Is Kissing Spine More Common In Thoroughbreds?

Thoroughbred horses are more prone to kissing spine (compared to other breeds) because the tips of their spinous processes are closer together.

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 common in racehorses?

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 are thoroughbreds prone to?

Accidents aside, many Thoroughbred racing horses are unable to remain sound and may develop stress fractures or bone chips throughout their careers. Thoroughbred horses are also prone to health issues including bleeding from the lungs, which can be the result of excessive exercise or excessive inbreeding.

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.

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.

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 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.

Are thoroughbreds prone to ulcers?

Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses with poor performance have a higher incidence of squamous gastric ulcers. More serious cases will show abdominal pain (colic) and/or bruxism (grinding the teeth).

Can a heavy rider cause kissing spine?

There is real damage an overweight for the horse rider can do. The pressure on the back and spine can cause permanent disfigurement and/or something called Kissing Spine, where the vertebrae touch. It can cause psychological issues or trauma.

How do you pick a good Thoroughbred?

Look for a horse with a shiny coat, nicely arched neck, spring in his stride and alert, energized demeanor. Horses that are sweating profusely, bucking or exhibiting other nervous behavior may expend too much energy before the race to produce an optimal effort.

Why are Thoroughbreds hard keepers?

Generally, horses bred for racing, like Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, tend to be hard keepers. This is due to having a more active metabolism than other breeds. These horses often burn more calories each day compared to a similar sized horse, like an American Quarter Horse.

What are 3 fun facts about Thoroughbred horses?

Read the following fun facts and see if any of them surprise you!

• #1 – The breed was developed from three stallions.
• #2 – The foundation mares were all owned by English Kings.
• #3 – Many of the “Greats” in racing have enlarged hearts.
• #4 – Thoroughbreds hold more World Records than any other breed.

How much does kissing spine surgery cost for a horse?

Mostly due to the general anesthesia involved, the cost of this surgery is higher – around $2,500-$3,000, generally. And due to the level of invasiveness, the horse may take several weeks longer to recover once home.

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.

Is kissing spine genetic?

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

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.

What is a roach back horse?

Roach back, known also as kyphosis, occurs occasionally in young horses that grow rapidly. Typically, onset happens after weaning at six to nine months of age. The dorsal processes of the lumbar vertebrae are unusually tall, giving the animal a characteristic hump-backed appearance.

Can you ride a horse with a dipped back?

But Can You Ride A Swayback Horse? Swayback horses can usually be ridden. Before riding a swayback horse, however, it is a good idea to have your veterinarian out for an examination. They can rule out any back pain or underlying conditions that may make riding infeasible.

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.