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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet World / Clinical investigation of back disorders in horses: A retros...
Veterinary world2019; 12(3); 377-381; doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.377-381

Clinical investigation of back disorders in horses: A retrospective study (2002-2017).

Abstract: Back disorder is an ailment that often affects athletic and riding horses. Despite the rapidly growing equine athletic and equestrian activities, there is no documentation on the nature of equine back disorder (EBD) in Malaysian horses. The purpose of this study was to characterize EBD cases presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, between 2002 and 2017. Methods: The compilation of data was based on signalment, case history, duration of clinical signs, anatomical location of the pain, method of diagnosis, type of EBD, treatment, and outcome. The diagnosis of EBD was based on a history of poor performance, clinical examination findings, radiography, and, where applicable, necropsy. Results: A total of 181 diagnosed cases of EBDs were identified. The age of horses ranged from 5 to 22 years. The EBD cases were more prevalent in male than female horses and predominantly in geldings (60.77%). Thoroughbred, Arab, Polo pony, and Warmblood also recorded the most EBD cases among breeds. The discipline of horses tended to influence the development of EBDs, with patrolling horses recording the highest frequency. Most EBD cases were of the primary type (92.27%), with the main causes being soft-tissue lesions (57.48%), vertebral lesions (18.56%), tack-associated problems (16.77%), and neurological lesions (7.19%). The common treatments employed were administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, 1 to 3-month rest, warm and cold compression therapy, massage therapy, exercise adjustment, as well as correction of ill-saddle fit. Conclusions: Most EBDs in this study were associated with soft-tissue lesions. Among vertebral lesions, kissing spines were the most common cause of EBDs in horses in Malaysia.
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Publication Date: 2019-03-12 PubMed ID: 31089306PubMed Central: PMC6487254DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.377-381Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research article investigates the nature of equine back disorders (EBD) in Malaysian horses and provides a comprehensive examination of its manifestation, cause, treatment, and outcomes based on cases presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, from 2002 to 2017.

Research Methodology

  • The study collected and analyzed data from cases presented to the University Veterinary Hospital over the span of 15 years. The data collected included details about the horse, the history of the case, the duration of clinical signs, the specific place of the pain, the method of diagnosis, the type of back disorder, the treatment applied, and the outcome.
  • The diagnosis of equine back disorders was carried out based on:
    • A report of poor performance from the horse.
    • Clinical examination findings obtained during veterinary checkups.
    • Radiography, which involves the use of X-rays to visualize the internal segments of the horse’s body.
    • Necropsy, applicable only when a horse had died, to understand the cause of death better.

Research Findings

  • The study analyzed 181 diagnosed cases of equine back disorders, with the age of horses ranging from 5 to 22 years old. It was more prevalent in male horses, specifically in geldings (neutered male horses).
  • Some horse breeds like Thoroughbred, Arab, Polo pony, and Warmblood more frequently reported EBD cases.
  • Evidence suggested that the discipline or work of the horses affected EBD development, with patrolling horses recording the highest EBD occurrence.
  • Most EBD cases were of the primary type, with the main causes pinpointed to be soft-tissue lesions, vertebral lesions, tack-associated problems, and neurological lesions.
  • The study found that the most common treatment methods were administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, resting the horse for 1-3 months, using warm and cold compression therapy, massage therapy, adjusting the horse’s exercise routines, and correcting ill saddle fit.

Research Conclusions

  • The analysis found that the majority of equine back disorders were associated with soft-tissue lesions.
  • In cases involving vertebral lesions, “kissing spines” were detected as the most frequent cause of EBDs amongst horses in Malaysia.

Cite This Article

APA
Mayaki AM, Intan-Shameha AR, Noraniza MA, Mazlina M, Adamu L, Abdullah R. (2019). Clinical investigation of back disorders in horses: A retrospective study (2002-2017). Vet World, 12(3), 377-381. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2019.377-381

Publication

Veterinary world
ISSN: 0972-8988
NlmUniqueID: 101504872
Country: India
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Pages: 377-381

Researcher Affiliations

Mayaki, Abubakar Musa
  • Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, City Campus Complex, Sokoto, Nigeria.
Intan-Shameha, Abdul Razak
  • Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Noraniza, Mohd Adzahan
  • Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Mazlina, Mazlan
  • Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Adamu, Lawan
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abdullah, Rasedee
  • Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

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