Horse Spinal Diseases

Horses are prone to several spinal conditions, some more debilitating than others. Overall, spinal conditions in horses may not produce the same disastrous results that occur in humans, such as paralysis. Although common spinal conditions may alter a horse's gait, most do not impair normal functions to a severe degree. Of course, like any other disease, spinal conditions are reason for concern, and the level of impairment and/or discomfort may vary according to the disease and the individual horse.

  1. Common Signs

    • There are several conditions that may affect the spine, but most display common signs that indicate spinal disease or malformation. These symptoms include neck pain, soreness, stiffness, and awkward gait or posture. Weakness, muscle tremors and difficulty rising can indicate the severity of a spinal disease.

    Lordosis

    • Lordosis is also known as swayback. It usually occurs in older horses, although it may have an early onset. It develops due to loss of muscle tone and the slackening of soft tissue. Although lordosis gives the horse a swayback appearance, it does not generally affect the horse's ability to function normally (see Resources).

    Cervical Vertebral Malformation

    • Cervical vertebral malformation is characterized by a malformed spinal cord. It can affect any horse of any age or breed. Symptoms include muscle spasms, skin lesions and the loss of ability to coordinate muscle movement. The cause of cervical vertebral malformation is uncertain. Treatment includes drug therapy and surgery.

    Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis

    • In equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, lesions form on the spinal cord and brain stem. It is caused by sporocysts that are present in the feces of opossums. Horses can ingest the sporocysts with their feed. Symptoms include muscles loss, difficulty swallowing, lack of coordination, weakness, head tilt and stumbling. The condition is diagnosed through blood and spinal fluid tests. Treatment requires extensive drug therapy.

    Osteoarthritis

    • Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can lead to lameness. Although it is less common for the spine to be afflicted, osteoarthritis can make it difficult for a horse to bear weight. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling of the affected joints. It affects a horse's ability to walk, run, trot and perform regular activities. Treatment includes pain management and possibly surgery (see Resources).

    Wobblers Syndrome

    • Wobblers syndrome is actually an umbrella term for several conditions that can affect the spinal cord. One form of wobblers syndrome is known as cervical vertebral steno tic myelopathy. The condition is caused by a compression of the spinal cord, and is characterized by an abnormal gait. Surgery may be an option to correct the condition (see Resources).