Shivers in Horses Vet Guide 2025: Neurological Insights, Management & Prognosis 🐎🧠
In this article
🧠 Shivers in Horses Vet Guide 2025 by Dr Duncan Houston
Welcome to an in-depth veterinary exploration of Shivers, a chronic neurological condition affecting horses' movement. Authored with clarity and compassion by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, this guide covers what Shivers is, how it develops, its clinical features, diagnosis, management strategies, and prognosis. My goal is to support you in caring for affected horses with both practical and medical insights. 🐎✨
1. What Is Shivers?
Shivers is a progressive neuromuscular disorder where horses exhibit abnormal tremors in the hind limbs—especially during backward movement—and may stiffen or hyperextend their legs [UC Davis–style summary] :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Though first reported years ago, it remains rare.
2. Which Horses Are Affected?
- Age of onset: Typically between 2–5 years, worsening over time :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Breed predisposition: Tall breeds—draft, Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds; also reported in Quarter Horses, Morgans :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Gender and height: Geldings affected ~3× more; horses over ~16.3 hh at higher risk :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
3. Underlying Neurological Causes
Research has highlighted degeneration of Purkinje cell axons in the cerebellum—neurons that regulate smooth, coordinated movement. This axonal damage disturbs the timing of muscle recruitment, explaining the tremors and rigidity in hind limbs during backward movement :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
4. Clinical Signs – What You’ll See
🔹 Hindlimb Tremor When Backing Up
Legs may shake, lift abnormally high or hyperextend, sometimes holding position for several seconds, with tail up and visible spasms :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
🔹 Resistance to Hoof Handling
Affected horses often refuse to lift hind feet, making trimming or shoeing challenging.
🔹 Muscle Atrophy & Weakness
Over time, thigh and hindquarter muscle loss becomes visible as movement becomes compromised :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
🔹 Other Signs
Some horses show face or neck twitching, tail elevation, sweating, trembling—especially when excited or stressed :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
5. How It’s Diagnosed
Diagnosis is clinical—your veterinarian observes distinctive backing-up posture, rules out similar conditions (stringhalt, EPM, lameness), and confirms abnormalities are absent during forward trot :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. No blood or imaging test definitively identifies Shivers.
6. Differential Diagnosis: Stringhalt vs. Shivers
Both cause hindlimb issues, but stringhalt often shows exaggerated upward movement in forward stride and may have toxic or mechanical causes. **Shivers** is unique to backing/foot handling, progressive, and tied to cerebellar degeneration :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
7. Management & Veterinary Practices
- Maintain consistent low-intensity exercise and turnout—movement reduces episodes :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Minimize stall confinement; avoid long periods standing.
- Schedule farrier care thoughtfully—short, regular trims. Sedation (e.g., xylazine) improves safety and comfort :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Provide balanced nutrition; vitamin E + selenium may support cerebellar health :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
- Reduce stress—calming routines and familiar environments help.
- Monitor disease progression: videos and notes help track changes over years.
8. Prognosis & Quality of Life
Early-stage horses often continue light riding or driving. Progression may eventually hinder farrier care, comfort, and performance, sometimes prompting retirement or euthanasia on welfare grounds :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
9. Cutting‑Edge Research
Dr Valberg’s group at Michigan State and colleagues documented muscle activation patterns and cerebellar Purkinje damage via EMG and histopathology. Genetic studies are underway via DNA/video-collection efforts :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
10. Practical Checklist for Owners & Vets
- Identify signs early—note resistance to hoof-lifting/backing up.
- Ensure clinical vet exam to exclude other disorders.
- Create consistent exercise/turnout plan.
- Plan farriery with sedation support.
- Include antioxidants (vit E + selenium) responsive to vet guidance.
- Track signs—photos/videos yearly.
- Discuss retirement/hospice timing before mobility/pain issues arise.
11. Owner FAQs
Is Shivers painful or contagious?
No, it's neurological—not contagious nor directly painful, though compensation can cause strain.
Can Shivers be cured?
No cure; however, management can maintain function and comfort for many years.
Is genetic testing available?
Not yet; research ongoing.
Can horses with Shivers still compete?
Mild cases often continue moderate-level work, but progression may limit activity.
12. Summary Table
| Feature | Shivers – Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Onset | 2–5 years, progressive |
| Breed/Gender Risk | Tall breeds, geldings, stall ≥ 16.3 hh |
| Clinical Signs | Hindlimb tremor/backing, resistance to hoof pick |
| Neurology | Purkinje axonal degeneration |
| Diagnosis | Clinical; rule out others |
| Treatment | No cure; exercise, turnout, sedation, nutrition |
| Prognosis | Mild stable, severe may lead to retirement |
Final Thoughts 🐴
Shivers is a rare and challenging neurological movement disorder. But with early diagnosis, smart management, and emotional support, many horses live well for years. A caring routine and veterinary partnership are key.
For tailored strategies—nutrition planning, hoof‑care protocols, exercise plans or quality‑of‑life assessments—our Ask A Vet team is ready to help. Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 vet chat, personalized tips, and compassionate guidance. 🌟
