Kissing spines - information needed

[HanGbbn]

Does anyone know anything about the medical condition called 'kissing spines' which can occur in horses?

Would you ever loan a horse with this condition?
If it was sound out hacking but could not go in the school would you consider it then?

Can the condition get worse over time or lead to anything worse>

Sorry for all the questions and thanks to anyone who can help!

Hannah x

[galadriel]

Kedwards's horse, Bud, was recently treated for kissing spine. He's much more reliably sound than he used to be.

If she doesn't comment here you might want to PM her; she could probably tell you a bit more about kissing spine.

[HanGbbn]

Thanks Galadriel i'll wait a bit and see if she replies then PM her.

Thanks again.

[kedwards]

I'm certainly no expert on the condition, but yes, I did successfully deal with this with Bud.

I have heard that, when x-rayed, it's actually a rather common condition, but varies in how serious it is and whether or not it's manageable. In Bud's case, the x-rays did not indicate a severe problem, but they were consistent with his symptoms (evidenced by stiffness, uneveness, and pain). His symptoms were evident in the type of work we did, but I don't suppose it would have been obvious that anything were wrong if we were just hacking out. That is to say, he still would have been somewhat stiff and uneven, but I wouldn't have likely noticed it.

In my case, I ultimately ended up getting injections for him, which relieved him sufficiently to allow him to work properly so that he is now able to build up his musculature in a way that will better support his back. It is hoped that, now that this is happening and he no longer works in a way that exacerbates the problem, that no further treatments will be necessary.

Perhaps it would be best to consult a vet regarding whether this horse would be appropriate for hacking. Personally, I would be leary. In Bud's case, his problem may not have been evident if I weren't looking to make him more balanced and flexible (in the ring), but these are exactly the things that were important in his rehab. Some people had suggested to me, before we finally diagnosed and treated the problem, that perhaps he should just be used as a "trail horse." Thank goodness that didn't happen. He may have been serviceably useful, but he still would have been uncomfortable.

[HanGbbn]

Thanks 4 all the great information its been really helpful!

I think we r gonna leave this horse as she can only do hacking (we have since found out) and i would like to do a bit more.

Thanks anyway honey!

Hannah x