Topic:Scoliosis
Scoliosis in horses refers to a lateral curvature of the spine, which can affect the animal's posture, movement, and overall well-being. This spinal deformity can result from congenital factors, injury, or other underlying conditions. In horses, scoliosis may impact the biomechanics of movement and lead to secondary musculoskeletal issues. Diagnosis typically involves physical examination and imaging techniques such as radiography. Management and treatment strategies can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause, ranging from physical therapy to surgical intervention. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the etiology, diagnosis, and management of scoliosis in equine species.
Closure of the neuro-central synchondrosis and other physes in foal cervical spines. The neuro-central synchondrosis (NCS) is a physis responsible for the growth of the dorsal third of the vertebral body and neural arches. When the NCS of pigs is tethered to model scoliosis, stenosis also ensues. It is necessary to describe the NCS for future evaluation of its potential role in equine spinal cord compression and ataxia (wobbler syndrome). Objective: To describe the NCS, including when it and other physes closed in computed tomographic (CT) scans of the cervical spine of foals, due to its potential role in vertebral stenosis. Methods: Post-mortem cohort study. Methods: The cerv...
Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity Responses to Equine Assisted Therapy in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Idiopathic scoliosis is a common spinal malalignment that negatively impacts the respiratory system and physical conditioning in adolescents. Equine-assisted therapy comprises therapeutic horseback riding that optimizes physical performance and mobility in a range of contexts. However, the influence of equine-assisted therapy on pulmonary function remains unclear. Objective: To examine the impact of 10 weeks of hippotherapy combined with Schroth exercises on pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: A randomized controlled trial including 45 pat...