Kissing Spine rehab - non surgical

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Jasper151

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After some investigations we have discovered my boy has kissing spine - vet has said it is not awful and it is not part of his spine which is under the saddle, but there are some signs of discomfort. There is also arthritis being treated alongside.

Due to him being EMS he cannot have steroid injections, so the plan is to use anti-inflammatory meds, shock wave therapy and a rehab plan. Vet is coming out beginning of next week to start treatment and he has said he will let me know the rehab plan then.

Can anyone share what their rehab plan looked like? I am trying to prepare myself for when the vet tells me and so I can be armed with questions rather than having to digest all the information at the time! All my internet searches are for either those treated surgically or with the injections which we aren't doing. I am assuming and expecting groundwork, long lining, stretches etc but some real life experiences would be great.

Does anyone have success stories they can share? It has come out of the blue so some positivity would be appreaciated. The vet did say he would probably be ok to carry on as he is if he was just lightly hacking, but I want him to be comfortable as he is just too nice to not be.
 
Sorry to hear this.

Where is the arthritis, is that also in his back?

I’d get a really good body worker on him early doors to treat as much bodily discomfort as they can - he’s probably been holding himself wonkily for a while. I’m fortunate to have a brilliant chiropractor vet who would be my go to.

Good luck.
 
Arthritis is in hocks. I've got a team of people on standby to help, but vet has said to wait until he is back to start anything, so I am in the limbo land of wanting to research, book, do but cant!
 
We managed my EMS mare's KS without surgery for 11 months, she had MESO therapy. Lots of physio, water treatmill, heat (I used a hot water bottle on a sursingle, I made a harness out of duct tape and it stayed put), I also have a NEMS machine which is like a TENS machine and she wears this for 20 minutes several times a week. Lots of carrot stretches and tail tucks/belly lifts. I still do all of this now even though she has had 4x ligament snips as it's always going to be an ongoing condition. After 11 months and two lots of six monthly injections symptoms returned and she had further changes so had 4x ligament snips. Last winter we did lots of walking in hand and actually it was a relief not to have to ride in all the rain!

She has also had her hocks medicated with arthrimed.
 
Also, I didn't follow the vets rehab plan, my physio advise us with regular visits and shockwave therapy. The vet plan recommended a lot of lunging which 1. isn't good for hocks and 2. pretty difficult without a school.

But, my mare is old, doesn't get silly without work and I am happy to take things as slow as she needs and I don't mind not riding.

We also used resistance bands a couple of times a week and over the summer, my son would ride her in these on the lead rein which meant she could stay in work whilst I had both kids at home.
 
I have one where I did no medical intervention - she has wonky bones in her feet (likely genetic) so not sure too much intervention would have helped.

Remedial shoes helped mine but having seen a few with KS via my bodywork training / clients I'd say have a good look at hoof balance.

Best fitting saddle you can have. WOW dealt with her odd shape obviously it's horse specific.

I use bozmerix to keep on top of inflammation with a devil's claw top up if she needs it. Much more dippy back look if she's sore.

I do a bit of groundwork but mainly hack her. Fairly regular bodywork. 24.7 turnout.

Last vet visit her back didn't react at all to palpation and her overall posture was 100% better. The asymmetrical air in the saddle has reduced a huge amount too.
 
Oooh this is a minefield. I'm unconvinced by most of the programmes given by vets, many given by bodyworkers, and some of the "big name" trainer stuff too. So much is aimed at strengthening/fittening, not enough at changing the way the horse moves to help it become more functional. And some that do purport to doing the latter can cause some other issues - for instance the back is not lifted correctly by lowering the head, instead we are just putting more weight on the forehand which the horse then has to deal with. Some introduce things too early and don't understand the implications - treadmills are not a natural way for the horse to move and certainly not if you haven't already improved the way the horse moves ie that it moves on two tracks (is basically straight) on both reins, doesn't hollow, can cope with slower tempos etc. It's all about balance, the balance the horse moves in.

I always direct people to postural rehab resources based mostly on the French way of doing things, but often with more modern information, an understanding of physical forces and how they act on the horse (and then further down the line the rider on the horse).

Have a look at Annie Dillon on FB (her page is ...Horsemanship but she puts her content on her profile), Diana Waters Responsive Equine and Patrick King Horsemanship for good courses. Also, for general learning and context, look at equitopiacenter.com - cheap membership which you can do for just a month while you look at topline and postural content...and bear in mind feet have a huge input as does what your horse does for the other 23 hours a day....

Yes there's a lot to learn, but don't panic, I'd start with that last link and start the learning, though if you can embrace the learning, and the bonding you'll do with your horse, you'll find the journey a lot easier :)
 
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