FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Computed tomography of the equine caudal spine and pelvis. P...
Equine veterinary journal2024; 57(5); 1279-1289; doi: 10.1111/evj.14426

Computed tomography of the equine caudal spine and pelvis. Pathological findings in 56 clinical cases (2018-2023).

Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) of the axial skeleton is increasing across many equine hospitals. CT of the pelvis and caudal spine in a large group of clinical cases has not been reported previously. Objective: To describe the pathological lesions identified in the caudal spine/pelvis in horses and ponies undergoing CT spine of this region. Methods: A retrospective case series. Methods: Horses with CT imaging of the caudal spine/pelvis were included. Horses aged under 6 months and those with CT examinations performed post-mortem were excluded. Results: Fifty-six horses met the inclusion criteria. Ages ranged from 8 months to 20 years and bodyweights from 85 to 680 kg (mean 488 kg). Horses presented predominantly for lameness (30/56) and poor performance (18/56). Osseous pathology was identified in 41/56 horses; including osteoarthritis of the sacroiliac joint(s) (n: 28), pathology of the intervertebral disc joint(s) (n: 12), pelvic fractures (n: 9), osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joint(s) (n: 8), ventral spondylosis (n: 6), acetabular rim fracture (n: 2), dislocation of coxofemoral joint(s) (n: 2), and dorsal dermal sinus of the sacrum (n: 1). Conclusions: The relationship between CT imaging findings and clinical signs in horses remains unclear. Further work is required to describe the relationship between congenital, developmental, and acquired changes in the caudal spine and pelvis, and clinical signs. Conclusions: CT of the caudal spine and pelvis can be utilised in horses and ponies for diagnosing a range of clinical disorders that may be causing 'lumbosacroiliac pain', poor performance, hindlimb lameness, and stiffness. The pathologies we observed were diverse and many patients had multiple lesions.
© 2024 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2024-10-20 PubMed ID: 39428125PubMed Central: PMC12326895DOI: 10.1111/evj.14426Google 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.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article explores the results of using computed tomography (CT) to identify pathological lesions in the caudal spine and pelvis of horses and ponies, presenting a spectrum of medical disorders that might influence these animals’ health and performance.

Methods

  • The study involved a review of health records of horses and ponies that underwent CT imaging of their caudal spine and pelvis over a five-year period.
  • Horses younger than 6 months and those scanned post-mortem were excluded from the study.
  • From the selected group, 56 horses met the set criteria, with ages ranging from 8 months to 20 years and weights between 85 and 680 kg.

Results

  • In the group of 56 horses, most of them were brought in for issues relating to lameness (30 out of 56) and poor performance (18 out of 56).
  • Osseous (bone-related) pathology was found in 41 out of 56 horses; these included osteoarthritis of the sacroiliac joint(s), pelvic fractures, complications of the intervertebral disc joint(s), ventral spondylosis, acetabular rim fracture, and others.

Conclusions

  • The study concludes that the CT scanning technique can be utilized to diagnose a broad spectrum of complications in the caudal spine and pelvis of horses and ponies.
  • However, the express correlation between the findings from the CT scans and the clinical signs exhibited by the horses remains unclear. Therefore, further research is suggested to better understand this relationship.
  • The ailments observed were diverse, with several animals presenting multiple lesions.
  • The results of the study show that CT can be important in diagnosing conditions that cause ‘lumbosacroiliac pain‘, poor performance, hindlimb lameness, and stiffness in horses and ponies.

Cite This Article

APA
Ogden NKE, Winderickx K, Stack JD. (2024). Computed tomography of the equine caudal spine and pelvis. Pathological findings in 56 clinical cases (2018-2023). Equine Vet J, 57(5), 1279-1289. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14426

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 57
Issue: 5
Pages: 1279-1289

Researcher Affiliations

Ogden, Nadine Kristina Elise
  • B&W Equine Hospital, Berkeley, UK.
Winderickx, Katja
  • Lingehoeve Diergeneeskunde, Lienden, The Netherlands.
Stack, John David
  • Leahurst Equine Hospital, University of Liverpool, Cheshire, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Male
  • Female
  • Pelvis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pelvis / pathology
  • Spine / diagnostic imaging
  • Spine / pathology

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. None of the authors have any financial affiliation with the manufacturer of the CT scanners used in this study.

