By Dimitri Kadic MVM DES DACVS-LA DECVS
Photography: © Courtesy Equitom

Although often underestimated, back pathologies are frequently encountered in horses. They can be of primary origin or of secondary origin (consequence of another pathology such as lameness of the distal limbs).

1. Introduction

The symptoms and clinical manifestations are multiple. Local treatments can be helpful but in the long term, management of the activity is essential.

2. Clinical manifestations: Inspection/ palpation

A set of different clinical manifestations are possible when facing back pain, none of them are pathognomonic. The main reasons for suspecting back pain are behavioral changes, pain at palpation of the back, exercise intolerance and/or poor performance, stiffness, etc. A good clinical examination, including inspection and palpation of the dorsal region, mobilization of the back and a musculoskeletal examination, is necessary to determine if the back pain is primary or secondary.
During a dynamic examination under the saddle, loco-regional anesthesia may be performed to evaluate an eventual clinical improvement.

3. Diagnosis

The thoraco-lumbo-sacral column is formed by 18 thoracic, 5/6 lumbar and 5/6 sacral vertebrae. These vertebrae are composed of a vertebral body, a spinous process, 2 cranial articular processes, 2 caudal articular processes, 2 transverse processes (more developed in the lumbar region), and a vertebral foramen in which the spinal cord is located. Each of these structures can present abnormalities causing back pain. They must therefore be investigated using radiography, ultrasonography and/or nuclear scintigraphy... To read the complete article you need to be a subscriber
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