Diagnosis and Management of Episodic Collapse in Horses

Presentation Description / Summary: Episodic collapse is rare in the horse but, when encountered by either the general or the referral equine practitioner, it presents a significant diagnostic and management conundrum. This presentation will describe the disorders that cause collapse in the horse and highlight the three most common ‘types’ of episodic collapse, along with suggestions for differentiating between these types. Collapse is defined as the partial or total loss of postural tone and this presentation will concentrate on collapse in the otherwise overtly normal horse, i.e. not those that are clearly systemically ill. Clinical cases will be used in the presentation to demonstrate the common findings and diagnostic techniques that can be used in an attempt to achieve a specific diagnosis. Treatment and management options will also be described.

Learner Outcomes: 1. understanding of why horses collapse and the differential diagnosis for collapse in apparently normal horses 2. awareness of the key clinical signs shown in the most common forms of collapse 3. knowledge of the techniques for further evaluation and management options in equine collapse