References

This article includes 62 references
  1. Nagy A, Quiney L. Lumbar fractures in a 5‐year‐old Warmblood cross gelding.. Equine Vet Educ 2020;32(7):95–99.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13107google scholar: lookup
  2. Ogden NKE, Winderickx K, Bennell A, Stack JD. Computed tomography of the equine caudal spine and pelvis. Technique, image quality, and anatomical variation in 56 clinical cases (2018‐2023).. Equine Vet J 2025;57(5):1265–1278.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14422pmc: PMC12326906pubmed: 39390752google scholar: lookup
  3. Morgan RE, Fiske‐Jackson A, Chang Y. Comparison of ultrasonographic and computed tomographic imaging of equine thoracolumbar articular process joints.. Equine Vet J 2024;56(5):989–998.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14017pubmed: 37904723google scholar: lookup
  4. Scilimati N, Beccati F, Pepe M, Angeli G, Dall'aglio C, Di Meo A. Post‐mortem ultrasonographic and computed tomographic features of the anatomical variations and acquired pathological bony changes of the lumbosacroiliac region in a mixed population of horses.. Equine Vet J 2024;56(5):1019–1030.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14033pubmed: 38069484google scholar: lookup
  5. Spoormakers TJP, Veraa S, Graat EAM, van Weeren PR, Brommer H. A comparative study of breed differences in the anatomical configuration of the equine vertebral column.. J Anat 2021;260(10):1206–1210.
    doi: 10.1111/joa.13456pmc: PMC8450477pubmed: 33991425google scholar: lookup
  6. Scilimati N, Beccati F, Dall'Aglio C, Di Meo A, Pepe M. Age and sex correlate with bony changes and anatomic variations of the lumbosacroiliac region of the vertebral column in a mixed population of horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2023;261(2):258–265.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.22.07.0293pubmed: 36350755google scholar: lookup
  7. Barba M, Lepage OM. Diagnostic utility of computed tomography imaging in foals: 10 cases (2008–2010).. Equine Vet Educ 2013;25(1):29–38.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2012.00422.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  8. Lean NE, Perkins NR, Ahern BJ. Comparison of conventional radiography and computed tomography as aids in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in 11 foals.. Aust Vet J 2018;96(7):257–261.
    doi: 10.1111/avj.12710pubmed: 29944745google scholar: lookup
  9. Hermans H, Veraa S, Ploeg M, Boersma S, Hazewinkel H, Back W. Osteochondral dysplasia of the coxofemoral joints in a Friesian foal: clinical findings and methods of diagnosis.. Equine Vet Educ 2016;28(9):486–491.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.12210google scholar: lookup
  10. Scilimati N, Schiavo S, Lauteri E, Beccati F, Angeli G, Di Meo A. Computed tomographic diagnosis of a fracture of the floor of the pelvis in a Thoroughbred foal.. Equine Vet Educ 2023;35(2):82–86.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13656google scholar: lookup
  11. Trump M, Kircher PR, Fürst A. The use of computed tomography in the diagnosis of pelvic fractures involving the acetabulum in two fillies.. Vet Comp Orthopaed 2011;24(1):68–71.
    doi: 10.3415/VCOT-10-04-0067pubmed: 21103652google scholar: lookup
  12. Harding PG, Tually P, Cullimore AM, Peremans K. Single‐photon emission computed tomography of the pelvis and lumbar spine contributes to the diagnosis of injury in two horses.. Equine Vet Educ 2022;34(1):27–34.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13504google scholar: lookup
  13. Cullen MD, Pettitt RA, Tomlinson AW, Louro LF, Bennell AJ, Michael R. Successful total hip arthroplasty in a miniature horse.. Vet Surg 2023;52(8):1209–2018.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.14032pubmed: 37752689google scholar: lookup
  14. Pilsworth RC. Diagnosis and management of pelvic fractures in the thoroughbred racehorse. 2nd ed.. St. Louis, MO: Saunders; 2011.
    doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4160-6069-7.00049-3google scholar: lookup
  15. Vautravers G, Coudry V, Denoix JM. Review of the use of transrectal ultrasonography for evaluation of the caudal lumbar – including lumbosacral – intervertebral discs and symphyses: normal and abnormal ultrasonographic appearance.. Equine Vet Educ 2021;33(6):310–319.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13313google scholar: lookup
