Effects of magnesium with or without boron on headshaking behavior in horses with trigeminal‐mediated headshaking

Abstract

Background Oral administration of magnesium and boron might have a beneficial effect on headshaking behavior in horses. Objective Evaluate the effects of oral magnesium alone or in combination with boron on headshaking behavior in affected horses. Animals Twelve geldings (6 healthy controls and 6 affected). Methods Prospective randomized controlled dietary trial over 42 days in 12 horses (6 horses diagnosed with trigeminal‐mediated headshaking and 6 unaffected healthy controls). All horses received a hay diet and were randomized into 3 treatment groups: pelleted feed combination (PF), pelleted feed combination with magnesium (M), and pelleted feed combination with magnesium‐boron (MB) with a week washout of hay only between treatments. Headshaking behavior and biochemical blood variables were assessed at baseline (hay only) and then after each week of supplementation. Results All 3 diet interventions increased blood ionized and total magnesium. Groups M and MB further increased Mg 2+ when compared to PF. Horses receiving treatments had a significant reduction in headshaking behavior, as measured by incidence rate ratio (IRR), when compared to unsupplemented hay diet (44% for PF, IRR, 0.558; CI, 0.44, 0.72; P < .001; 52% for M, IRR, 0.476; CI, 0.37, 0.62; P < .001; and 64% for MB, IRR, 0.358; CI, 0.27, 0.48; P < .001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Magnesium in combination with boron had the greatest decrease in headshaking. Oral supplementation with magnesium or magnesium in combination with boron should be considered in horses affected with headshaking.

Pharmacokinetics of magnesium and its effects on clinical variables following experimentally induced hypermagnesemia

“…It was not clearly discernible from this study when plasma Mg 2+ concentration returned to baseline values, but occurred between 12 and 24 hr. The long half‐life of Mg 2+ associated with its effect over neuromuscular excitability could in part explain its effect on behavior but also its ability to ameliorate trigeminal‐mediated headshaking (Sheldon, Aleman, Costa, Weich, et al, 2019).…”

“…Recently, intravenous MgSO 4 was evaluated for the treatment for trigeminal‐mediated neuritis (headshaking syndrome) in horses with promising results (Sheldon, Aleman, Costa, Santoyo, et al, 2019; Sheldon, Aleman, Costa, Weich, et al, 2019). It is worth noting that MgSO 4 was a constituent of Chloropent® (Fort Dodge), one of the first intravenous anesthetic agent for domestic animals, which also contained chloral hydrate and pentobarbital.…”

Applications of Biodegradable Magnesium-Based Materials in Reconstructive Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Review

“…Several pre-clinical studies showed that Mg supplementation positively affected sciatic nerve regeneration and repair [ 125 , 126 ]. One animal study revealed that oral or intravenous Mg might reduce the signs of trigeminal neuralgia [ 127 ]. Sensory nerve neuropathies in the maxillofacial area may cause significant impairment to patients’ quality of life.…”

Research status of biodegradable metals designed for oral and maxillofacial applications: A review

“…Mg deficiency is associated with many nervous system diseases, such as cerebral vasospasm, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and migraine [ 345 ]. In vivo experiments in horses have shown that oral or intravenous Mg might reduce the signs of trigeminal neuralgia [ 346 , 347 ]. In addition, reduced serum Mg levels are associated with peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes [ 348 ].…”