Post-Mortem Computed Tomographic Features of the Most Caudal Lumbar Vertebrae, Anatomical Variations and Acquired Osseous Pathological Changes, in a Mixed Population of Horses.
Authors: Scilimati Nicola, Angeli Giovanni, Di Meo Antonio, Dall'Aglio Cecilia, Pepe Marco, Beccati Francesca
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Thoracolumbosacral pain remains a diagnostic challenge in equine practice, yet post-mortem imaging studies have been limited. Using computed tomography on 40 equine specimens, Scilimati and colleagues characterised both normal anatomical variations and degenerative changes affecting the four most caudal lumbar vertebrae, revealing that spinous process contact occurred in 54% of cases, fusion in 15%, and lumbar spondylosis in 42.5%—with spondylosis significantly more prevalent in older horses (p < 0.001). The intertransverse joints at L(ii)-L(i) demonstrated the highest pathological burden, with bony changes present in 97% of specimens on the left side and 96% on the right, whilst spondylolisthesis and partial disc fusion appeared associated with these degenerative conditions. Although bone density did not differ significantly between affected and unaffected specimens, the widespread nature of these findings suggests that many age-related changes in the caudal lumbar spine may be incidental rather than clinically significant. This comprehensive baseline data will help practitioners distinguish normal anatomical variation and age-related degeneration from pathology that actually warrants intervention, ultimately improving clinical decision-making when imaging horses presenting with back pain.
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Practical Takeaways
- •High prevalence of degenerative changes in caudal lumbar vertebrae suggests thoracolumbosacral pain in older horses may be multifactorial; CT imaging warranted for horses with persistent back pain unresponsive to other treatments
- •Intertransverse joint involvement is nearly universal in post-mortem specimens; consider this region specifically when evaluating horses with lumbar pain or performance issues
- •Anatomical variations and pathological changes increase significantly with age; horses with chronic back pain should be evaluated for degenerative disc disease and spondylosis in addition to soft tissue pathology
Key Findings
- •Spinous process contact detected in 54% of specimens and fusion in 15%, with higher prevalence in older horses (p < 0.001)
- •Lumbar spondylosis present in 42.5% of specimens, predominantly affecting lateral aspects or ventral-lateral aspects (71% of affected cases)
- •Intertransverse joint changes were most common, affecting 97% of specimens on left side and 96% on right side at L(ii)-L(i) level
- •Spondylolisthesis and partial vertebral disc fusion were found in association with degenerative pathologies in the caudal lumbar region