Impingement of the dorsal spinous processes in Thoroughbred racehorses
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
Summary
# Impingement of the Dorsal Spinous Processes in Thoroughbred Racehorses Dorsal spinous process impingement and associated vertebral pathology are remarkably prevalent in Thoroughbred racehorses, yet often remain undiagnosed during routine clinical assessment. Post-mortem examination of 36 racehorses euthanised at Californian tracks revealed impingement of the dorsal spinous processes in 92% of specimens and transverse process impingement in 97%, alongside near-universal degenerative changes in thoracolumbar articular processes (97%), lumbar intertransverse joints, and sacroiliac articulations. Whilst acute sacroiliac injury was uncommon, the widespread and sometimes severe chronic degenerative changes documented suggest these lesions develop progressively during the horse's racing career. For practitioners managing performance horses, these findings underscore the importance of thorough spinal and pelvic assessment—particularly imaging of the caudal thoracic and lumbar regions—as unidentified vertebral pathology may be a significant but overlooked contributor to poor performance, back pain, and apparent lameness that fails to resolve when only distal limb structures are investigated.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Back and pelvic pain from vertebral impingement and degenerative changes are extremely common in racing Thoroughbreds and should be systematically evaluated when investigating poor performance or lameness
- •Many horses may have undiagnosed vertebral and pelvic lesions contributing to athletic dysfunction; imaging and clinical assessment of the lumbosacral and thoracolumbar spine is warranted in underperforming racehorses
- •The high prevalence of these lesions suggests degenerative changes of the caudal spine and pelvis are an occupational consequence of racing and warrant consideration in training, farriery, and ridden work modifications
Key Findings
- •Dorsal spinous process impingement was present in 92% of Thoroughbred racehorses examined post-mortem
- •Transverse process impingement occurred in 97% of specimens
- •Thoracolumbar articular processes showed degenerative changes in 97% of specimens
- •Degenerative changes at lumbar intertransverse joints and sacroiliac articulations were observed in 100% of specimens, with some changes being severe and widespread