27 August 2008 12:42
My five-year-old mare has been diagnosed with dorsal spinal process impingements or ‘kissing spines’ and osteoarthritis of two facet joints. She’s been having shockwave therapy and may have to have corticosteroid injections too. I’m very concerned for her future as she’s dragging her right hind toe badly and I’m not really sure how effective the treatment will be.
Answer
By Your Horse
Vet Mark Lingard advises:
It is unfortunate that such a young horse should have impingingdorsal spinal processes and degenerative joint disease in her facet joints (the articular joints between her vertebrae), which, in my opinion, is even worse.
The treatment at present is focusing on removing the pain from these areas and then allowing her to move as normally as possible, by dissipating the muscle spasm that will be accompanying the bony changes in her spine. Injecting steroid is another way of trying to resolve the pain issue and may be successful in the short- to medium-term.
I’m concerned that your mare is showing signs of lameness in her right hind. If this hasn’t been investigated, pursue the issue with your vet as back pain and hock pain often go together.
The overall picture is not a good one; however, unless you explore her response to the treatment, you’ll never know the outcome.