Kissing Spines

[JustaFriend]

I have a5yr old TBXWB mare which I bought from the breeder in Dec 2005. Her left canter has become progressively worse and she drags her right hind in trot. She has recently been diagnosed as having extensive impingement and over-riding of the dorsal spinous processes from the 11th thoracic to the 2nd lumbar vertebrae (10!) She also has osteoarthritis of two facet joints. Operating is out of the question as I have nearly run out of funds. I lunge her daily in a chambon and she is due to have two more sessions of shockwave treatment and if this doesnt work she will have coticosteriod injections arround the DSP's. Does any one have any encouraging experiences or advice or should I give up hope of her ever having a useful life?

 

[BethH]

Hello there, my boy went through surgery for this earlier this year, I am really sorry to hear your news I know how wretched you must feel, I was just simply devastated.

Although the steroid injections didn't work for my horse, I do know 2 other horses where they have. The KS in your mare's case sounds particularly bad, most horses I know of have 2 or 3 spines overlapping and the injections seem to work best on the more minor case (this is an assumption of mine not fact!).

My surgeon was Svend Kold at Willersley Equine Clinic in Tetbury Gloucestershire who is superb. If you want to PM me to chat I will happily do so and give you his tel no if you want a 2nd opinion. He is very clever in the way he operates and I thought very reasonably price. I managed to persuade my Insurers to pay and can give you details if you want.

The long reining/pessoa work is really good for them and it may be the injections allow you to get the horse comfortable enough to build some muscle to support the back. If she is suffering from arthritis as well so young it would be good to keep her mobile with the lunging even if you can't ride her. You need to be aware that the back can continue to deteriorate despite the work, it did in my horses case hence the need for surgery.

Sorry I know this isn't a fully positive response, but in my own situation I wanted to know the facts so I could make infomed choices. Please pm me if you want to.

 

[Happy Horse]

[ QUOTE ]
If you want to PM me to chat I will happily do so and give you his tel no if you want a 2nd opinion.

[/ QUOTE ]

No surgeon will discuss a case with the owner without examining the horse first - it would be better to get your vet to call him.

 

[BethH]

Your vet can send on the x-rays he has already taken and an opinion is normally given that way. Svend would automatically ask for these anyway before he gave an opinion if that is a route you decide you want to investigate.

 

[JustaFriend]

Svend has already seen x-rays and suggested referral to the Animal Health Trust, she was there for 1 week and the diagnosis was confirmed

 

[BethH]

Have replied to your PM, best of luck, it sounds as though you are getting the best advice from the right people, let me know if i can be of any more help.