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 ​​1. What is Stringhalt?​​

Stringhalt is a disease that causes a sudden and exaggerated movement (flexion) of the horse’s hind limbs while moving in particular positions. When backing up or turning around quickly, a horse will have an exaggerated upward movement of its hind legs in stringhalt.

Equine Stringhalt anatomy hock joint lateral digital extensor muscle VetInsight PK


2. What are the types of Stringhalt?

There are two major types of stringhalt classified by veterinarians:

a. Australian Stringhalt:

 Is an outbreak of stringhalt that can occur in a large number of horses after the consumption of toxic plant materials like False Dandelion (Hypochaeris radicata).

b. Ordinary (or sporadic) Stringhalt: 

Affects one leg at a time as a result of injuries or trauma of the hock region.

3. What are the clinical signs? 

Spasmodic Jerk: 

The horse’s hind leg jerks upward while moving towards its abdomen.

Hoof Slapping:

 Once the horse lifts its hind leg suddenly; it slaps hard onto the ground.

Difficulties Moving Backwards: 

The symptoms worsen while the animal moves backward.

Muscle Atrophy: 

Due to long-term stringhalt, the muscles atrophy (waste away).

​4. Diagnosis 

​Physical Exam: 

Observing the horse as it walks in circles and backs up.

​Electromyogram (EMG): 

Assessing muscle electrical activity.

​Toxin Testing: 

Screening the field for harmful weeds if there are several horses affected.

​5. Treatment & Management Options


Management Type Clinical Strategy & Procedure
Pasture Management Immediate removal from pastures containing False Dandelion (Hypochaeris radicata). This is the primary cure for Australian Stringhalt.
Pharmacotherapy Administration of Phenytoin (anticonvulsant) or Baclofen to reduce the intensity of involuntary muscle spasms.
Surgical Intervention Lateral Digital Extensor Myotenectomy: Resection of a portion of the lateral digital extensor tendon and muscle belly to relieve mechanical jerking.
Nutritional Support High-dose supplementation of Vitamin E and Thiamine (B1) to aid in peripheral nerve regeneration and recovery.

Conclusion 

Although Australian Stringhalt may self-heal when the affected horse is taken away from poisonous plants, isolated cases would need surgery. The early detection of the disease by a vet is critical in distinguishing Stringhalt from other locomotive disorders such as Sweeny or Upward Fixation of the Patella.

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