A Case of Dorsal Spinal Process Impingement in a Horse - Treatment of kissing spines

This horse presented with a history of bucking and bunny hopping at canter when ridden. A thorough clinical examination and a full lameness examination was performed at our clinic at Plum Park Farm.The gelding was sound in a straight line and was flexion test negative. He was also sound on a circle on both a hard surface and a soft surface. Under saddle he put in a small buck during upward transitions and became disunited at canter. He found palpation of his lumbar sacral muscles particularly painful and this induced significant muscle spasm. This history and clinical findings were suggestive of primary back pain. Radiographs (x rays) were taken of the thoracic and lumbar spinal processes using our digital radiography system.These revealed narrowing of several interspinous spaces which are apparent on the x ray seen in this movie. This case was treated surgically at Towcester Veterinary Centre Equine Clinic by removing the tops of the offending impinging spinal processes. The number and location of the processes to resect were determined by the results of the radiography and scintigraphy. 6 months later the horse is in full work & performing well.