Pathology of the vertebral column of horses with cervical static stenosis.

The research explored the vertebral column conditions in 25 horses diagnosed with cervical static stenosis, evidencing spinal cord compression due to soft tissue or bone growth in the neck region, primarily at vertebrae C6-7. The majority had degenerative joint disease signs. Their findings suggest that abnormal biomechanical tensions or joint instability result in stretching and tearing of certain ligaments and capsules, with resulting tissue proliferation and bone hardening.

Research Methodology

• The study considered specimens of ligamentum flavum, joint capsule, and dorsal lamina collected either during surgery or through necropsy from 25 horses diagnosed with cervical static stenosis.
• All these horses exhibited myelographic proof of spinal cord compression due to bone or soft tissue in the neck’s caudal region, particularly at the C6-7 vertebrae.

Key Findings

• Most of these horses had radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease occurring at the articular facets.
• Upon conducting histological studies, it was revealed that 19 horses demonstrated osteosclerosis and the presence of cartilage retention in the dorsal lamina. In addition, 24 horses displayed an increased fibrocartilage amount at the ligamentum flavum attachment to the dorsal lamina.
• Notably, the ligamentum flavum and the joint capsule in 20 horses contained fibrovascular tissue. The presence of fibrocartilaginous tissue, old hemorrhage, and even fat necrosis were also noted.
• A few special cases were noted: one horse each showed a synovial cyst, eosinophilic granulomas in the joint capsule, and osteochondrosis at the articular facets.

Study Conclusion

• The study’s findings suggest that cervical static stenosis in horses can cause various pathological changes due to abnormal biomechanical forces or joint instability.
• This can result in the stretching and tearing of the joint capsule and ligamentum flavum, which then leads to subsequent growth and proliferation of fibrocartilaginous and fibrovascular tissues.
• Other changes include osteosclerosis occurring in the dorsal lamina and the development of osteophytes on the articular facets.
• The researchers believe their findings underline the importance of understanding these pathological changes when diagnosing and treating horses with cervical static stenosis.