How Common Is Kissing Spine In Thoroughbreds?

Veterinary literature has suggested that up to 34% of horses (which tend to be over-represented by thoroughbreds) may show signs of kissing spine on X-rays, but many do not exhibit any clinical signs as a result of them and may not have any disease.

Is kissing spine more common in thoroughbreds?

Kissing Spines are the most common cause of primary back pain in the horse, and seem more prevalent in thoroughbreds, horses five years of age and under, and dressage horses. The condition also occurs in warmbloods and quarter horses, as well as horses that jump, including hunters, jumpers, and event horses.

Can a horse recover from kissing spine?

In some cases, kissing spines are secondary to other health issues. Affected horses may undergo medical or surgical treatment and physical therapy. Recovery is possible, but requires time and commitment.

How do you prevent kissing spines in horses?

Any treatment plan for kissing spine must include conditioning to strengthen the topline and abdominal muscles. If your horse has a weak topline the spine will collapse on itself, bringing the spinous processes closer together.

How can you tell if a horse has kissing spine?

Initial signs of kissing spine in a horse often include a change in the horses temperament, behaviour or soundness. You may notice levels of discomfort when fitting a saddle or when attempting to mount them. As the condition worsens the horse is likely to become overly sensitive around the back.

Can kissing spine be prevented?

As kissing spines is a naturally occurring, progressive condition, prevention isn’t possible. There are, however, some things that can be done to help reduce the risk. Experts believe there’s likely to be a genetic component to kissing spines, so breeding from known sufferers should be considered very carefully.

At what age Thoroughbreds are broken?

Flat racehorses are broken-in at around 18 months of age, having already been very well handled and used to having a bit in its mouth, as well as usually having been lunged and led out in hand. They will also be used to wearing rugs, being shod and generally examined by a variety of people.

How much does it cost to fix kissing spine in horses?

It takes only about an hour and 15 minutes to perform, and there are X-rays taken throughout the procedure so the vet can ensure that the space created between the bones is sufficient. Mostly due to the general anesthesia involved, the cost of this surgery is higher – around $2,500-$3,000, generally.

Is a horse lame with kissing spine?

Kissing spines, also known as Dorsal Spinous Process (DSP) impingement or over-riding dorsal spinous processes, is a cause of back pain, poor or reduced performance and occasionally low-grade lameness in the horse.

Are horses with kissing spine in pain?

In this condition the normal spaces between the spinous processes of the horse’s vertebral column are reduced. In some horses pain can arise from the bone-to-bone contact and disruption to the ligament between the processes.

Is kissing spine genetic?

Susceptibility to “kissing spines” in horses may be genetic.

What is the average lifespan of a thoroughbred horse?

25-30 years
The majority of racehorses will have a racing career of only 2-3 years yet their life expectancy is 25-30 years.

At what age is a thoroughbred fastest?

between 4 and 5 years old
The running performance of Thoroughbred racehorses has been reported to peak when they are between 4 and 5 years old.

What age do Thoroughbreds calm down?

Horses normally reach their emotional maturity between the ages of 5 and 7. However, it’s good to keep in mind that all horses have different personalities, experiences, and dispositions that can contribute to their maturity level. Certain horses may never seem mature to someone that is looking for a very calm horse.

How long is recovery from kissing spine?

After any kissing spines surgery, Dr. Davis will put the horse on stall rest for two weeks until the sutures come out and the incision is healed. Then he’ll start the horse on a regimen of stretching for two weeks.

Can poor saddle fit cause kissing spine?

Dr. Carol Vischer, DVM in NY has done extensive research and come to the conclusion that kissing spine is a disease that some horses are just prone to, but whatever you believe – the fact is that it can definitely be exacerbated by poor riding and bad saddle fit.

Can you ride with kissing spine?

Most horses diagnosed with kissing spine are able to return to ridden work after appropriate veterinary treatment and a recommended rehab programme is completed. In some cases they may be unable to return to the same level of work as before, but are comfortable when working at a lower level.

Is kissing spine arthritis?

Kissing spines is also a form of osteoarthritis. The kissing spines are located at the top of the spine. In this condition, the spinal processes of two vertebrae touch each other. By touching the bone parts, a local irritation of the bone / cartilage occurs and new bone is created.

Do most horses have kissing spine?

Veterinary literature has suggested that up to 34% of horses (which tend to be over-represented by thoroughbreds) may show signs of kissing spine on X-rays, but many do not exhibit any clinical signs as a result of them and may not have any disease.

Why are Thoroughbreds prone to ulcers?

The unique conditions found in a racetrack’s backstage environment predispose racing Thoroughbreds to ulcers. Those conditions include the feeding regimen, stresses of confinement and intense training and racing regimens. All have been indicated as factors leading to an increased incidence of gastric ulcers.

Are Thoroughbreds prone to laminitis?

Identifying animals predisposed to laminitis In general, ponies are somewhat more susceptible and Thoroughbreds are somewhat less susceptible than other equines, according to this article.