Shivering horse: symptoms, causes and effective treatment

Shivering syndrome in horses, often referred to as trembling disease, is a rare but serious neurological disorder. Affected horses exhibit uncontrolled muscle tremors, particularly in the hindquarters, which can significantly restrict their everyday life and usability, for example when riding or jumping. But what exactly is shivering in horses? How do you recognize this disease and what measures help to alleviate the symptoms? In this article, you will find answers to these and other questions as well as practical tips for dealing with a shivering horse.

What is shivering in horses?

Shivering syndrome in horses, often referred to as trembling disease, is a rare neurological disorder. Affected horses exhibit uncontrolled muscle movements, particularly in the hindquarters, which can significantly impair everyday life and use, for example when riding or jumping. But what exactly is shivering in horses, how can it be recognized and what measures can help to alleviate the symptoms?

Shivering horse causes

The exact causes of shivering in horses are not yet fully understood. However, scientists suspect that genetic factors, neurological damage and metabolic disorders such as PSSM(polysaccharide storage myopathy) may play a role. Large-framed horses or those that were intensively trained at an early age are often particularly affected.

Possible causes of shivering in horses include

• Excessive strain: Young horses undergoing intensive training are particularly at risk.
• Injuries: Damage to nerves or muscles can exacerbate symptoms.
• Incorrect feeding: High levels of starch and sugar in the feed can have a negative effect on horses with shivering.

A connection between liver damage in horses and shivering is also being discussed. Particularly in horses that show symptoms such as tiredness or poor performance in addition to muscle tremors, feeding should be examined more closely in the event of liver problems.

Shivering horse: symptoms at a glance 

Shivering syndrome manifests itself through specific symptoms that occur particularly in the hindquarters. Close observation of your horse is important in order to recognize the disease at an early stage and initiate measures.

Help my horse is trembling: causes and correlations

If your horse shows muscle tremors or even trembles all over its body, this can indicate various causes. One common cause is shivering syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes uncontrolled muscle tremors - particularly in the hindquarters. In more severe cases, the tremors can also spread to the forehand or shoulders.

Shivering or houndstooth in horses?

There is an important difference between shivering in horses and houndstooth in horses, as both conditions can appear similar at first glance. While shivering syndrome is characterized by muscle tremors, houndstooth is characterized by an exaggerated and jerky lifting of the hind legs. Both diseases can significantly impair coordination of movement, but require different treatment approaches.

Horse trembles all over its body

If your horse trembles noticeably or even all over its body, this may be caused by neurological diseases such as shivering syndrome or metabolic disorders. For example, muscle tremors are often observed in horses with PSSM (polysaccharide storage myopathy) or liver damage. Horses with liver problems also show symptoms such as tiredness, loss of appetite or general poor performance. These symptoms can indicate serious problems. In such cases, a thorough veterinary examination is crucial to determine the cause.

Occasional tremors caused by cold or stress are harmless. However, if the shivering is severe or lasts for a long time, a vet should be consulted. A precise diagnosis makes it possible to introduce targeted measures such as adapted feeding or special shivering horse exercises and thus improve your horse's quality of life.

➡️ Video tipPSSM - When the muscles block! Learn from Eva-Maria Saliu what is behind polysaccharide storage myopathy, how type 1 is diagnosed by genetic testing and how type 2 is recognized - a must for understanding this muscle disease!

Diagnosis and progression of shivering syndrome in horses

Early diagnosis is crucial in order to effectively manage shivering syndrome and positively influence the course of the disease. The vet will usually carry out a thorough movement analysis, observing the horse under stress. Typical tests include backing up and lifting the hind legs. In some cases, additional tests such as genetic testing or muscle biopsies are carried out to rule out other conditions such as houndstooth in horses.

Typical diagnostic methods:

• Observation of movement sequences, especially in stressful situations.
• Genetic tests: These can provide indications of possible links with PSSM or other genetic disorders.
• Muscle biopsies: This examination helps to analyze the muscle structure and possible damage.

The course of the disease varies from individual to individual. While some horses only show mild symptoms and cope well with everyday life, in others the coordination of movement deteriorates over time. In advanced cases, there can be considerable restrictions that make riding or jumping impossible.

Shivering horse treatment

Shivering syndrome in horses cannot be cured, but with the right care and adjustments you can alleviate the symptoms and give your horse a good life.

What to feed a shivering horse

An adapted diet is essential to alleviate the symptoms of shivering horses. Horses with shivering particularly benefit from a diet low in sugar and starch, as high levels of sugar and starch can exacerbate symptoms. Targeted adaptation of the feed helps to relieve the metabolism and improve the quality of life.

