Why Do Thoroughbreds Get Kissing Spine?

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.

Can a horse recover from kissing spine?

In fact, various studies have shown anywhere from 72 to 95 percent of horses return to full work after surgery. There are three primary surgeries to treat kissing spines. Interspinous ligament desmotomy.

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.

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 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.

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.

What age do horses get kissing spine?

It’s most commonly found in the middle of a horse’s back under the saddle region, but can occur anywhere along the spine. It’s a progressive condition that usually affects horses aged between seven and 14 and is quite common in larger breeds, particularly Thoroughbreds, but rare in ponies.

Is kissing spine genetic?

New research shows the condition may be hereditary. A research team found chromosomes 16 and 25 appear to have regions that affect the severity of kissing spines in warmbloods, thoroughbreds, and stock horses. At the AAEP convention, Dr.

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

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.

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.

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.

What are the signs of kissing spine in horses?

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.

How do you spot a kissing spine?

How do I know my horse has kissing spine?

1. Back pain when pressure is applied along the spine and muscles adjacent.
2. Discomfort, tail swishing and ears back when the saddle is placed on the back.
3. Changes in ridden work such as unwillingness to go forward, stopping when jumping, bucking or general poor performance.

Does kissing spine require surgery?

While kissing spine was once a career-ending diagnosis for performance horses, veterinary medicine has made great strides in the last 15 years and more horse owners are seeking surgery to correct the condition. There are currently two surgeries available to correct kissing spine.

What is the lifespan of a thoroughbred?

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. Whatever the reason or age at which it occurs, all racehorses will eventually cease racing.

How often should a thoroughbred be ridden?

If you want to ride in upper-level competitions, it’s not uncommon for horses to get an intense training session 6 days a week. However, if you just want to keep your horse in a healthy physical condition, riding your horse three times a week for at least 20 minutes at a time can help maintain a good level of health.

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.

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 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.