Equine Back Problems Flashcards
What are the first signs of Equine back pain that an owner may come to you with.
Give 3.
Bucking during transitions or cantering
Rearing
Loss of bascule (natural round arc a horse’s body takes as it goes over a jump)
Cold back
Sensitivity when brushing
What do we mean by ‘bunny hopping’ and what does this suggest about the region of pain?
Bunny hopping is aka poor hindlimb separation- forelimbs move as normal but then hindlimbs move together (like a hop)
Seen in Horses with back pain and sacroiliac joint region pain
Which Horses are more predisposed to Kissing Spines?
Racehorses (86-92% prevalence)
Thoroughbreds (76%)
How do we grade kissing spines?
Use radiography and grade 1-5
with 1 being mild opacity of the margins of the spinous processes
and 5 being severe opacity of margins, osteolytic changes of the shape of the spinous processes and fusing
In which areas of the spine is Osteoarthritis most common and why?
T16-T17 and T15-T16
this is where there is superimposition of the diaphragm/ ribs
What is the process for using an ultrasound to diagnose back problems?
Use a curvilinear probe with a low frequency
Look for rounded shapes and loss of definition which suggests pathology
[normally appear like corner of a box]
What is the bow and string theory?
used to demonstrate muscle acting on the back
e.g. epaxial muscles- longissimus dorsi and multifudus provide stability (the bow)
abdominal muscles flex the back (the string)
How do we diagnose kissing spines?
Physical exam followed by diagnostic anaesthesia and then supportive radiographic and scintigraphy findings
What are the main treatments for kissing spines?
- Corticosteroids
- Phenylbutazone medication (NSAID)
- Extracorpeal shockwave therapy- 3 treatments, 2 weeks apart
[and obvs box rest for 48 hrs and 6 weeks no riding]
What is the best way to treat Articular process joint arthritis?
What other treatments are available?
Ultrasound guide intrasynovial corticosteroids such as Methylprednisolone acetate
others- extracorpeal shockwave therapy, acupuncture
What surgical options are there for severe kissing spines?
Subtotal ostectomy- cut down the process to stop infringement
Interspinous ligament desmotomy- cutting of the interspinous ligaments that connect adjoining spinous processes to relieve pressure
What nerve runs through the sacroiliac joint?
The sciatic nerve
[also the cranial gluteal artery, vein and nerve]
What is SIJ syndrome?
collective term for horses with sacroiliac joint pain
What is the best way to diagnose SIJ syndrome?
Combination of Scintigraphy and Ultrasound but in general it is hard to detect
OR SI block- blocks sciatic nerve- observe canter before and after the block
What rehab plan is recommended for horses with sacroiliac pain and why?
Pole work- engages core without increasing the forces through the limbs