  16. Whitcomb MB, Vaughan B, Katzman S, Hersman J. Ultrasound‐guided injections in horses with cranioventral distension of the coxofemoral joint capsule: feasibility for a cranioventral approach.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2016;57(2):199–206.
    doi: 10.1111/vru.12323pubmed: 26748616google scholar: lookup
  17. Kersten AAM, Edinger J. Ultrasonographic examination of the equine sacroiliac region.. Equine Vet J 2004;36(7):602–608.
    doi: 10.2746/0425164044864480pubmed: 15581325google scholar: lookup
  18. Nagy A, Dyson S, Barr A. Ultrasonographic findings in the lumbosacral joint of 43 horses with no clinical signs of back pain or hindlimb lameness.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2010;51(2):533–539.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2010.01691.xpubmed: 20973388google scholar: lookup
  19. Barrett EL, Talbot AM, Driver AJ, Barr FJ, Barr ARS. A technique for pelvic radiography in the standing horse.. Equine Vet J 2006;38:266–270.
    doi: 10.2746/042516406776866435pubmed: 16706284google scholar: lookup
  20. Walker WT, Werpy NM, Goodrich LR. Procedure for the transrectal and transcutaneous ultrasonographic diagnosis of pelvic fractures in the horse.. J Equine Vet Sci 2012;32(4):222–230.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.09.067google scholar: lookup
  21. Amitrano FN, Gutierrez‐Nibeyro SD, Joslyn SK. Radiographic diagnosis of craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation in standing equids.. Equine Vet Educ 2014;26(5):255–258.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.12156google scholar: lookup
  22. Gorgas D, Kircher P, Doherr MG, Ueltschi G, Lang J. Radiographic technique and anatomy of the equine sacroiliac region.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2007;48(6):501–506.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2007.00287.xpubmed: 18018720google scholar: lookup
  23. Quiney LE, Ireland JL, Dyson SJ. Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of skeletal scintigraphy in lame and poorly performing sports horses.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2018;59(4):477–489.
    doi: 10.1111/vru.12626pubmed: 29738101google scholar: lookup
  24. Barstow A, Dyson S. Clinical features and diagnosis of sacroiliac joint region pain in 296 horses: 2004‐2014.. Equine Vet Educ 2015;27(2):637–647.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.12377google scholar: lookup
  25. Kohn MD, Sassoon AA, Fernando ND. Classifications in brief: Kellgren‐Lawrence classification of osteoarthritis.. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2016;474:1886–1893.
    doi: 10.1007/s11999-016-4732-4pmc: PMC4925407pubmed: 26872913google scholar: lookup
  26. García‐López JM. Neck, back, and pelvic pain in sport horses.. Vet Clin N Am – Equine Pract 2018;34(2):235–251.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2018.04.002pubmed: 29853156google scholar: lookup
  27. Haussler KK, Jeffcott LB. Back and pelvis.. In: Hinchcliff KW, Kaneps AJ, Geor RJ, editors. Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders; 2013.
    doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-4771-8.00021-1google scholar: lookup
  28. McGowan CM, Stubbs NC, Hodges PW, Jeffcott LB. Back pain in horses.. Barton, Australia: Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation; 2007. p. 9–35.
    doi: 10.21708/avb.2011.5.4.2363google scholar: lookup
  29. Henson FMD. Equine neck and back pathology: diagnosis and treatment.. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley; 2018.
    doi: 10.1002/9781118974520google scholar: lookup
  30. Walter LJ, Stack JD, Winderickx K, Davies HMS, Simon O, Franklin SH. Review of the clinical diagnosis of sacroiliac dysfunction in horses – challenges and limitations.. Open Vet J 2024;305:106106.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106106pubmed: 38556191google scholar: lookup
  31. Gough SL, Anderson JDC, Dixon JJ. Computed tomographic cervical myelography in horses: technique and findings in 51 clinical cases.. J Vet Intern Med 2020;34(5):2142–2151.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.15848pmc: PMC7517850pubmed: 32705729google scholar: lookup
