NAVLE Nervous

Equine Seizures Study Guide

March 28, 2026 25 min read 102 views
Seizures in horses are relatively uncommon compared to other species but represent a critical neurological emergency.

Overview and Clinical Importance

Seizures in horses are relatively uncommon compared to other species but represent a critical neurological emergency. They are defined as transient, paroxysmal disturbances of brain function caused by excessive neuronal discharge, manifesting as alterations in consciousness, motor activity, sensory function, or behavior.

Adult horses have a HIGH seizure threshold, making seizures relatively rare. In contrast, foals have a LOW seizure threshold, making neonatal seizures the most commonly encountered presentation in equine practice.

High-YieldSeizures are more common in foals than adult horses. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE/dummy foal syndrome) is the most common cause of seizures in neonatal foals, while trauma and neoplasia are most common in adults.
Seizure Type Clinical Features NAVLE Pearls
Focal (Partial) Affects one body region; facial twitching, limb paddling, circling; usually brief (seconds) Can progress to generalized; suggests focal brain lesion
Generalized Tonic-Clonic Most common type; recumbency with rigid extension (tonic) then paddling (clonic); LOC, autonomic signs Duration 5-60 seconds; post-ictal blindness, depression, ataxia
Status Epilepticus Continuous seizure greater than 5 min or multiple seizures without recovery EMERGENCY - permanent brain damage; uncommon in horses

Classification of Equine Seizures

Classification by Seizure Type

Seizures are classified based on the extent of brain involvement and clinical manifestations:

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