrupts all kinds of metabolic pathways in mammals, so I strongly suggest that if you can’t find the source of the vegetable protein in the feed that you are giving that it is likely to be soy and you should stop using it.
Lectins are a toxin that many plants use as a defence is that is in the outer hulls of the soy that is the main issue.
McDowells Products
Nerve Regen
Nerve Regen contains herbal extracts traditionally used to support the central nervous and circulatory system. Traditionally this formulation is aimed at nourishing the nerve plexus and may help to improve CNS and cerebral blood flow.
Alleviate
i recommend Alleviate for pain management and as an anti-inflammatory. This treatment has evolved from a consideration of the dangers of administering phenylbutazone (Bute), routinely, to horses sensitive to its side effects. These formulations may be used safely for both emergencies and in the long term for comfort. They do not swab and they do assist other equine herbal healing programs.
Tendon and Bone
Rosehips
Rosehips helps to support kidney function, anti-inflammatory, powerful antioxidant and rich source of natural Vitamin C. Used to relieve and prevent joint pain, stiffness, cartilage degeneration, for the treatment of other inflammatory conditions and as a nutritional supplement for gener al health and wellbeing. Vitamin C also supports the adrenal glands during times of stress. 2T in 500mls of hot water, divide over 2 feeds
References
(1) College of Veterinary Medicine
