STIFF-HORSE SYNDROME: INTRODUCTION TO A NEUROLOGICAL, AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

Courtesy Kentucky Equine Research Staff

Nearly a year ago, world-renowned singer Celine Dion revealed she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a progressive neurological and autoimmune disease. At the time, most had not heard of this extremely rare disease, as only two or three people in a million are diagnosed yearly.

First described in 1956, stiff-person syndrome causes excruciating and debilitating muscle spasms, heightened sensitivity of certain senses, and an upswing in emotional distress. Muscle spasms can be so severe that muscles become rigid, as if frozen in contracture. Stiff-person syndrome often progresses to the point of significant disability, even when treatment is received.

Researchers do not understand why the disease develops. One theory suggests symptoms may be triggered by a reduction in a specific neurotransmitter called gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) that helps control muscle movement. A glitch in the immune system produces antibodies against a specific enzyme that assists in the production of GABA. These antibodies then block pathways that prevent inhibition of muscle contraction, leading to excessive muscle contraction.

While researchers and physicians continue to learn about stiff-person syndrome, veterinarians occasionally diagnose the same set of clinical signs in horses. Cases have been reported in a few countries, and veterinarians recently identified the first case of “stiff-horse syndrome” in the United Kingdom.,*

In this instance, a young Irish Sport Horse gelding presented to a veterinary clinic with a rigid, spraddle-legged hindlimb stance coupled with an extreme swayback posture. The stiffness and unusual posture typically occurred when the gelding was subjected to stressful stimuli, such as a change of environment or transport. Certain auditory and tactile stimuli also resulted in stiffness. Episodes usually lasted a few seconds, though occasionally persisted for a few minutes.

When not stressed, clinical examination of this horse revealed no lameness on a straight line, on the longe, or when ridden. While there was no evidence of muscle atrophy or hypertrophy, topline and hindquarter muscles were tense on palpation, and veterinarians observed intermittent muscular contractions in these areas. Multiple differential diagnoses, including myopathy, equine motor neuron disease, and lumbosacral anomalies, were all ruled out. Bloodwork revealed elevated antibody titers, supporting a diagnosis of stiff-horse syndrome.

Veterinarians prescribed daily oral prednisolone, a corticosteroid, for two weeks and the owner moved him to a boarding establishment that provided more turnout and a quieter environment. After two weeks of prednisolone, all clinical signs had disappeared and the gelding returned to work. He stayed in remission for two months until clinical signs began again. The owner then restarted prednisolone. The horse stayed on prednisolone for three months followed by two months of rest and resumed work as a low-level eventer. Veterinarians evaluated antibodies after five months of treatment, and the value registered as normal.

A sound diet that delivers all essential nutrients in optimal quantities serves as the cornerstone of well-being in horses. Because stiff-horse syndrome affects neuromuscular health, even if only through occasional spasms and strain, horse owners should supplement with natural-source vitamin E to support the nervous and muscular systems. Choose Nano-E for its second-to-none bioavailability and protection.