Advances in the Clinical Diagnostics to Equine Back Pain: A Review of Imaging and Functional Modalities.
Authors: Domańska-Kruppa Natalia, Wierzbicka Małgorzata, Stefanik Elżbieta
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Equine back pain remains a widespread problem in ridden horses, with multiple underlying pathologies—ranging from impinging dorsal spinous processes and intervertebral disc disease to muscle strain and conformational issues—often compounded by secondary effects of hindlimb lameness, poor saddle fit, and rider imbalance. This 2024 review examines both conventional diagnostic approaches (clinical examination, ultrasonography, radiography, and thermography) and emerging advanced modalities, including objective quantification tools such as algometers and pressure-sensitive biometric mats, alongside cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography and scintigraphy) and functional assessments via electromyography and electrical stimulation techniques. Whilst traditional orthoppaedic examination and standard imaging will continue to underpin clinical diagnosis, the integration of advanced diagnostic methods offers substantially improved objectivity in identifying pathology and monitoring rehabilitation outcomes—particularly important given the demands placed on performance horses. For equine professionals, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge: although modern modalities enable more precise diagnostics and evidence-based progression of training and therapy, they complement rather than replace fundamental clinical skills and conventional imaging protocols. Understanding the capabilities and appropriate applications of these tools—from pressure algometry to functional electrical stimulation—allows farriers, veterinarians, physiotherapists, and coaches to work collaboratively towards more rigorous, data-driven management of back pain cases.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Integrate conventional clinical examination with advanced diagnostic tools to obtain objective, quantifiable data for back pain cases—this strengthens diagnosis and allows you to track rehabilitation progress objectively
- •Always assess saddle fit and rider position as part of back pain workup; these modifiable factors significantly impact outcomes
- •Modern diagnostic methods meet the demands of high-performance horses and enable earlier, more precise intervention—consider referring complex cases to facilities with CT, scintigraphy, or EMG capabilities
Key Findings
- •Conventional diagnostic protocols (clinical examination, ultrasound, radiography, thermography) form the foundation for equine back pain diagnosis
- •Advanced diagnostic modalities including algometers, lameness locators, biometric mats, and geometric morphometrics provide objectification of standard procedures
- •Modern imaging techniques (CT, scintigraphy) combined with electromyography and functional electrical stimulation enable deeper diagnostics and objective rehabilitation monitoring
- •Saddle fit and rider balance are important factors influencing development of back pain in ridden horses