Is Kissing Spine In Horses Degenerative?

Kissing Spine is most commonly located on the spine of the horse, under where the saddle rests. Is Kissing Spine genetic? Kissing Spine is a degenerative condition caused over a period of time through movement of the vertebrae, it is not thought to be genetical.

Is kissing spine a degenerative joint disease?

Baastrup’s disease (kissing spine syndrome) is a term referring to close approximation of adjacent spinous processes due to degenerative changes of the spine. Baastrup’s disease usually affects the lumbar spine, with L4-L5 being the most commonly affected level.

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.

Is kissing spine manageable?

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.

Can kissing spine cause hind end lameness?

Signs & Symptoms
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.

How do you fix degenerative spine disease?

Treatment may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both, special exercises, medications, losing weight, and surgery. Medical options include injecting the joints next to the damaged disc with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections. They can provide effective pain relief.

Is degenerative spine the same as arthritis?

Yes. The phrase “degenerative changes” in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Doctors may also refer to it as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease.

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.

How do you exercise a horse with a kissing spine?

Quite simply a small circle around a cone, barrel or block at the walk, with long reins and lots of inside bend. This stretches the outside of the body and helps the horse to let go of their lateral back tension. Don’t insist, encourage.

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.

Is kissing spine common?

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.

What happens in kissing spine surgery?

The horse is sedated and after injecting local anesthetic small incisions are made through the skin over the affected processes under X-ray guidance. The front of each affected process is then removed. Following this the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures under the skin and skin staples.

How can I help my cold backed horse?

Hop onto a mounting block to mount up and help your horse’s back muscles. Rugging for rain and cold weather – Keeping the rain off the horses back and keeping the back warm during colder weather can help keep the muscles stay relaxed and warm. Saddle up early – Don’t get on straight after putting the saddle on.

Is kissing spine worse in horses?

Kissing Spine Symptoms
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.

What are 3 symptoms that a horse may exhibit when he she is having back pain?

Symptoms of Back Pain

• Poor performance/reduced performance which may progress to behavioral problems (rearing/bucking/stopping or running out at fences).
• Discomfort to grooming or pressure over the back.
• Resistance to saddling, increased “girthiness” or abnormal gait after being saddled.

How fast does degenerative spine disease progress?

The degenerative process of the spinal disc may start gradually or suddenly, but progresses over 2 to 3 decades from severe and at times even disabling bouts of pain to a state in which the spine is restabilized and the pain is diminished.

What happens if degenerative disc disease is left untreated?

Degenerative Disc Disease is not life threatening, but if left untreated, can lead to debilitating pain, permanent damage, and serious conditions such as spinal osteoarthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and potentially paralysis.

Can a degenerative spine heal?

Once a disc has degenerated, the degenerative process cannot be reversed. Instead of trying to rehabilitate the disc itself, treatment focuses on improving the health of surrounding structures, such as the spinal nerves, vertebral bones and joints, and supporting muscles and ligaments.

Is arthritis inflammatory or degenerative?

Osteoarthritis is sometimes referred to as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. It is the most common type of arthritis because it’s often caused by the wear and tear on a joint over a lifetime. It is most often found in the hands, knees, hips and spine.

What causes spine degeneration?

Degenerative spine conditions involve the gradual loss of normal structure and function of the spine over time. They are usually caused by aging, but may also be the result of tumors, infections or arthritis. Pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots caused by degeneration can be caused by: Slipped or herniated discs.

What is the best medicine for degenerative arthritis?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Over-the-counter NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), taken at the recommended doses, typically relieve osteoarthritis pain. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription.