Shivering and Stringhalt in horses.
Authors: Valberg, Baird
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Shivering and Stringhalt in Horses Shivering and Stringhalt represent two distinct pelvic limb movement disorders that have plagued horses for centuries, yet remain poorly understood despite their significant impact on ridden and working animals. Valberg and Baird's comprehensive review synthesises current knowledge on both conditions, examining their divergent clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, underlying mechanisms, and available management strategies. Shivering manifests most noticeably during backward locomotion, where affected horses display abduction and exaggerated flexion or extension of one or both hindlimbs, often with characteristic pausing and resistance to rein-back; this contrasts sharply with Stringhalt, which presents as consistent hyperflexion without abduction during forward gaits such as walk and trot. The distinction between these conditions is clinically crucial, as their different movement patterns, progression rates, and aetiological factors demand tailored diagnostic protocols and treatment approaches. For equine practitioners, understanding these phenotypic differences and the neurological basis underlying each disorder is essential for accurate diagnosis, appropriate client communication regarding prognosis, and implementation of evidence-based management—whether through farriery modifications, physiotherapy, pharmacological intervention, or, in select cases, surgical options.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Distinguish Shivering from Stringhalt by observing backward movement (Shivering shows characteristic abduction and hyperflexion/extension) versus forward gaits (Stringhalt shows hyperflexion without abduction).
- •Recognize that both conditions are primary movement disorders not caused by lameness or neurological ataxia, requiring specific diagnostic approaches beyond routine lameness evaluation.
- •Understand that Shivering may progress from affecting only backward movement to compromising forward gaits in advanced cases, necessitating early intervention.
Key Findings
- •Shivering is primarily apparent during backward walking with abduction and hyperflexion or hyperextension of pelvic limbs, causing stride cycle pauses and reluctance to move backward.
- •Stringhalt differs from Shivering by producing consistent hyperflexion without abduction during forward gaits including walk and trot.
- •Both conditions are pelvic limb movement disorders unrelated to lameness or proprioceptive ataxia that have been described in horses for centuries.