Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Spine Appears Curved to Side
Summary
Side to side or lateral curvature of the spine is hard to assess in horses. Simple changes in posture can shift the position of the spine within normal range making the spine appear crooked.
Some degree of spinal curvature is also not uncommon in horses that are otherwise healthy and normal. The effect of these variations is poorly understood.
Some degree of spinal curvature is also not uncommon in horses that are otherwise healthy and normal. The effect of these variations is poorly understood.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- To ensure a correct diagnosis, have your vet examine the horse.
your role
What To Do
If you believe your horse's back or spine is crooked or curved, ensure that they are standing on level ground with their limbs as squarely under them as possible. Stand above and behind your horse (on a fence or block) and reevaluate their back.Assess the horse for lameness and focus on how your horse tracks and how the limbs move. Look for reduced range of motion or a pain response when the back is pressed. Consider your horse's performance. Is it to your expectations?
Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Your vet tries to be as objective as possible when evaluating the back. As mentioned above, posture and positioning is key to an objective back exam. If there truly is scoliosis, the next question becomes whether it is causing a problem, and if so, what can be done about it. Other diagnostics include x-ray, ultrasound, nuclear scintigraphy and others.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What type of riding is the horse used for?
- Is the horse performing to your expectation under saddle?
- Is the horse showing other signs of a problem?
- Do you notice pain to pressure applied to muscles along the back?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Very Common
Less Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health