Confirmed and presumptive cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy in older horses: a retrospective study (1992-2004).

This research focuses on a detailed study of cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) in horses, specifically the types of lesions, treatments, and outcomes in horses that are more than four years old. It provides valuable insights on the commonality of the disease, the predominant breeds affected, and the most effective treatment methods.

Methodology

• The study analyzed data from 22 horses diagnosed with CVCM, including 10 confirmed and 12 presumptive cases, and an additional 210 control horses.
• Horses older than 4 years diagnosed between 1992 and 2004 were included in the study. The information was collected from medical records at Texas A&M University and the University of Florida.
• Data such as history, signalment (age, breed, sex), neurologic examination findings, lesion location, treatment, and outcome were critically evaluated.

Results

• The median age of the diagnosed horses was roughly 8.4 years and a higher proportion of the cases were males compared to the controls.
• The most frequent breeds represented were warmbloods and quarter horses. Warmbloods were significantly more affected by CVCM compared to other breeds.
• Cervical vertebral column, particularly C5-C6 and C6-C7 articulations were identified as the most common sites of CVCM lesions.
• The most frequent lesions identified during radiography and myelography were articular process osteophytes – bone spurs on the spinal joints.
• During the study, eight horses were euthanized and CVCM was confirmed at necropsy in all the cases; 63% among them had spinal cord compression resulting partly or entirely from articular process osteophytes.

Treatment and Conclusion

• All affected horses were medically managed; administration of corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs led to significant improvements in the majority of cases.
• The research concluded that CVCM should be an important differential diagnosis in older horses with neural disorders along the spine.
• Articular process osteophytes were identified as the most prevalent cause of spinal cord compression in the group.
• Male horses, and warmblood or Tennessee Walking Horse breeds may be predisposed to this condition.