UC Davis Center for Equine Health

Stringhalt, or equine reflex hypertonia, is a neuromuscular condition that causes a gait abnormality characterized by involuntary, exaggerated upward movement of one or both of the hindlimbs. It looks like a jerk or hop, with the affected hindlimb(s) snapped up towards the abdomen. This generally occurs with every stride at the walk but can lessen at the trot and is usually absent at the canter. The degree of hyperflexion varies from mild to severe and is most obvious when the horse is turning sharply, backing, going down a slope, in the first few walking steps after standing still, or during gait transitions. A hopping gait may be exhibited in severe cases. Technically considered an unsoundness, some affected horses successfully remain in work without impairment, although they may not be suited for certain disciplines like dressage. Stringhalt is not a reaction to pain, so affected horses are not necessarily uncomfortable.

There are two major categories of stringhalt: acquired (Australian, plant-associated, pasture-associated, or sporadic) and idiopathic (true, classic, or atypical). The acquired form results from plant (often flatweed/false dandelion, Hypochaeris radicata) toxicity, often occurs as an outbreak in horses on pasture in late summer or fall, and is usually temporary. Although it is known as Australian stringhalt, it can occur worldwide. The idiopathic form can be caused by injury or trauma, specifically to the back, neck, or leg, and can improve once the injury is healed. There are no other identified causes for the idiopathic form, and cases typically do not resolve on their own.

Known as flatweed, cat’s ears, and false dandelion, hypochaeris radicata is native to Europe and now present in many areas of North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Flatweed has multiple branching flower stems up to 18–24 inches in height, each with a single, yellow dandelion-like flower. Lobe-shaped, finely-haired leaves (see inset) can be up to 12 inches long and form a low-lying rosette around a central taproot. Photo, top: Wikipedia/Harry Rose, Photo, bottom: Wikipedia/Alan Rockefeller.

Related: How to Protect Your Horse from Hazards on the Farm

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs of stringhalt can arise suddenly and include hyperflexion of one or both of the hindlimbs, especially at the walk. Signs may be mild or more severe, with the hoof lifted sharply to the belly and forcefully stomped on the ground. In these cases, the concussive forces may cause secondary injury. One hind leg may be more severely affected than the other. Cold weather, hard exercise, anxiety, or excitement can intensify clinical signs in some cases.

Acquired stringhalt affects the peripheral muscles and nerves. It usually affects both hindlimbs nearly equally and may also affect the forelimbs and neck. The affected nerve fibers of this form of stringhalt are also found in the larynx, so affected horses may exhibit abnormal vocalization due to laryngeal paralysis. With idiopathic stringhalt, a stronger effect is frequently seen in one leg and clinical signs can progress over time.

Diagnosis

Stringhalt is typically diagnosed based on clinical signs. A diagnosis of acquired stringhalt may be more apparent than the idiopathic form if evidence of the associated plants is found in pastures or hay. X-rays and/or ultrasound may be required to rule out injuries to the muscles, tendons, or hocks of the hindlimbs. Additional diagnostic tests may be utilized to rule out muscle diseases such as polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) and infectious diseases such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Gait analysis may be performed to distinguish stringhalt from shivers (Draper et al. 2014. Equine Vet J 47(2): 175-181).

Treatment

There is no definitive treatment for stringhalt. Some horses may recover spontaneously. In cases of plant poisoning or intoxication, horses should be removed from areas containing the toxic plant. Surgical resection of part of the muscle and tendon (myotenectomy) of the lateral digital extensor at the level of the hock may alleviate signs of chronic stringhalt, but the success rate is variable. Administration of muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants (phenytoin), tranquilizers (acepromazine), and other medications can be helpful in some cases, but the effects are often temporary. One study reported fewer stringhalt-like steps after repeated injections of Botox (Wijnberg et al. 2009. Equine Vet J 41:313-318).

Prognosis 

The prognosis for horses with stringhalt varies depending on a number of factors. Horses may not return to performance, but they can still have a good quality of life. Some horses respond to treatment, whereas others do not. Most horses with acquired stringhalt improve within days, but recovery can take months or years in some cases. Relapses may occur, but even severely affected horses may return to normal. Idiopathic stringhalt is usually irreversible without surgery.

Proper management of pastures, paddocks, and turnouts to prevent ingestion of toxic plants can prevent acquired stringhalt. Since other cause(s) of stringhalt are unknown, there is no way to prevent the idiopathic form.

Related: The Not-So-Fab Four: Diseases Resulting in Hind Limb Gait Deficits

Related: Fall Leaves - Are They Toxic to Horses?

Printed with the kind permission of the UC Davis Center for Equine Health. The UC Davis Center for Equine Health is dedicated to advancing the health, welfare, performance and veterinary care of horses through research, education and public service.

Main Photo: Clinical signs of stringhalt can arise suddenly and range from mild to severe. There is no definitive treatment and the prognosis varies depending on a number of factors. Credit: Dr. Wally Liberman