08/21/2026
🐎 If you guessed Shivers to yesterday’s video, you are CORRECT!
Shivers (or Shivering Syndrome) is a chronic, progressive neuromuscular disorder seen primarily in horses—most commonly in draft breeds, Warmbloods, and tall light breeds. Here is a clear breakdown covering what it is, what causes it, and how to manage it.
What is Equine Shivers?
It is a Movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms, trembling, and abnormal posture, primarily affecting the hindlimbs, tail head, and occasionally the face or forelimbs.
Clinical Signs are most evident when —
Backing up: The horse hyperflexes or abducts one or both hind legs, holding them in the air with trembling muscle spasms.
Picking up feet: Particularly during farrier work or routine cleaning.
Initial movement: When first asked to move after standing still.
What Causes It?
While the exact underlying trigger remains under study, current veterinary consensus points toward a specific neurodegenerative cause —
Cerebellar Pathology: Research from the University of Minnesota indicates degeneration of Purkinje cell axons within the cerebellum—the region of the brain responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and fine motor control.
Genetic Component: There is a strong breed predisposition (Drafts, Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Warmblood crosses, especially over 16.2 hh), suggesting a hereditary linkage, though a single genetic mutation has not yet been isolated.
Distinction from PSSM: While Shivers can co-exist with Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM type 1 or 2), it is a distinct neurological condition, not a metabolic muscle disease.
💊 Possible Helping Treatments & Management
There is currently no known cure for Shivers, but targeted management strategies can slow progression and improve the horse's quality of life —
1. Exercise & Daily Routine
Turnout: Maximize daily pasture turnout. Continuous turnout prevents stiffness and reduces the severity of involuntary spasms.
Consistent Work: Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain muscle mass and motor control. Avoid long periods of stall confinement.
2. Specialized Farrier Care
Work with an experienced farrier who understands the condition.
Keep feet low to the ground during trimming; avoid pulling the hind legs high or out to the side.
Allow frequent breaks so the horse can rest its leg between steps.
3. Dietary Adjustments
Low-Starch / High-Fat Diet: Switching to a low-sugar, high-fat ration (similar to a PSSM diet) often yields clinical improvement by reducing excitability and supporting muscle physiology.
Vitamin E Supplementation: High doses of natural Vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol or water-dispersible formulations) act as a neural antioxidant to help slow axonal degradation.
4. Medical & Supportive Therapies
Acupuncture & Electro-Acuscope Therapy: Targeted neuro-stimulation and electro-acupuncture can help manage compensatory muscle soreness along the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hamstrings.
NSAIDs & Muscle Relaxants: Used transiently during flare-ups or before farrier visits to relieve discomfort from secondary muscle tension.
