A case study of vertebral fusion in a 19th-century horse from Serbia.

This research article investigates the fusion of vertebrae found in a 19th-century horse from Serbia, and identifies the pathology as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

About the Study

The initial focus of the study was to evaluate the cause of skeletal modifications detected in equid vertebrae discovered during industrial sand extraction near Belgrade, Serbia. This identifiable vertebral column composed of 15 fused thoracic vertebrae, with right ribs bonded to vertebrae T4 and T5, as well as remains of ribs linked with T4, T5, and T6 on the left side.

• The vertebra was identified as belonging to a domestic horse (Equus caballus) that lived in the early 19th century. This was achieved through collagen fingerprinting by mass spectrometry and further confirmed by radiocarbon dating.

Analysis of Pathological Changes

Some significant pathological transformations noted in the vertebral column consist of:

• Proliferation of bone tissue which was excessive
• Fusion of small joints
• Enthesopathy formation – disordering at the site of attachment of bone and tendon or ligament
• Complete fusion between the vertebral bodies
• Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament – hardening of the flexible tissue

The study interprets these changes as indications of an advanced stage of vertebral fusion consistent with the condition diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

Contributions and Future Research

This research exposes a distinguishable difference between DISH and other vertebral column diseases in equids, contributing significantly to the emerging field of animal paleopathology within Serbia.

• As only 15 thoracic vertebrae were found, the consequences of this disease on other parts of the horse’s skeleton remain unknown.
• The archaeological context of the remains is also currently uncertain.

The article wraps up suggesting that future research into the prevalence of DISH in equids, coupled with a historical exploration of horse rearing in Serbia, will provide greater understanding into the causes and effects of this pathological condition.