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A case study of vertebral fusion in a 19th-century horse from Serbia.
Abstract: To evaluate the etiology of skeletal changes noted in equid vertebrae from a 19- century context near Belgrade, Serbia. A vertebral column consisting of 15 fused thoracic vertebrae (T2-T16), with right ribs fused to T4 and T5 and small remnants of ribs articulating with T4, T5 and T6 on the left side were accidentally recovered during industrial exploitation of sand. The specimen was subjected to morphological analysis and collagen fingerprinting by mass spectrometry for species identification. In order to determine the absolute temporal context, radiocarbon dating was employed. Pathological changes were analyzed macroscopically and then underwent X-ray and (CT) imaging. Species identification indicates that the vertebral column belonged to a domestic horse (Equus caballus) living in the early 19 century. Pathological changes included exuberant bone proliferation, fusion of small articulations, enthesopathy formation, complete fusion between the vertebral bodies, and ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. Pathological changes represent signs of an advanced stage of vertebral fusion consistent with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). This case study provides a clear distinction between diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and other vertebral column diseases in equids. It also presents a new and significant contribution to the nascent discipline of animal paleopathology in present-day Serbia. Given that only 15 thoracic vertebrae were discovered, the impact of this disease on other parts of the horse skeleton remains unknown, as does the archaeological context of the remains. Research into the frequency of DISH in equids, as well as the historical context of equine husbandry in Serbia will allow greater insight into the causes and effects of this pathological condition.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2019-09-21 PubMed ID: 31550619DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2019.07.007Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Case Reports
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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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.
Cite This Article
APA
(2019).
A case study of vertebral fusion in a 19th-century horse from Serbia.
Int J Paleopathol, 27, 17-23.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2019.07.007 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal
- Longitudinal Ligaments / pathology
- Lumbar Vertebrae
- Serbia
- Spinal Diseases / prevention & control
- Thoracic Vertebrae
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- de Secondi C, Cantatore F, Marcatili M, Biggi M, Withers J, de Zani D, Zani D. Spondylosis in Horses: Clinical Features, Diagnostic Imaging Findings, Treatment and Outcome in 13 Horses. Vet Med Sci 2025 Mar;11(2):e70196.
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