Scoliosis in Horses

Horses are unique animals. They are one of the few creatures that can be used to provide transportation and labor. Unfortunately, horses can suffer from a plethora of health problems that affect their usefulness, such as scoliosis. Understanding scoliosis will help you deal with the condition, should your horse be affected.

  1. Horse Scoliosis

    • According to veterinarian Rob van Wessum, scoliosis in a horse "is a (pathological) condition of the spine where there is a kind of S-shaped deformation..." The spine's shape is altered. Normally, a horse's spine is straight, but scoliosis causes the spine to take the shape of an "S."

    Causes

    • Van Wessum explains that horse scoliosis usually manifests itself during the horse's early growth stages, although it can also occur less frequently in adulthood. Scoliosis can have many causes, including heavy work, injuries or genetics. When the condition appears in adult horses, it is always due to injury. If certain spinal areas are damaged, the surrounding muscles will spasm. Over time, these contracting muscles deform the spine into an "S" shape.

    Treatment

    • Unfortunately, early scoliosis due to genetics cannot be repaired. However, adult scoliosis is treatable. The outcome is contingent on how early you address the problem. Van Wessum states says that scoliosis can be fully cured if it is discovered early and the injury itself is addressed quickly. Diagnosis includes various tests, such as X-rays and physical examinations. Once scoliosis is confirmed, treatment requires physiotherapy in the form of special exercises.

    Lordosis

    • Scoliosis can come in a slightly different form, known as lordosis. It differs from regular scoliosis because the back does not take on the characteristic "S" shape. Instead, the upper back bends inward, just below the neck. This is also called "low back" or "sway back." Like scoliosis, it can happen at any stage in the horse's life.