Page 565 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

These may include:

• areas of muscle spasm or swelling
VetBooks.ir • a sideways curve to the spine (scoliosis) caused by the strained and tight muscles on one

side

• heat and pain on palpation
• stiffness

• dipping the back when mounted

• reduced hind limb impulsion

• reluctance to go forwards or poor performance.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made on the clinical examination and blood tests may be taken to check the
muscle enzyme levels. Creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are

elevated if there is significant muscle damage.

Treatment

Treatments include:

• a period of rest

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. phenylbutazone

• physiotherapy
• acupuncture

• manipulation (osteopathy or chiropractic)

• controlled exercise as part of a rehabilitation programme

• gentle stretching.

IMPINGEMENT AND OVERRIDING OF THE DORSAL

SPINOUS PROCESSES (KISSING SPINES)

Each of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae has a dorsal spinous process (DSP). As discussed
earlier in this chapter, the DSPs of the majority of the thoracic vertebrae point in a slightly

backwards direction. The caudal thoracic and lumbar vertebrae point slightly forwards. The
16th thoracic vertebra, known as the anticlinal vertebra, points directly upwards. A gap of at