Kissing Spines ~ your experiences wanted

[Hiijax]

My 17 yr old thoroughbredha been getting progressively stiff for some time. I initially put this down to age and put him on a joint supplement and gave him more time to warm up, which seemed to do the trick. However, more recently he has shown very slight, low grade lameness to near hind (1/10). Have had equine vet out who has given a course of but during which he will come and observe but suspects kissing spines. X rays are likely to follow to confirm.

Have read many positive articles on successful ops to correct this but wondered if anyone has had succes with steroid injections alone/ any other alternative treatments or have had op performed on an older horse?

My concern is how well he will cope with and recover from op given his age, though he is very fit, healthy and until recently was competing successfully.

I may be a little premature as it hasn`t been confirmed yet but would really appreciate your experiences.

Thanks

 

[cjdjivanovic]

Seventeen seems old to be embarking on such a major operation. I was told by a physiotherapist to try physio, remedial lunging (low and round to lift, stretch and strengthen the back) and acupuncture for 6 months before going for the op. But it all depends how bad it is. Hopefully it isn't KS at all. Good Luck.

 

[HollyP]

I totally disagree Tryingmum! My mare is 16 and recovering extremely well from her operation so I defo dont think 17 is too old especially if he is fit! Steriods did not work for my horse and I just viewed them as a short term fix....but I only had a year to act before my insurance ran out and Bridie was a good candidate for surgery! She has had a course of physio before my insurance ran out, i had held off as she wasnt fully recovered and i had been told she needed 3-4 sessions a week which was insane! she had a session every 2 weeks for just under 2 months and it made a world of difference ( its been about 8-9months since surgery and iv taken EVERYTHING very slowly!)

 

[Hiijax]

Thanks to you both. Guess I will know in a week or two. I know the vet will advise but ultimately the decision will be mine to make. Hope it won`t be necessary.
Really pleased to hear your mare is recovering well. Are you back in the saddle?

 

[HollyP]

Hi yes back in the saddle, had to get a new wider one and i also got this amazing theraflex pad, you can only buy it through Parelli but is well worth it....especially if youv just spent a fortune on your horses back!!

She has no problems with a rider on her back so we will be back doing our dressage soon enough, its such a relief!!!

here are some pics of her at the beginning of June (id previously struggled with her weight she was on LOADS of feed 3 times a day etc.)

 

[Coffee_Bean]

Friend's horse is younger, but just coming back from the KS operation apparently better than ever. Rehab was long and difficult, but hopefully it will be well worth it for them.