Kissing spines

[shelley79]

Im looking into buying a horse that has had a surgical procedure for kissing spines, his owners say he is able to do anything asked of him and jumps etc with no problems
Has anyone had any experiance with this type of problem
will it effect him in old age?

just wanted a few insights before i went to see him.

 

[Caritas]

I have ahorse that has had a kissing spines op and he has no probs what so ever. Go and see it, you will know if it is ok or not, best of luck. Pm me if you would like more info

 

[appennea]

My horse has had same op and is going brilliantly. The vet said that she is now a "normal" horse with a bright career ahead of her - she's just rising six now. However I'd check how many were removed - my horse only had one and maybe ask about follow up xrays and scans of the ligaments if the horse seems good. (The ligament is cut during the op - different surgeons have different methods). They used to say that the spine would be weakened in the future and may need higher maintenance in older age but methods have increased greatly.

 

[merlinsquest]

Personally wouldnt feel happy buying a horse with any major problems if possible, yes I know that you never know what may happen in the future (as proven to me with merlins arthritis), but why get a horse with known problems.

My friends horse has just been diagnosed with KS and to be honest although she loves the horse dearly and will do her best to maintain her, I bet she wished she had never gone there!!!

 

[BethH]

I have a KS horse who has undergone surgery and is making excellent recovery slowly but surely. He is better than he ever was, we are doing pre-lim dressage at the moment and my instructor thinks he will affiliate next year as he is doing so well (this is a youngster who has only been back in ridden work for 7 months!), my vet has told me surgery has been 100% sucessful and he will be able to do everything including jumping. He is much happier in himself and a very genuine little horse who tries his heart out. I would buy him any day of the week over a horse that can't be bothered, but if you go look at this horse and want him, I think the most important thing is that you fall in love with his personality.

There are a lot of untrue horror stories floating around about kissing spines but a high percentage of horses have it and most have behavioural problems because their owners just think they are being naughty. At least you know what has happened to this horse and the owner has been honest and sorted out the problem. Make sure you ask about any vices or problems and watch it ridden, ask about whether it hacks out alone comfortably and schools calmly, get a copy of the vet report and talk to the surgeon, that way you can decide and make a decision that is informed.

By the way, this surgery is becoming very routine, if the op has been done in the last couple of years by a good surgeon I would think the horse is fine, i have never heard of it weakening the back in fact I asked my surgeon that very question and he said quite the reverse, as the bit you take out is surplus to the requirements of the spine, it is just extra bone left over from the evolution of the horse I believe that gets in the way. Hope that helps.