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Equine veterinary journal1980; 12(4); 197-210; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1980.tb03427.x

Disorders of the thoracolumbar spine of the horse–a survey of 443 cases.

Abstract: The survey comprised 443 horses, referred to the clinical department of the Equine Research Station, with a history of a thoracolumbar (TL) complaint. A wide range of lesions were capable of producing back problems and more than one condition or site of injury was found in 75 animals (17 per cent). There were 103 horses (19.7 per cent) with no evidence of damage to the TL spine or its associated structures. In 66 of these cases, clinical signs were attributed to a variety of hindlimb lamenesses and, in 37, no specific diagnosis could be made. Soft tissue injury was diagnosed in 203 cases (38.8 per cent), the most frequent sites being the longissimus dorsi muscles and/or the supraspinous ligament in the caudal withers and cranial lumber regions. Chronic sacroiliac strain or mild sacroiliac instability was also a frequent cause of low back trouble in competitive horses. Other conditions included tying-up, subluxation of a lumbar vertebra and neuritis of the cauda equina. Fifteen cases (2.9 per cent) of vertebral malformations were found including scoliosis, lordosis and kyphosis. Vertebral lesions accounted for 202 (38.6 per cent) of the diagnoses. The most common condition was associated with crowding and overriding of the dorsal spinous processes in the caudal thoracic and cranial lumbar regions. This was most often diagnosed in competitive jumping horses (173 cases) and caused a loss of suppleness and spinal flexibility resulting in lowered performance and bouts of back pain. There was a comparatively low incidence of fractures (13 cases) and degenerative spondylosis (14 cases).
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Publication Date: 1980-10-01 PubMed ID: 7439145DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1980.tb03427.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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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 is a survey involving 443 horses who have been presented to the Equine Research Station’s clinical department with thoracolumbar (TL) spine complaints. The study found a range of lesions that could cause back problems in equines. Soft tissue injuries were predominant, commonly affecting longissimus dorsi muscles and the supraspinous ligament. Interestingly, many horses with no apparent TL damage exhibited signs accredited to different kinds of hindlimb lameness.

Overview of Disorders

  • The study involved 443 horses with reported thoracolumbar (TL) spine issues.
  • The range of anatomical problems causing these issues was broad, with 75 horses (17%) presenting more than one type or location of injury.
  • In some cases where no evidence of TL damage surfaced, different hindlimb lameness types became the attributable cause of the clinical symptoms observed.
  • However, 37 cases remained undiagnosed, suggesting more complex or unclear etiology.

Specific Conditions and Their Prevalence

  • Soft tissue injuries were found to be a common cause of the disorders, diagnosed in 203 cases (38.8%), particularly affecting the longissimus dorsi muscle and the supraspinous ligament.
  • Chronic sacroiliac strain or mild sacroiliac instability were often the cause of lower back trouble in competitive horses, demonstrating the impact of high physical demand on these animals’ health.
  • Conditions like ‘tying-up’ (a muscular disorder), subluxation of a lumbar vertebra, and neuritis of the cauda equina (tail-like structure of nerves at the base of the spinal cord) were also diagnosed.
  • Vertebral malformations, including scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis, were discovered in 15 cases (2.9%).
  • Other vertebral lesions made up 38.6% of the diagnoses.

Disorders in Competitive Horses

  • In competitive jumping horses, crowding and overriding of the dorsal spinous processes in the caudal thoracic and cranial lumbar regions were common. This situation resulted in a loss of suppleness and spinal flexibility, causing reduced performance and bouts of back pain.
  • Fractures and degenerative spondylosis (a type of arthritis linked to wear and tear of the spinal discs or joints) had a relatively low prevalence (13 and 14 cases, respectively).

Cite This Article

APA
Jeffcott LB. (1980). Disorders of the thoracolumbar spine of the horse–a survey of 443 cases. Equine Vet J, 12(4), 197-210. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1980.tb03427.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 4
Pages: 197-210

Researcher Affiliations

Jeffcott, L B

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Back Injuries
    • Female
    • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
    • Horse Diseases / etiology
    • Horse Diseases / pathology
    • Horses
    • Lumbosacral Region
    • Male
    • Spinal Diseases / diagnosis
    • Spinal Diseases / etiology
    • Spinal Diseases / pathology
    • Spinal Diseases / veterinary
    • Thorax

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