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Home / Equine Research Bank / Open Vet J / Relationship between back pain and poor performance in show ...
Open veterinary journal2025; 15(3); 1480-1487; doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i3.37

Relationship between back pain and poor performance in show jumping athletic horses.

Abstract: Showjumping athletic horses are frequently affected by back pain, which in turn influences their performance and equestrian activities. Unassigned: The aim of the present study was to determine the etiological factors predisposing to back problems in show jumping horses and how to diagnose, and manage them. Unassigned: A total of 75 cases (45 geldings and 30 mares, aged between 8 and 23 years and weighing 420-550 Kg) with histories suggestive of back problems and low competitive ability as show jumping were used in this study. The evaluation of data was based on the inputs of case history, clinical signs, clinical examination, local analgesic injection, and diagnostic imaging. Unassigned: The demonstrated types of back disorders were back deformities (lordosis, scoliosis, and sacral hunter bump) (5 cases-6.66%), muscular strain (18 cases-24%), sacroiliac sprain (30 cases-40%), vertebral lesions, mostly crowding and spondylosis (16 cases-21.33%), and skin lesions due to tack or rider-induced back pain (saddle mark, lumps or scars) (6 cases-8%). Treatment included rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, and intra-articular injection of local corticosteroids. Unassigned: Conventional clinical examination visually, at rest, exercise, and spinal reflexes is indispensable for the diagnosis of back disorders. Complementary diagnosis via diagnostic imaging and local analgesic injection is necessary to determine the location of pain.
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Publication Date: 2025-03-31 PubMed ID: 40276202PubMed Central: PMC12017721DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i3.37Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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.

This research article was focused on studying the connection between back pain and deteriorating performance in showjumping athletic horses, as well as identifying the etiological factors, diagnosis techniques, and optimal management of back issues within the equine population.

Study Overview

  • The study aimed to pinpoint the etiological factors causing back problems, ways to diagnose, and appropriate management of these issues. The sample set was formed by 75 cases, which were Geldings and mares ranging from 8 to 23 years old.
  • The horses were evaluated based on their case history, clinical signs, visual and exercise examinations, and additional diagnostic imaging and local analgesic injections. This diagnostic process allowed the researchers to identify the type of back pathology affecting each horse.

Findings

  • The investigated cases revealed different types of back disorders, including back deformities (lordosis, scoliosis, and sacral hunter bump), muscular strain, sacroiliac sprain, vertebral lesions (mainly crowding and spondylosis), and skin lesions (resulting from tack or rider-induced back pain).
  • The frequency of these disorders differed significantly, with sacroiliac sprain being most common (40% of cases) while back deformities were least common (6.66% of cases).
  • The treatment prescribed for these disorders generally included rest, administration of anti-inflammatory medicines, and intra-articular injection of local corticosteroids.

Diagnostic Approaches

  • As per the study, a conventional clinical examination involving visual assessments at rest and during exercise, along with spinal reflexes tests, is a crucial part of diagnosing back disorders in horses.
  • Supplementary diagnosis using diagnostic imaging and local analgesic injection was found essential to locate the area of pain accurately.

Implications

  • The research brings to light the impact of back pain on equine athletic performance, underscoring the need for efficient diagnosis and management strategies.
  • Having insights into the different types of back problems and their prominent symptoms can help in the early detection and timely treatment, consequently enhancing the quality of life and performance of these equine athletes.

Cite This Article

APA
Shokry M, Ali LB, El-Sharkawy M. (2025). Relationship between back pain and poor performance in show jumping athletic horses. Open Vet J, 15(3), 1480-1487. https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i3.37

Publication

Open veterinary journal
ISSN: 2218-6050
NlmUniqueID: 101653182
Country: Libya
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 3
Pages: 1480-1487

Researcher Affiliations

Shokry, Mohamed
  • Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Ali, Lutfi Ben
  • Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya.
El-Sharkawy, Mohamed
  • Equine Hospital, Police Academy, Cairo, Egypt.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Back Pain / veterinary
  • Back Pain / etiology
  • Back Pain / diagnosis
  • Back Pain / therapy
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / etiology
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Male
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Sports

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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