Lig snip surgery - advice needed!

G

gttb2026

New User
Joined
12 March 2026
Messages
4
Visit site
Need advice from people who have had kissing spine surgery done on their horses, specifically the ligament snip.

My 10yo TB has (relatively mild) kissing spine, diagnosed 4 years ago. He received his yearly corticosteroid injections in January but then developed ulcers and went off his feed (as he did the previous year). He also recently (although it's not clear if this is related to his KS, I need to chat with my vet again) pulled a ligament in his back, so will be off work for several weeks regardless of having surgery or not.

Yesterday my vet advised a ligament snip procedure to manage pain and symptoms of KS long-term without the side effects of the corticosteroids that my horse seems to experience. He is not a good-doer at the best of times so he deteriorates quickly in terms of condition/top-line when he goes off his feed.

I am very conflicted over whether to go head with this surgery or not and have seen such divided opinions online. Some people say it was life-changing for their horses, others says it was a complete disaster. Some say it totally destabilises the back and has a short life span. Other says their horses came back stronger than ever.

My horse is just an allrounder/riding club type, so the level of work he would (ideally) return to is not especially strenuous relatively speaking.

I am also well aware the the outcomes of any medical procedure will vary depending on the individual (and that post-surgery rehab plays a pivotal role in recovery), but I would nonetheless be grateful to hear of any and all personal experiences of this surgery, particularly cases where the the procedure took place several years ago.
 
Have you tried a really good quality rehab building up the topline and back muscles? Its been very successful for a lot of people, but it is hard work and will require pro input in most cases.
 
I'm Dun said:
Have you tried a really good quality rehab building up the topline and back muscles? Its been very successful for a lot of people, but it is hard work and will require pro input in most cases.
Click to expand...

Yes, I have read many success stories regarding a non-surgical route. That is one of the alternatives currently weighing up in my mind, but realistically there is a ceiling on how much I would be able to do. There isn't a lot of hacking near my yard, for example, particularly not in the winter when the fields are completely waterlogged, and while we can lunge/long-rein, priority is given to liveries doing ridden work, so it's not always possible if the arena is busy.

I really don't say that to make excuses, I just want to be realistic about my own circumstances and abilities. That said, I think I will do some investigating re professionals who would be able to assist if I did go the non-surgical route.
 
I think its got to be worth a go, but the issue is if you cant maintain the work needed to keep the strength. No easy answers whatever you decide. Hopefully someone with practical experience of the ligament snip will be along soon.
 
My mare had it done at 19, but she’s a hardy native and now we just lightly hack, rehab was easy as she isn’t prone to being silly. I would speak to other TB owners and find out what happens next, I don’t know any TBs that have stayed long term sound afterwards but that may just be the local gene pool!
 
possibly a stupid question but post surgery would you still have difficulty with the work required to keep him fit and well? I also have a horse with KS but only medicated. Due to his age and other conditions I wouldn’t progress to surgery so this is only my thoughts with my limited experience. I do wonder if having limited resources for ideal rehab/ work conditions would impact the surgical outcome? I need to hack mine more than I do but luckily we have slight hills around the yard and I’m trying to get out at weekends when there is less traffic. Very difficult when you have less than ideal facilities- do able but much harder. My only other thought would be that if you try the non surgical route first you have possibly got options for surgery later?
 
Fluffypiglet said:
possibly a stupid question but post surgery would you still have difficulty with the work required to keep him fit and well? I also have a horse with KS but only medicated. Due to his age and other conditions I wouldn’t progress to surgery so this is only my thoughts with my limited experience. I do wonder if having limited resources for ideal rehab/ work conditions would impact the surgical outcome?
Click to expand...

100% this.
The surgery isn’t a quick fix irrespective and you do need to commit to an ongoing work program.

It’s the main reason with one of mine that I decided early retirement was a better option for me & her, than putting her through surgery and then me not being able to keep up my end of the bargain
 
Fluffypiglet said:
possibly a stupid question but post surgery would you still have difficulty with the work required to keep him fit and well? I also have a horse with KS but only medicated. Due to his age and other conditions I wouldn’t progress to surgery so this is only my thoughts with my limited experience. I do wonder if having limited resources for ideal rehab/ work conditions would impact the surgical outcome? I need to hack mine more than I do but luckily we have slight hills around the yard and I’m trying to get out at weekends when there is less traffic. Very difficult when you have less than ideal facilities- do able but much harder. My only other thought would be that if you try the non surgical route first you have possibly got options for surgery later?
Click to expand...
No, not a stupid question at all, I am concerned about the exact same thing. I also know many would say move to a different yard etc but most yards nearby are in the same boat re hacking and facilities - we are near a major city so unfortunately access to land is limited and feels like it's constantly declining in favour of housing estates etc.

We can thankfully hack during the summer/drier months and after work when the evenings are longer, so one possible plan is to try and build him up slowly and thoroughly this summer and see how he goes before considering surgery. I will also be off then (perks of working in education!) so I will have more time on my hands whatever route I choose to go down.
 
I did rehab with no facilities, lots of stretches and walking in hand, plus weekly trips to the water treadmill but my mare is super easy and I can longline her on the road.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top