Horse back pain | petmd

One of the most important body parts to keep the pain down when riding a horse is their back. After all, you won’t ride a horse’s “back” without a healthy back!

Since horses can develop back pain for many reasons, understanding the causes and methods to prevent it is key to keeping your horse from suffering.

What is horse back pain?

Back pain in horses is common and can contribute to poor performance. This type of pain can suddenly manifest due to overuse or another medical condition.

Because of the wide range of causes, it is extremely important to work with your major veterinarian to determine the exact cause of lower back pain in your horse.

Symptoms of lower back pain in horses

Symptoms of horse back pain can be difficult to recognize as signs may come and go.

Signs that suggest lower back pain may include:

• Bad performance

• Restricted movements

• Behavior or bad while feeling sad or riding

• Refusing work

• Rigidity with specific operations like turns

• I don’t want to change my lead

• Loss of hindlimb propulsion (drive)

• Throw your head

Causes of back pain in horses

Common reasons for back pain in horses can be categorized as medical causes or management issues.

Medical Cause Horse back pain includes the following:

• arthritis (Degenerative Disease of the Spine): Arthritis can occur in the joints of the back, as does the horse’s limbs.

• Spondy syndrome kiss: Two or more bony processes in each vertebra touch each other. When this occurs under the saddle area, some horses develop lower back pain.

• Insufficient three-dimensional structure: A horse with poor conformation can put extra stress on the back and lead to pain.

• Injury:

  
  

  • fracture: A horse that has undergone trauma, such as falling backward, can wither and destroy the upper part of the vertebrae.

  • Muscle or ligament strain: Damage to the soft tissue (muscle) of the back is the most common reason for pain. These muscles are generally tense while riding.

  • Sacroiliac injuryincluding dislocations, strains, arthritis, and hunter bumps: the sacroiliac area of ​​the horse is the area where the dorsal surface adheres to the pelvis. Any type of medical condition in this area can lead to lower back pain.

Management reasons Back pain includes:

• Inadequate saddle fit:A poor fit in any saddle can cause extra stress, pressure or pinching on the horse’s back, not dispensing weight, leading to pain.

• There is too much exercise for the horse’s condition and performance level: A horse with poor fitness may not have the necessary muscles in its back to ride and cause pain without causing tension. It is very important to slowly build muscle and slowly increase your horse’s workload to avoid harm.

• Rider imbalance: If the rider doesn’t even sit on the saddle, or if the stirrups don’t even hold weight, this can cause more tension on one side of the horse than on the other side.

How a veterinarian diagnoses horse’s lower back pain

If you have concerns that your horse may be showing signs of back pain, always call your veterinarian to help determine the root cause.

Usually, veterinarians start by doing physical examinations. Depending on their findings, they may look at your blanket and horse saddle to ensure that it is properly attached. They may also want to see your horse moving under the ground or under the saddle for further evaluation.

After seeing the horse’s movements, further diagnostic tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, and local anesthetics can be used. Back pain can mimic symptoms Lamenes, so it is important to work with your veterinarian to determine and address the appropriate issues.

Make sure to state whether there have been recent changes to your horse’s exercise, equipment, daily life or diet.

How do you treat lower back pain in horses?

Treatment plans for lower back pain in horses vary depending on the cause and severity. Common treatments that may be associated with lower back pain include:

medicine

For some horses with lower back pain, medications may be prescribed to relax the muscles and soft tissues and reduce pain and inflammation.

Some of the common medications that may be given include:

Surgery

Surgery may be considered in situations where you kiss the spine. Surgery is not common due to cost and complications, but in severe cases it may be the best recommendation for pain relief.

Surgery can relieve back pain by reducing movement and removing bone fragments that lead to tension and pain.

Alternative therapy

Your vet may recommend additional treatments in combination with medication to help your horse with lower back pain.

• Chiropractic therapy:Using a horse chiropractor can help loosen joints (relieve scar tissue), relax muscles, and relieve back pain. A horse chiropractor may be able to give you daily stretches and exercise with your horse to help attract and strengthen your horse’s core and back.

• Shock Wave Therapy: This treatment uses sound waves to improve circulation to painful areas and relieve muscle spasms.

• Aqua treadmill therapy: Hydrotherapy helps strengthen the muscles and core of the horse’s back.

Saddle fit and exercise

It is important to ensure that your horse’s saddle is properly installed. If you have back pain, be sure to do the following:

• Check and adjust the horse’s saddle to fit properly.

• It will help you change your horse’s exercise program to build muscle in your back.

• Slowly increase the amount of work to prevent injuries.

supplement

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend this if it is related to lower back pain in your horse.

• Joint supplementsVeterinarians may recommend joint supplements such as: Kosekin or Lubricin It helps support the health of healthy joints.

• Muscle supplements: If your horse is consistent or routinely diligent, your veterinarian may recommend muscle supplements. nano-e or Promotion.

Recovering and managing back pain in horses

If caught early, the lower back pain caused by horse maintenance problems is mild and can be improved with changes in management, supplements and painkillers.

Lower back pain due to medical causes can range from mild to severe and may require rest, painkillers, and supplements.

If you have severe back pain, the resolution may not be possible. At this point, the horse’s You need to consider the quality of your life.

Exercise of horses with back pain

Once the horse recovers from back pain, the vet recommends certain exercises to attract the horse’s core and strengthen the back. for example:

• Stepping on logs and poles under the ground or saddle is perfect for the back and core.
• Hill work and backup helps with active muscles on the back and back end.

Preventing back pain in horses

As a horse owner, you can prevent back pain in several ways:

• It fits the device: Make sure the saddle fits properly

• Relieves exercise: Just ride your horse in a state where they prepare and slowly build their work level

• Maintains ideal weight: Too much weight can cause stiffness in the horse’s joints and back

• Keeps balance: Balance the saddle body properly

• Annual exam: Work with your primary veterinarian to ensure your horse is healthy