➡️ Video tipSugar & Starch - More than just energy! Dr. Patricia Sitzenstock explains why sugar and starch are essential for horses, how quickly energy is available from oats and co. and why the sugar content in hay is so important - basic knowledge for every horse owner!

Minerals for shivering horses

Supplements with selenium, magnesium and zinc play an important role in supporting muscles and nerves. These minerals help to reduce muscle cramps and promote the stability of the nervous system. Shivering horse feed supplements rich in these substances can also reduce stress and increase general well-being.

➡️ Video tipFrom zinc to selenium - trace elements for your horse! Dr. Felicitas Drebes explains the vital tasks of trace elements such as zinc, copper, iron, selenium and manganese and gives tips on how to ensure your horse gets the optimum supply - a must for your horse's health!

Vitamins for shivering horses

Vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin D are essential for the health of a shivering horse. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and supports muscle regeneration, while vitamin D ensures optimal calcium absorption and strong bones. The right combination of minerals and vitamins can help to alleviate symptoms and allow your horse to move more freely.

➡️ Video tipVitamins in horse feed - essential for health! Find out which essential vitamins such as A, D, E and B are important for your horse's well-being and performance and how to ensure a balanced supply - for healthy and happy horses!

Shivering horse exercises

Regular and targeted exercise helps to alleviate the symptoms of shivering in horses. Exercises such as slow backing, stretching exercises and controlled movement units are particularly effective. Overloading should be avoided so as not to exacerbate the symptoms.

Avoid stress

A stress-free environment is essential for your horse. Stress worsens the symptoms and can lead to increased muscle tremors in the horse. A calm attitude and a regular daily routine are important components in the management of a shivering horse.

Medication

In severe cases, a shivering horse can be given medication such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the symptoms. Physiotherapy can also help to relax the muscles and promote mobility. Homeopathic approaches should always be agreed with the vet.

Conclusion: Living with a shivering horse

Living with a shivering horse requires adjustments, especially in terms of husbandry, feeding and training. With thoughtful care, targeted shivering horse exercises and a stress-free environment, you can alleviate the symptoms and give your horse a good life.

Regular collaboration with vets and nutritional experts is important in order to individualize the treatment of a shivering horse. Choosing the right supplementary feed and adhering to structured management can have a positive influence on the course of the disease.

Whether a shivering horse can be ridden depends on the individual course of the disease. While horses with mild symptoms can often continue to be ridden for leisure, more intensive activities such as jumping should be avoided. If you are considering buying a shivering horse, you should carefully check its state of health and obtain a veterinary certificate.

With the right support and a lot of patience, you can give your shivering horse a good quality of life.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions about shivering in horses

What is shivering in horses?

Shivering is a neurological disorder that primarily causes uncontrolled muscle tremors in the hindquarters. It can affect coordination of movement and cause symptoms such as difficulty in backing up or lifting the legs.

How do you recognize shivering in horses?

Typical signs are muscle tremors, problems with hoof picking or backing up and increased symptoms in stressful situations. At rest, the symptoms may subside temporarily.

How do you diagnose shivering in horses?

A vet will carry out a movement analysis in which the horse is observed under stress, such as when backing up or lifting its legs. In some cases, genetic testing or muscle biopsies may be necessary for clarification.

Is shivering bad for horses?

The severity of the disease depends on the individual case. While some horses only show mild symptoms, others can be severely affected and may no longer be ridden. Early diagnosis is crucial in order to manage the disease.

Can shivering in horses be cured?

No, shivering syndrome in horses cannot be cured. However, targeted measures such as adapted feeding, exercises and low-stress husbandry can alleviate the symptoms.

Can a horse with shivering be ridden?

Whether a shivering horse can be ridden depends on the severity of the symptoms. Horses with mild symptoms can often be ridden recreationally, while caution is advised with intensive exercise such as jumping.

Can a shivering horse jump?

Horses with shivering should not be overloaded. Show jumping or other demanding disciplines can exacerbate the symptoms. Recreational use is often possible if the load is adjusted.

Which vitamins for shivering horses?

Vitamin E, selenium and magnesium are particularly important for shivering horses, as they support muscle and nerve function. Supplements containing these substances can be helpful.

What to feed a shivering horse?

Feeding a diet low in sugar and starch is essential. Supplements with magnesium, vitamin E and selenium support nerve and muscle health. Additional shivering horse feed supplements can help to reduce stress.

Should you buy a shivering horse?

Caution is advised when buying a horse with shivering. A detailed veterinary report should be available to assess the state of health and possible restrictions.

Do I have to euthanize a shivering horse?

In rare cases, when the quality of life is severely restricted and no further measures will help, euthanasia may be an option. This decision should always be made in consultation with a vet.