Kissing Spine in 9 year old Warmblood mare

Patient:

9 year old Warmblood mare.

Specialty: Dressage (Elementary level)

History/Reason for coming to Physiotherapy:

This horse and owner came to Physio for All after experiencing several symptoms of reduced performance and ‘clashing’ under saddle. The horse had become high strung and anxious in the tack up area, and the owner noticed asymmetrical sweat patches under the saddle. Their coach was concerned that they may have seen some “uneven steps” in the hind end which was accompanied with swishing of the horse’s tail and the occasional buck. Behaviour and reduced performance had become worse over approx 6 months.

Management:

After an initial consultation with this mare, it was decided to contact their Veterinarian and discuss X rays and pain medication.

X rays showed significant overlapping of the dorsal spinous processes from T14-T18. It was decided that the horse would be injected with a steroid in her back to address inflammation and pain, and at this stage conservative management would be trialled.

The horse stayed at Physio for All for a total of 6 weeks, where she received treatment 3-4 times a week, and her exercises were done daily.

Outcome

She is now on pentosan and she has only needed 2 injections of cortisone over the past 3 years.

Thankfully this mare and her owner are happily competing at Elementary level dressage. This lovely mare is treated and reassessed every 4 weeks.