Computed tomography of the equine caudal spine and pelvis. Pathological findings in 56 clinical cases (2018-2023).
Authors: Ogden Nadine Kristina Elise, Winderickx Katja, Stack John David
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: CT Imaging of the Equine Caudal Spine and Pelvis Whilst computed tomography has become increasingly available for equine spinal imaging, this retrospective analysis of 56 clinical cases represents the first large-scale description of pathological findings specific to the caudal spine and pelvis region. The cohort, ranging from 8 months to 20 years old and presenting predominantly with lameness (54%) or poor performance (32%), revealed osseous pathology in 73% of cases, with sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis being most prevalent (50% of affected horses), followed by intervertebral disc pathology (21%), pelvic fractures (16%), and coxofemoral osteoarthritis (14%); notably, 70% of horses with positive findings presented multiple concurrent lesions. Whilst these findings provide valuable diagnostic reference data for practitioners utilising CT in cases of suspected lumbosacroiliac pain, hindlimb lameness, or poor performance, the authors appropriately emphasise that the clinical significance of many identified lesions remains uncertain, and correlation between imaging findings and presenting signs cannot yet be assumed. For farriers, veterinarians, and therapists managing horses with chronic hindquarter dysfunction, CT now offers a definitive diagnostic tool, though interpretation should account for the frequent presence of multiple pathologies and the need for further research establishing which lesions are clinically relevant versus incidental findings.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •CT imaging of the caudal spine and pelvis is a valuable diagnostic tool for horses with hindlimb lameness, poor performance, or suspected lumbosacroiliac pain, as diverse osseous pathologies can be identified
- •Be aware that many affected horses have multiple concurrent lesions; finding one abnormality should prompt careful examination for others in the region
- •CT findings do not always correlate with clinical signs—imaging results must be interpreted alongside clinical examination and response to treatment, as causality remains unproven
Key Findings
- •Osseous pathology was identified in 41/56 horses (73%), with sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis being most common (n=28, 50%)
- •Intervertebral disc pathology and pelvic fractures were identified in 12 and 9 horses respectively, demonstrating diverse pathological patterns
- •Many patients presented with multiple concurrent lesions in the caudal spine and pelvis
- •The relationship between CT imaging findings and clinical signs remains unclear, highlighting a knowledge gap in understanding lumbosacroiliac pathology