The thoracolumbar spine and sacroiliac joint region are common sources of pain in horses, which can negatively impact performance and welfare. In this session the approach to evaluation and management of both conditions, and the challenges faced by equine and mixed practitioners, will be reviewed. Careful evaluation is essential to differentiate primary thoracolumbar or sacroiliac joint region pain from distant sources of pain which cause secondary thoracolumbosacral pain or biomechanical dysfunction. Clinical presentations and gait abnormalities seen in association with the conditions will be presented using case examples. The potential for integration of the Ridden Horse Ethogram and objective gait analysis systems by equine and mixed practitioners will be critically reviewed. An overview of the use of diagnostic analgesia and imaging will be presented considering the evidence currently available. The session will conclude with a discussion of the principles of managing horses with primary thoracolumbar or sacroiliac joint region pain.
Equine/Anesthesia/Radiology
Presented by Laura Quiney
Clinical Manager at IMV Imaging
Presented at London Vet Show 2019