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Emma Jayne
New Member
 England
6 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Feb 2009 : 4:59:23 PM
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Does anyone know if kissing spine can course a visible lump on the spine about where the back of the saddle would be?
If not does anyone know what this could be? It is not a saddle sore as there has not been a saddle put on the horse for about 6 months.
Many Thanks
Emma
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Theo
Silver Member
England
368 Posts |
Posted - 23 Feb 2009 : 8:32:54 PM
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Hi Emma,
Kissing spine is a condition where the dorsal spinal processes rub against each other, causing an 'arthritic' and very painful joint/ joints on the horses' back. The only way to diagnose the condition is through radiographs (X'ray). Sometimes they do present as swellings but normally the condition exists nearer the withers (Pommel end)
So from your description of the position, very unlikely...
Is the swelling soft, hard, hot, cold... painful on pressure? |
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Emma Jayne
New Member
England
6 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2009 : 2:38:46 PM
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Hi, thank you for your advice. The swelling seems to be towards the end of the thoracic and at the start of the lumbar vertebrae, it is central however is more on the near side. The swelling is hard to touch and doesn't move and is just at body temperature.
I have had a couple of back people out to look at her in the last 18 months who have said that it seems to be a saddle sore. The swelling however has never gone away and the mare has not had a saddle on now for about 6 months, but is still sensitive when the swelling touched. |
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Theo
Silver Member
England
368 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2009 : 8:41:53 PM
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Hi Emma,
Well...
hard= scar tissue
cold= old
You say that this condition has existed for 18 months and despite not having been ridden for 6 months, this lump is still there...
Now, did she exhibit any 'unusual' behaviour just before you stopped riding her? Bucking, rearing or resistance etc?
Was she constantly throwing you to the nearside under saddle?
Did the two chiro visits reveal anything wrong that had to be corrected on her? ie hip/ iliosacral being out? If so, that'll confirm that she may be throwing your balance to the nearside or twisting the saddle whilst in motion. Sure sounds like a saddle problem to me.
Now, IMHO, I would make an appointment with the vets for a couple of x-rays at their surgery ('cos you'll need the high powered machine) and whilst you're there get an ultrasound scan on it if the x-rays are inconclusive. Then you'll know exactly what you're dealing with, and your vet would be able to give the advice for the correct course of treatment to reduce the swelling. There's no point in guessing anymore.
In the meantime, if she is still safe to work under saddle, then get her lungeing fit, first with roller, then have the saddle checked by a reputable saddler and fit a foam pad of suitable thickness under the numnah with a cut-out for the affected area- a trick we used when working with TB's, darn half-tree saddles that never fitted! ( so the pressure is totally off the swelling when you're seated onboard) Your saddler will be able to help you with that. Hope this makes sense?
Good luck, keep us posted!
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Edited by - Theo on 25 Feb 2009 8:49:19 PM |
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