Shivers Basic Information Definition A mechanical lameness most often involving the pelvic limbs that appears to be caused by involuntary muscular spasms Synonym(s) Shivering, shiverer, shivers syndrome Epidemiology Species, Age, Sex • Horses; rare in ponies. Not reported in donkeys and very rarely in mules. • Onset is usually at an early age but can begin at any age. Genetics and Breed Predisposition Likely inherited. Most common in Draft breeds and also common in Warmblood breeds. Occasionally occurs in other horse breeds. Associated Conditions and Disorders • May be associated with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). • Signs may begin after other illness or trauma. Clinical Presentation Disease Forms/Subtypes Affected limbs exhibit episodic hyperflexion, typically prolonged, that appears to be involuntary and associated with muscle spasms. During episodes, the tail may also elevate and exhibit fine tremoring, and the head may elevate slightly, with apparent “stretching” of the neck and rapid eye blinking. Horses with severe advanced cases can also exhibit forelimb and total-body spasms. History, Chief Complaint Abnormal gait invoked by backing and turning in tight circles. Signs are also common in the first walk stride after standing, in the last walk stride before halting, and when lifting hind limbs for hoof care. The abnormality is not present at gaits other than the walk. Affected horses may also hyperflex the pelvic limbs while standing. Physical Exam Findings May be normal or may be associated with symmetric atrophy of pelvic limb musculature or of total body musculature. Muscle weakness occurs in advanced cases. Etiology and Pathophysiology PSSM may be a cause of shivers, but this is controversial.< div class='tao-gold-member'> Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: Diarrhea, Neonatal Nephrotic Syndrome Staphylococcus Pyoderma Dermatophilosis Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Clinical Veterinary Advisor The Horse Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by admin in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Shivers Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Shivers Basic Information Definition A mechanical lameness most often involving the pelvic limbs that appears to be caused by involuntary muscular spasms Synonym(s) Shivering, shiverer, shivers syndrome Epidemiology Species, Age, Sex • Horses; rare in ponies. Not reported in donkeys and very rarely in mules. • Onset is usually at an early age but can begin at any age. Genetics and Breed Predisposition Likely inherited. Most common in Draft breeds and also common in Warmblood breeds. Occasionally occurs in other horse breeds. Associated Conditions and Disorders • May be associated with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). • Signs may begin after other illness or trauma. Clinical Presentation Disease Forms/Subtypes Affected limbs exhibit episodic hyperflexion, typically prolonged, that appears to be involuntary and associated with muscle spasms. During episodes, the tail may also elevate and exhibit fine tremoring, and the head may elevate slightly, with apparent “stretching” of the neck and rapid eye blinking. Horses with severe advanced cases can also exhibit forelimb and total-body spasms. History, Chief Complaint Abnormal gait invoked by backing and turning in tight circles. Signs are also common in the first walk stride after standing, in the last walk stride before halting, and when lifting hind limbs for hoof care. The abnormality is not present at gaits other than the walk. Affected horses may also hyperflex the pelvic limbs while standing. Physical Exam Findings May be normal or may be associated with symmetric atrophy of pelvic limb musculature or of total body musculature. Muscle weakness occurs in advanced cases. Etiology and Pathophysiology PSSM may be a cause of shivers, but this is controversial.< div class='tao-gold-member'> Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: Diarrhea, Neonatal Nephrotic Syndrome Staphylococcus Pyoderma Dermatophilosis Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Clinical Veterinary Advisor The Horse Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by admin in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Shivers Full access? Get Clinical Tree
