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Treatment of Nervous System Disorders in Horses

Full Review: Sept 2026 ByJamie Textor, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR | Peer reviewed byManuals Staff
Last updated: Sept 2026
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Once a nervous system problem has been diagnosed in a horse, a vet will decide on the best treatment, depending on the cause of the problem. Types of drugs commonly used in horses with neurological issues include:

  • antiseizure medicines (anticonvulsants)

  • anti-inflammatory drugs (including steroid medicines), to decrease swelling and inflammation

  • muscle relaxants, to relieve muscle spasms

  • antibiotics or other drugs that fight infections, when an infection is involved

Nursing care is often critical. Some horses can't stand, blink normally, or urinate. Care might include turning over a horse that can't stand, supporting it in a sling if it can't stand, lubricating its eyes if it can't blink, or placing a urinary catheter to help the horse urinate.

Preventing the horse from injuring itself is also a major goal. Padded stalls, deep bedding, leg wraps, and sometimes a protective head covering can be used for horses that have seizures, struggle to rise, or have poor coordination.

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