Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Drowsy, Seems to Fall Asleep on Feet, Could Even Collapse
Summary
Relaxed, normal horses often rest quietly with their eyes closed. Due to horse's locking limb anatomy (the passive stay and reciprocal apparatus), they can do this with minimal muscular effort. But if this behavior is excessive, it is not normal.
"Falling asleep on the feet" is a relatively common sign in horses that are actually sleep deprived. Horses must lie down periodically to get deep sleep. If they cannot do this, they become sleep-deprived. Narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) with cataplexy (sudden muscular weakness) is less common (and tends to be overdiagnosed) and is typically seen in horses that are active in work when they collapse. Repeated bouts of collapse, especially where cataplexy occurs, may result in injury to the horse or handlers, so be very careful.
"Falling asleep on the feet" is a relatively common sign in horses that are actually sleep deprived. Horses must lie down periodically to get deep sleep. If they cannot do this, they become sleep-deprived. Narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) with cataplexy (sudden muscular weakness) is less common (and tends to be overdiagnosed) and is typically seen in horses that are active in work when they collapse. Repeated bouts of collapse, especially where cataplexy occurs, may result in injury to the horse or handlers, so be very careful.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If this problem seems severe and has come on suddenly.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) in the resting horse indicate fever (Temp >101F/38.3C) or heart rate greater than 48 BPM.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If this seems mild or occasional and the horse seems normal otherwise.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse for lameness or stiffness. Assess their management regime, paying particular attention to the stable in which they are boarded at night. Might there be some reason the horse is not lying down? Is the horse in chronic pain? Are they particularly anxious? Do you notice other signs of a problem? Share your findings and concerns with your vet.Your vet will benefit from being able to see the behavior demonstrated. If it possible, try to take a video. Horses are inclined not to show the behavior when the vet visits!
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will assess the horse's general health and body systems. A careful evaluation of history, physical exam and neurologic exam, as well as a review of your management may give a clue to the cause. If sleep deprivation is suspected, your vet may search for underlying causes such as lameness, neurologic problems, or chronic pain - anything that prevents the horse from being able to lie down to sleep. Narcolepsy/cataplexy might be confirmed using a challenge test involving the administration of certain drugs.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice this?
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- Does the horse seem normal between episodes?
- How frequent are the episodes?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Does the horse have any other health problems?
- Have you noticed the horse lying down and sleeping?
- Have you given the horse any medications?
- How is your horse's attitude and appetite?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
