Overview of Disorders of the Back and Pelvis in Horses

Back problems are a major cause of poor performance and gait abnormalities in sport horses and racehorses. Although the history and clinical (physical and dynamic) examination can suggest functional abnormalities of the vertebral column, definitive diagnosis of the cause of pain is a challenge.

There is a complex relationship between subtle (usually bilateral) hindlimb lameness, back pain, and poor performance. It can be challenging to differentiate and definitively determine the relative importance of differing orthopedic pathologies in such cases.

Once back pain is suspected or established in a horse, identification of the cause requires imaging. There have been major advances in this discipline, particularly relating to the integration of radiographic, ultrasonographic, and nuclear scintigraphic findings. In addition, the understanding of relationships between specific imaging findings and pain has improved.