Is Kissing Spine Common In Thoroughbreds?

Thoroughbreds and performance horses are the most commonly diagnosed cases. Kissing spines are likely acquired. They can be the result of a variety of factors, including poor saddle fit and improper training that allows the horse to carry itself with its head up, back hollow, and not engaging the muscles in its core.

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.

How common are kissing spines racehorses?

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.

How can you tell if a horse has kissing spine?

Although kissing spine is not always symptomatic, horses who do experience pain can display a wide variety of signs such as:

• Bucking under saddle.
• Reluctance to stretch the neck and round the back.
• Hind end lameness.
• Discomfort when saddling or doing up the girth.
• Weight loss.

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.

Is it normal for Thoroughbreds to show ribs?

Most underweight horses are categorised by factors such as visible ribs and protruding hip bones, so seeing the ribs of a horse can be quite alarming for some people. Visible ribs are not always a sign of malnourishment, however – it’s important to look at the horse as a whole.

What is the best breed to cross the Thoroughbred with?

Thoroughbred x Quarter Horse
What is this? An Appendix horse is a first-generation cross between a registered Quarter Horse and a registered Thoroughbred. These athletic horses are the “best of two breeds,” according to the American Appendix Horse Association.

What are the 3 most common injuries in racehorses?

Musculoskeletal system

• Skeletal fractures account for 87% of fatal injuries.
• Bucked shins is an inflammatory condition of the cannon bones.
• Splints are new bone formation (exostoses) along the involved splint bone.
• Luxations are joint dislocations and account for 8% of fatal injuries.

Can you prevent kissing spine?

Improving and strengthening of the top-line muscle, helps to lift the back up and open up the spaces between the spinous processes. In doing so this reduces the pain associated with kissing spine, but this needs to be done in combination with anti-inflammatory treatment.

Is there a cure for kissing spine in horses?

Horses with kissing spines can be treated with shock wave therapy, injections of corticosteroids over the withers, back, and croup to reduce inflammation, and specific exercise programs. Changing or refitting saddles is helpful for many horses.

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.

Is kissing spine degenerative?

Baastrup Syndrome – Physiopedia Definition/Description Baastrup’s Disease, generally known as Kissing Spine, is characterised by degenerative changes of both the spinous processes and interspinous soft tissues of two neighbouring vertebrae.

Where should you not touch a horse?

Most horses do not like to be pet on their underbelly, legs or near their tail. Depending on the horse, they may not like to be petted on their face. If you are petting a horse you are not familiar with, be sure to ask their owner first.

What should a healthy Thoroughbred look like?

The coat of a healthy horse lies close to the body and shines. Some coat colours appear to shine more than others e.g. bays and blacks as opposed to greys and roans. The eyes should be clear and clean and the horse should be alert when awake (however a relaxed horse may doze even when you are near).

Are thoroughbreds naturally skinny?

Thoroughbreds are leaner than native breeds
Over the centuries thoroughbreds have been bred for racing traits – speed – which means that they are naturally lighter and carry less weight than native breeds.

What issues do thoroughbreds have?

Common racehorse health problems

• Fractures and musculoskeletal injuries. The bodies of these incredible creatures really are tested to the utmost in their competitive lives.
• Sacroiliac damage.
• Knee damage.
• Tendon and ligament injury.
• Respiratory problems.
• Foot problems.
• Horse insurance with Equesure.

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 two breeds make a Thoroughbred?

The term Thoroughbred describes a breed of horse whose ancestry traces back to three foundation sires — the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian and the Byerly Turk.

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.

What is the most abusive horse sport?

All riders know that of all the equestrian disciplines, eventing — in particular the cross-country component — is the most dangerous. Eventing has been labelled THE most dangerous sport in the Olympics, and that is not an exaggeration.

Which tendon is most commonly injured in the racehorse?

Common Injuries
Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury. This type of tendon injury is common among horses, especially Thoroughbred racehorses. It occurs more often in the forelimb, but can also affect the hindlimb.