Kissing spine surgery for small ponies

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ECORTEN

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Hello! Ok, so this isn't some sort of trying-to-get-a-diagnosis on line thing... I just want to pick some brains that are more knowledgeable than mine!

Our 12.2h has a sore back, which he has compensated for in his legs and now is sore there also. His symptoms were: not wanting to go forward at all, snappiness at the girth - the usual stuff.

We had a fab physio or who did all sorts and recommended 2 weeks of long reining and then light flat work - muscle wastage and a sore back caused by various things. He's 16 and has always been a little kid's first/second pony.

We sat back on him today for the first time in 3 weeks to commence the light flat work, with a new saddle (he's had his teeth seen too as well) and he was still the same as he was 3 weeks ago. Me and my daughter's instructor are wondering if he's got a kissing spine. So, will consult the physio, get the vet out etc.

However, what I want to know is if surgery for this exists for little ponies? Will his age be a factor?

He's insured, so I'd hope that would cover it, but would the insurance think it worth it or suggest he retires?

Has anyone has this surgery done on a little pony? Did it work? Was it worth it?

Thanks in advance!
 
His back may well be sore for any number of reasons - sore feet being one them, as well as saddle fit. Presumably your physio has been working following examination and consultation with your vet?
 
If you have not yet had a vet to assess him that should be your first port of call, a sore back often comes from having sore legs, hocks being a very common cause, rather than the sore back being the primary issue so I would want a decent vet to look before trying to guess what is going on. KS is far less common than arthritic changes lower down especially if this is a recent problem but there is no reason why a pony could not be a candidate for operating if appropriate and insurance should pay out they will not tell you to retire him.
 
ECORTEN said:
Hello! The insurance advised I seek physio advice in the first instance
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Insurance should not be diagnosing or advising on treatment really, a vet should be involved and as amymay said they should not treat without a referral, they could be doing more harm than good, have already suggested the back pain is causing compensation in the legs which in all my years dealing with horses has never been the case, the back pain has always been caused by issues elsewhere unless it is due to saddle or direct injury.
Get the vet and you may be able to treat properly and get the pony back to work, 16 is no age for a 12.2 most will go on for at least another 10 years.
 
Thanks. I already have the vet coming on Tuesday - was just exploring what could happen if it was KS - I've not seen any info on it being treated in ponies, so was curious. Thanks :)
 
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