Radiographic and scintigraphic evaluation of spondylosis in the equine thoracolumbar spine: a retrospective study.
Abstract: Clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic signs associated with spondylosis of the equine thoracolumbar spine have been poorly documented. Objective: To establish an objective radiographic and scintigraphic grading system for spondylosis lesions; to estimate the prevalence of spondylosis in a population of horses with back pain; and to compare the results of radiography and scintigraphy. Methods: Radiographic images of the thoracolumbar spine from 670 horses with clinical signs of back pain were graded. Scintigraphic images from horses with spondylosis lesions underwent subjective and objective analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphy for detection of spondylosis relative to radiography for identification of spondylosis were calculated, and Chi-squared analysis was performed to test for an association between location and severity of lesions. Results: Twenty-three of 670 horses (3.4%) with back pain had radiographic evidence of spondylosis. Of these horses, 14 (61%) had more than one lesion and 44% (n=22) of lesions occurred between T11-T13 vertebral bodies. Only 33% (n=28) of locations with radiographic changes had increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. Conclusions: Spondylosis occurs at a low prevalence in horses with back pain. It may be present alone or in association with other osseous abnormalities. The clinical significance of spondylosis needs further investigation. Conclusions: Spondylosis is uncommon but may be a contributor to back pain in the horse.
Publication Date: 2010-01-26 PubMed ID: 20095229DOI: 10.2746/042516409x436592Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study discusses spondylosis in the thoracolumbar spine of horses, focusing on diagnosis through radiography and scintigraphy techniques, highlighting that the prevalence of spondylosis in horses suffering from back pain is relatively low. Further research is required to understand the clinical significance of spondylosis in horses.
Objective of the Study
- The objective of the study was to establish an objective system for grading spondylosis lesions radiographically and scintigraphically.
- The study also aimed to estimate the prevalence of spondylosis in a horse population with back pain and compare the results from both radiography and scintigraphy imaging techniques.
Methods Employed
- The researchers evaluated radiographic images of the thoracolumbar spine of 670 horses displaying symptoms of back pain.
- Scintigraphic images from horses with spondylosis lesions were analyzed subjectively and objectively.
- The study used the sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphy for detecting spondylosis in comparison to radiography. Furthermore, a Chi-squared analysis was performed to check for a correlation between the location and severity of the lesions.
Results and Conclusion
- The study found that out of 670 horses showing back pain signs, only 23 (3.4%) had radiographic evidence of spondylosis. Of these, 14 (61%) had more than one lesion.
- Approximately 44% of lesions occurred between T11-T13 vertebral bodies, and only 33% of locations with radiographic changes demonstrated increased radiopharmaceutical uptake.
- The study concluded that the prevalence of spondylosis in horses suffering from back pain is relatively low; however, it can exist alone or along with other bone abnormalities.
- The authors underscore that the clinical significance of spondylosis in horses needs further investigation as it may be a contributing factor to back pain in the animals.
Cite This Article
APA
Meehan L, Dyson S, Murray R.
(2010).
Radiographic and scintigraphic evaluation of spondylosis in the equine thoracolumbar spine: a retrospective study.
Equine Vet J, 41(8), 800-807.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x436592 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
- Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology
- Radiography
- Radionuclide Imaging / veterinary
- Retrospective Studies
- Spine / diagnostic imaging
- Spondylosis / diagnosis
- Spondylosis / diagnostic imaging
- Spondylosis / veterinary
- Thoracic Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
- Thoracic Vertebrae / pathology
Citations
This article has been cited 10 times.- de Secondi C, Cantatore F, Marcatili M, Biggi M, Withers J, de Zani D, Zani D. Spondylosis in Horses: Clinical Features, Diagnostic Imaging Findings, Treatment and Outcome in 13 Horses. Vet Med Sci 2025 Mar;11(2):e70196.
- Spoormakers TJP, Veraa S, Graat EAM, van Weeren PR, Brommer H. Osseous pathologic changes in the thoracic region of the equine vertebral column: A descriptive post-mortem study in three breeds. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1290-1301.
- Domańska-Kruppa N, Wierzbicka M, Stefanik E. Advances in the Clinical Diagnostics to Equine Back Pain: A Review of Imaging and Functional Modalities. Animals (Basel) 2024 Feb 23;14(5).
- Iborra Eres MP, Albizuri S, Gutiérrez Rodríguez M, Jiménez Fragoso J, Lira Garrido J, Martín Cuervo M, Martínez Sánchez RM, Martínez Valle R, Mayoral Calzada AI, Nieto Espinet A, Rodríguez González E, Valenzuela-Lamas S, Celestino Pérez S. Mass animal sacrifice at casas del Turuñuelo (Guareña, Spain): A unique Tartessian (Iron Age) site in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. PLoS One 2023;18(11):e0293654.
- Scilimati N, Angeli G, Di Meo A, Dall'Aglio C, Pepe M, Beccati F. Post-Mortem Computed Tomographic Features of the Most Caudal Lumbar Vertebrae, Anatomical Variations and Acquired Osseous Pathological Changes, in a Mixed Population of Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 19;13(4).
- Halle KS, Granhus A. Veterinary Chiropractic Treatment as a Measure to Prevent the Occurrence of Spondylosis in Boxers. Vet Sci 2021 Sep 17;8(9).
- 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 Oct;239(4):829-838.
- Mayaki AM, Abdul Razak IS, Adzahan NM, Mazlan M, Rasedee A. Clinical assessment and grading of back pain in horses. J Vet Sci 2020 Nov;21(6):e82.
- Latham KJ, Losey RJ. Spondylosis deformans as an indicator of transport activities in archaeological dogs: A systematic evaluation of current methods for assessing archaeological specimens. PLoS One 2019;14(4):e0214575.
- Nisolle JF, Bihin B, Kirschvink N, Neveu F, Clegg P, Dugdale A, Wang X, Vandeweerd JM. Prevalence of Age-Related Changes in Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Discs during Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Comp Med 2016;66(4):300-7.
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