Kissing Spines

[XmisshorsestyleX]

Hiya everyone,

Just found out the exracer im exercising atm has kissing spines, could anybody give me some info about the condition, amount of work they should be doing, anything to give him which i could advise to the clueless owners hes currently with??

I spoke to his previous owners about it and they said hes up to date with his steroid injections etc. But how often should these be given?

Any info is appreciated!!
Thanks

 

[buddly]

most horses i've known that have had it have needed to be operated on as it's the vertabre along the top rubbing toghether hence the name. does the horse react badly to anything when being ridden etc( i would imagine this depended where it was) asfor amount of work etc i wouldn't know sorry x

 

[XmisshorsestyleX]

He doesnt react badly at all when been ridden, but earlier when i got back from riding i felt his legs given way for a second so i got off to inspect his movement. I saw that he was dragging his back legs abit so i called his racing trainer who told me he had kissing spines which was diagonised a while ago but was still racing despite that. Told me to work him on an outline whilst riding him.. But i cannot see how this will help him in the longterm. Unfortunately i dont think his current owners would be willing to pay for his treatment/operation as dont really have a clue. Is there anymore alternatives to having the op which could help him??

 

[buddly]

really don't know sorry maybe worth just having a chat with a vet to see what they say you don't need to call them out just ring and ask there advice maybe good luck

 

[buddly]

also have a look at kissing spine on computer i just put it in and there is some stuff on the forum already may be usefull

 

[seabiscuit]

Mmm where do I start!
Steriod injections only last so long and while offereing pain relief also damages and weakens the ligament and cartilage the more it is used. Not a route I wanted to go on for my horse.
Think surgery is the best option and the correct aftercare is vital ( lots of exercise instead of complete box rest)
The operation is not all that much of a big deal and is very routine and has a high success rate.

If it does not have the op, then plenty of physio can only help. Schooling, lunging will be painfull and difficult. Hacking out is best...

 

[BethH]

Have a look at my post last june/july - my ned has had op and I went in to a lot of details on this forum. Riding in an outline will help strengthen back and topline muscles to support spine - this will help so the advice was correct but ultimately may not be long term solution as the back tends to deteriorate depending on the horse. Would ask to see the vet report about the diagnosis as to why steroid treatment recommended. Could be due to age or that spine isn't terrible or the first step on way to confirming op needed. For some horses that are older this works and is the solution if spine not terrible and owner doesn't want to go through surgery, in my case it didn't work for my horse at all but sutrgery so far appears to have been a complete success however he was young with nothing else wrong. This doesn't have to be the end of the world for the horse by any means but it does need to be monitored and dealt with properly as the horse can end up in a great deal of pain without you really understanding why. Please take care when riding and if you notice some behavioural issues like broncing on short sharp hills etc make sure you get some help as can be dangerous and may mean other treatment is required.