  32. Lindgren CM, Wright L, Kristoffersen M, Puchalski SM. Computed tomography and myelography of the equine cervical spine: 180 cases (2013–2018).. Equine Vet Educ 2021;33(9):475–483.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13350google scholar: lookup
  33. Rovel T, Zimmerman M, Duchateau L, Delesalle C, Adriaensen E, Mariën T. Computed tomographic examination of the articular process joints of the cervical spine in warmblood horses: 86 cases (2015–2017).. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021;259(10):1178–1187.
    pubmed: 34727072
  34. Ohlerth S, Scharf G. Computed tomography in small animals – basic principles and state of the art applications.. Open Vet J 2007;173(2):254–271.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2005.12.014pubmed: 16516508google scholar: lookup
  35. Solano M, Brawer RS. CT of the equine head: technical considerations, anatomical guide, and selected diseases.. Clin Tech Equine Pract 2004;3(4):374–388.
    doi: 10.1053/j.ctep.2005.02.016google scholar: lookup
  36. Imran JB, Madni TD, Pruitt JH, Cornelius C, Subramanian M, Clark AT. Can CT imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis identify all vertebral injuries of the thoracolumbar spine without dedicated reformatting?. Am J Surg 2018;216(1):52–55.
    doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2017.12.001pubmed: 29246407google scholar: lookup
  37. Scheyerer MJ, Pietsch C, Zimmermann SM, Osterhoff G, Simmen HP, Werner CML. SPECT/CT for imaging of the spine and pelvis in clinical routine: a physician's perspective of the adoption of SPECT/CT in a clinical setting with a focus on trauma surgery.. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2014;41:59–67.
    doi: 10.1007/s00259-013-2554-0pubmed: 24057456google scholar: lookup
  38. Dyson S, Murray R. Pain associated with the sacroiliac joint region: a clinical study of 74 horses.. Equine Vet J 2003;35(3):240–245.
    doi: 10.2746/042516403776148255pubmed: 12755425google scholar: lookup
  39. van Weeren PR, McGowan C, Haussler KK. Science overview: development of a structural and functional understanding of the equine back.. Equine Vet J 2010;42:393–400.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00207.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  40. Girodroux M, Dyson S, Murray R. Osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar synovial intervertebral articulations: clinical and radiographic features in 77 horses with poor performance and back pain.. Equine Vet J 2009;41(2):130–138.
    pubmed: 19418740
  41. Stubbs NC, Hodges PW, Jeffcott LB, Cowin G, Hodgson DR, McGowan CM. Functional anatomy of the caudal thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spine in the horse.. Equine Vet J 2006;38(S36):393–399.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05575.xpubmed: 17402454google scholar: lookup
  42. García Liñeiro JA, Graziotti GH, Rodríguez Menéndez JM, Ríos CM, Affricano NO, Victorica CL. Structural and functional characteristics of the thoracolumbar multifidus muscle in horses.. J Anat 2017;230(3):398–406.
    doi: 10.1111/joa.12564pmc: PMC5314397pubmed: 27861847google scholar: lookup
  43. García Liñeiro JA, Graziotti GH, Rodríguez Menéndez JM, Ríos CM, Affricano NO, Victorica CL. Parameters and functional analysis of the deep epaxial muscles in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions of the equine spine.. J Anat 2018;233(1):55–63.
    doi: 10.1111/joa.12818pmc: PMC5987835pubmed: 29708263google scholar: lookup
  44. Ehrle A, Ressel L, Ricci E, Singer ER. Structure and innervation of the equine supraspinous and interspinous ligaments.. Anat Histol Embryol 2017;46(3):223–231.
    doi: 10.1111/ahe.12261pubmed: 28122400google scholar: lookup
  45. Cousty M, Rossier Y, David F, Engeli E, Haussler KK, Erb HN. Development and validation of a periarticular injection technique of the sacroiliac joint in horses.. Equine Vet J 2004;36(4):324–330.
    doi: 10.2746/0425164044890599pubmed: 15163039google scholar: lookup
  46. Cousty M, Firidolfi C, Geffroy O, David F. Comparison of medial and lateral ultrasound‐guided approaches for periarticular injection of the thoracolumbar intervertebral facet joints in horses.. Vet Surg 2011;40(4):494–499.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2011.00821.xpubmed: 21418256google scholar: lookup
