What Now...Kissing Spines

C

ChestnutHunter

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 April 2007
Messages
959
Visit site
To cut a long story short, my horse has undergone injections for her kissing spines aswell as alot of physio etc etc...totalling to about £4300. My insurance covers upto 5k.
It all seemed to be working, id followed the exercise plan and everything went well, and got upto walk trot canter ridden work again, but horse started showing signs of discomfort again a few weeks ago (rearing,bunnyhopping,refusing a contact and unwilling to go forward)

My instructor was convinced it was a behavioural issue but gut feeling made me ring the vet, who came today to assess her again. He watched her on the lunge, and ridden after doing all the usual things, and he told me to get off and that he confirmed that he believes the injections havent worked.

The injections were done by a specialist (a bloody expensive one!) and my vet has referred me to him again who has told me before that if the injections do not work then surgery is my only option, even though he was convinced they would work.

Thing is, I am now in a position where I can't afford the surgery, the physio afterwards, the stabling whilst shes there and the rest. Is it the sensible thing to do to have her pts? Shes a very quirky, quick 7year old thoroughbred and I find that when left out on rest she is a nightmare to handle and becomes slightly dangerous,and Ive had difficult horses for years. Im stuck with what to do, and I love her to bits but I know I cannot afford the surgery,and dont think retirement is an option....help!
 
What a terrible situation to be in. :(

I would talk to the specialists and the Vet again. If there is no way forward to help the horse, then I would consider PTS.
 
I know nothing about KS rehab (so probably shouldn't be posting!) but if she is comfortable not being ridden would it be possible to turn away for 6 months and then try the rehab work again? I know how it is with vets - I've 2k left on mine for PSD - hoping I won't need the rest, but you never know :o

If thats not an option, and she would be uncomfortable then I would consider pts. Would a KS horse be suitable as a driving horse?
 
I wouldnt trust her as a driving horse, she's quite a spirited character!
Turning away is also not an option, she has had 7 months off this year and there was no change :(
 
What did your vet say when he said he didn't believe it was behavioural? Unless she is hopping lame surely he'd need an xray to confirm that? My horse had the surgery, and I'm am still working through behavioural issues having been back on board since February...we do know that there is nothing wrong with his back as he's been xrayed post op.

How long ago did she have the injections? She may just need more time...
 
My mums mare is currently having osteopathy and accupuncture for kissing spine and sticking stifles.. So far so good.. Any questions just ask.
 
Injections were done around June time. We have had x rays, there are 4 touching and 1 totally sticking into the other, almost like an upside down 'L' shape. The gaps are so narrow between there was difficulty in getting the needles inbetween the gaps. There were x rays after and there was only a slight difference and the 5th process looked no different.
She has been quite loose moving throughout, but is completely stiff down her left side and it is obvious that she tenses up with pressure on the back. She also is hardly able to canter anymore,and when she can it is usually disunited.

What is a osteopathy? Have never heard of one!
 
sorry to hear this have no suggestions.

I may well be facing similar problems. my own vet thinks Micah has KS I now have to choose where to take him and even that isn't easy. I'm gutted

My only half educated brain says that I think I would prefer to go straight for surgery as then the ultimate treatment is done. but need to educate myself more first
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top