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Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.

YOU ARE OBSERVING

Abnormal Head or Neck Position at Rest

Summary

Abnormal neck position can refer to the ridden horse, in which the concern might be lack of collection - either raising the head or neck and hollowing the back, or the opposite - lowering the head in the extreme, usually to escape pressure on the bit.

Abnormal neck or head position might also refer to the un-ridden horse. In this case, a horse that could not raise or lower its head, or twisting of the head or neck. In this case, the problem could relate to anatomic abnormality, nerve, brain or muscle dysfunction, or could arise from pain.

  • Code Red

    Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
    • 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.
  • 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.

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What To Do

your vet's role

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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)

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Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP