Sciatic nerve

[Mari]

I have a pony that will sometimes without warning explode in a broncing fit ejecting rider. She has had everything checked that possibly could be checked however I wondered if she could have equine sciatica (I don't know if this exists but mum in law has it & says it hits with a sudden really sharp pain). Any information gratefully received.

 

[Fun Times]

Have you had her back xrayed? Kissing spine is a possibility. Definitely worth talking to your vet about it.

 

[Mari]

Yes. I have had every check possible done & I mean EVERYTHING.

 

[gunnergundog]

Yes, sciatic nerve compression is something that horses can suffer with. Sarah Stretton's Skip On used to suffer badly with this and would go off bucking for no apparent reason whatsoever. You need a GOOD chartered physio to get to the bottom of this IF this is indeed the problem with your horse. Click on the link below and then select the case study for Skip On/Bobby http://gailwilliams.co.uk/case-studies/

 

[Mari]

Karen Mather (was physio to horses at Olympics) has been treating horse since March 2014 as following vet investigation there were quite a few problems however sciatica was never mentioned. Horse has not been ridden since January 2014 and was finally given the all clear in September. Was brought back into work very slowly, monthly massage, new made to measure saddle fitted, introduced short trot work in November, straight lines & big curves. Horse still occasionally put back up but no more than that. Then out of the blue about 10 days ago when asked for trot/walk trans horse exploded into a bronc & decked rider. (This broncing was the reason for the full vet investigation in the first place.). Have sat on horse a few times since this last incident & horse has been tight in back. usually she loves hacking (off road & we only walk) but this week I got on & she humped her back so much, went rigid & was so agitated that I got off & took her home. She's not a nasty/naughty horse so I'm working on the principle that something is wrong. Am considering a chiropractor. Last resort as I've tried everything else!

 

[Kelpie]

My PSD mare could be like this ..... What vet diagnostics have your vets run already?

 

[Mari]

Gamma scan - slight immature bone development in hind legs, not significant.
X-rays - no abnormalities, no evidence of kissing spine.
Ovaries - normal.
Bladder - infection & bleeding lesions present - treated & cleared.
Gastroscope - severe ulcers in every part of stomach - treated & cleared.
Physio - showing pain throughout body poll to tail, possible deep tissue damage, she would curl to right with head high when ridden. Had daily stretch exercises & regular massage & lots of confidence building / groundwork activities & when checked in September showed no evidence of pain & was straight / equal on both sides. She started back in slow ridden (i.e. walk) work, bareback for first 4 weeks as awaiting made to measure saddle.

 

[Mari]

gunnergundog Just watched the clip you sent me the link to & what Gail described as how Bob used to react is EXACTLY the same as my mare! My mare has never really been in work never mind being an athlete. The question is - what do I do now????