A Systematic Review of Clinical Signs Associated With Degenerative Conditions and Morphological Variations of the Equine Caudal Neck.

This study is a systematic review identifying clinical signs in horses that could be linked with degenerative conditions and alterations in the structure of the lower part of the neck (C5-C7). Using a set of inclusion criteria, the researchers found these signs in a small group of studies, suggesting the need for more research into this topic.

Objective of the Study

• This systematic study aimed to understand the correlation of clinical signs displayed by horses to the degenerative alterations and morphological variations in the caudal (lower) cervical spine, specifically C5-C7 vertebrae. This area has been linked to various clinical indications, but has not been extensively explored to isolate specific indicators.

Methodology

• The researchers used Google Scholar for sourcing available literature on the topic, adhering to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines which ensures a comprehensive review and reporting of the findings in a systematic review or meta-analysis.
• They established particular inclusion criteria to filter and select studies that specifically addressed the clinical signs associated with caudal cervical spine alterations in horses. This process resulted in a group of 12 studies that were deemed eligible for this review.

Results

• The results of the selected studies indicated that morphological changes in the lower part of the cervical spine, spinal cord compression in that region, and arthropathy of the articular process joints (APJs – the joints that connect vertebrae) were associated with certain clinical signs in horses.
• The findings suggest that these clinical signs might indicate specific conditions of the equine caudal neck such as anatomical variations, myelopathy (disease of the spinal cord), and alterations in the APJs.
• The researchers concluded that there is basis for further investigation into how these specific conditions present clinically, which could assist in their identification and treatment.