Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Electroacupuncture shows promise for equine head shaking
The researchers noted an improvement in headshaking in 64 per cent of cases. 

Almost two-thirds of horses showed improvement after treatment. 

Electroacupuncture shows promise for treating equine trigeminal nerve-mediated headshaking (TMHS), a condition that causes uncontrollable and involuntary head shaking in horses, according to a new study.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) reviewed records of 42 horses treated for TMHS with electroacupuncture between 2015 and 2024. The data included patient profiles, TMHS history, severity and outcomes perceived by the owners or primary vet.

Their findings reveal that the treatment was well tolerated by all horses, with the median headshaking significantly reduced from grade three to one. Overall, there was an improvement in 64 per cent of cases, with 33 per cent showing complete resolution. 

There was no improvement in 31 per cent of cases, and 4.8 per cent (two horses) experienced worsening symptoms. The team concluded that, overall, electroacupuncture was well tolerated with minimal complications arising.

Study lead Bettina Dunkel, head of equine and professor in equine internal medicine, emergency and critical care at the RVC, said: “Electroacupuncture is a viable treatment option for horses suffering from this devastating disease. We are very pleased with the results of the study and hope that it will encourage veterinarians and horse owners to pursue this treatment option.”

TMHS is an extremely painful condition for horses that can make it dangerous for them to be ridden. There is currently no cure and, in the most extreme cases, horses may be euthanised.

Electroacupuncture uses needles and an electric current to alter pain perception in the nerve. The treatment is beneficial in that it has a low complication rate and it can be carried out in the yard.

The study, Electroacupuncture as a treatment for suspected trigeminalnerve-mediated head-shaking in 42 horses, is published in Equine Veterinary Education.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RVC leads globally for Veterinary Science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has retained its lead in Veterinary Science education in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The college scored 100 for its Academic Reputation and increased its Employer Reputation to 91.7 points. It also maintained high scores for Citations per Paper and H-Index.

RVC says that its score recognises its students' employability and the institution's standing with employers. It also highlighted the impact that its graduates and alumni are making in the sector.

Stuart Reid CBE, president and principal of RVC, said: "We are dedicated to maintaining the teaching, learning and research that takes place at the RVC.

"I am delighted that the effort from all our staff and students has once again led to a great outcome in the QS rankings; it is a privilege we do not take for granted."

The full rankings can be found here.