So, possible KS in a retired veteran

[JillA]

I have had KS suggested as a reason my rescued ex chaser fails to put on top line despite feeding for muscle. He is 18 and not really likely to be ridden again, because for one thing his top line is so poor I couldn't put a saddle on him.
The question is, other than surgery what is the treatment, and in a veteran is it worth pursuing any further? If he does prove to have KS, is it just going to be a case of accepting it and letting him enjoy dossing for the rest of his life. Is pain relief (bute) worth it to see if he gains condition when not in pain?
Over to you guys with KS experience, TIA

 

[Auslander]

Non surgical treatment for KS is work related - strengthening the back so that the spine is supported better by strong muscles, so retiring and not working isn't likely to improve matters if he does have KS. There are so many reasons why a horse doesn't develop topline, despite being worked correctly, that selecting KS without a diagnosis is a bit pointless. Feeding for muscle won't do a thing without work either - you feed to fuel muscle development, not to build it.
It could well be worth speaking to your vet about a bute trial to rule out pain as a reason for lack of condition, but it won't help identify where the pain is located, so you are still staring down the barrel of investigations to find out what's wrong, or buting for life to keep his comfortable without a diagnosis.

 

[gunnergundog]

Other than surgery vets can inject an impinging dorsal process.

If you have the back x-rayed and find evidence of KS I would suggest that you get the vets to block the appropriate area to see if it does make a difference before embarking on injections.

I have a horse that showed impingement T14/15 - the classic position right under the saddle; when blocked his action/demeanour changed straight away and so consequently he was injected.