  47. Cousty M, Rossier Y, David F. Ultrasound‐guided periarticular injections of the sacroiliac region in horses: a cadaveric study.. Equine Vet J 2008;40(2):160–166.
    doi: 10.2746/042516408X245252pubmed: 18089470google scholar: lookup
  48. Stack JD, Bergamino C, Sanders R, Fogarty U, Puggioni A, Kearney C. Comparison of two ultrasound‐guided injection techniques targeting the sacroiliac joint region in equine cadavers.. Vet Comp Orthpaed 2016;29(5):386–393.
    doi: 10.3415/VCOT-16-03-0041pubmed: 27468977google scholar: lookup
  49. Quiney L, Stewart J, Routh J, Dyson S. Gross post‐mortem and histological features in 27 horses with confirmed lumbosacral region pain and five control horses: a descriptive cadaveric study.. Equine Vet J 2022;54(4):726–739.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13488pubmed: 34118082google scholar: lookup
  50. Jeffcott LB, Dalin G, Ekamn S, Olsson SE. Sacroiliac lesions as a cause of chronic poor performance in competitive horses.. Equine Vet J 1985;17(2):111–118.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb02063.xpubmed: 3987658google scholar: lookup
  51. Zimmerman M, Dyson S, Murray R. Close, impinging and overriding spinous processes in the thoracolumbar spine: the relationship between radiological and scintigraphic findings and clinical signs.. Equine Vet J 2012;44(2):178–184.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00373.xpubmed: 21880062google scholar: lookup
  52. Pressanto MC, Pepe M, Coomer RPC, Pilati N, Beccati F. Radiographic abnormalities of the thoracolumbar spinous processes do not differ between yearling and trained Thoroughbred horses without perceived back pain.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2023;261(6):844–851.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.22.09.0419pubmed: 36933209google scholar: lookup
  53. Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R. Non‐specific low back pain.. Lancet 2017;389:736–747.
    doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30970-9pubmed: 27745712google scholar: lookup
  54. Allegri M, Montella S, Salici F, Valente A, Marchesini M, Compagnone C. Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy.. F1000Res 2016;5:1–11.
    doi: 10.12688/F1000RESEARCH.8105.1pmc: PMC4926733pubmed: 27408698google scholar: lookup
  55. Haussler KK. Osseous spinal pathology.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 1999;15(1):103–112.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(17)30167-0pubmed: 10218245google scholar: lookup
  56. Haussler KK, Stover SM, Willits NH. Pathologic changes in the lumbosacral vertebrae and pelvis in thoroughbred racehorses.. Am J Vet Res 1999;60(2):143–153.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.1999.60.02.143pubmed: 10048543google scholar: lookup
  57. Jeffcott LB. Disorders of the thoracolumbar spine of the horse‐a survey of 443 cases.. Equine Vet J 1980;12:197–210.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1980.tb03427.xpubmed: 7439145google scholar: lookup
  58. Lamb CR, Morris EA. Coxofemoral arthrosis in an aged mare.. Equine Vet J 1987;19(4):350–352.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1987.tb01432.xpubmed: 3622467google scholar: lookup
  59. Aleman M, Berryhill E, Woolard K, Easton‐Jones CA, Kozikowski‐Nicholas T, Dyson S. Sidewinder gait in horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2020;34(5):2122–2131.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.15870pmc: PMC7517494pubmed: 32820825google scholar: lookup
  60. Dyson SJ. Lumbosacral and pelvic injuries in sports and pleasure horses. 2nd ed.. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Inc; 2010.
    doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4160-6069-7.00050-Xgoogle scholar: lookup
  61. Boesen M, Ellegaard K, Henriksen M, Gudbergsen H, Hansen P, Bliddal H. Osteoarthritis year in review 2016: imaging.. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2017;25(2):216–226.
    doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2016.12.009pubmed: 27965137google scholar: lookup
  62. Geburek F, Rötting AK, Stadler PM. Comparison of the diagnostic value of ultrasonography and standing radiography for pelvic‐femoral disorders in horses.. Vet Surg 2009;38(3):310–317.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2009.00508.xpubmed: 19573093google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.