and more. Then imagine this plank has
processes on it, as the plank bows more
the processes will be brought even closer
together, then add the weight of a person
sitting on top of the plank and I would
be surprised if the plank doesn't bow
so much it touches the floor or breaks,
and nearly all of the processes will be
touching. The horses core muscles, the
multifidus muscles, need to be strong
to help the back defy gravity. Riders
without knowledge of how to work the
horses core correctly can be putting their
horse at great risk of spinal problems.
Treatment
What does the treatment involve? Some
professionals believe that KS no matter
what the severity, can be treated by
physical therapy alone. Depending on
the severity, I am not of this belief. If
it is low – moderate in severity and
there is no fusion taken place yet, then
yes physical therapy along with correct
riding and training can correct them
problem. However, if moderate to
severe, I think that surgical intervention
followed by a controlled rehabilitation
and physical therapy is essential to
40
correct KS, not just physical therapy
alone. Surgical interventions that are
carried out usually involve removing the
top of bone from every other alternating
DSP in the area with the problem, so
they are no longer able to touch. Other
options include corticosteriod injections,
interspinous ligament desmopathy,
mesotherapy, shock wave therapy and
Tildren. Speak to your vet to find out
more about these options.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
involves strengthening the core,
strengthening the long back muscles,
and improving flexion through the spine
using something like a pessoa, aqui-ami,
pilates bands, or equicore system, also
using pole work, long reining, stretches,
massage, mobilisations, adjustments and
manipulation. The programme can be
quite intense with exercises to be done
2-3 times per day. If you are not able to
carry out the programme effectively due
to other commitments; work, children
etc. it can be best for your horse if you
send them to a dedicated rehabilitation
facility where the work can be carried
out to the letter, to give your horse the
best possible chance of full recovery.
How can I prevent my horse
from developing KS?
Develop core and back strength is the
most important thing to do – if you are
not sure how to do this speak to your
physical therapist or instructor.
Regular check ups with your physical
therapist to pick up any changes to
musculature early so this can be relieved,
and you can alter your training if
required before the muscles begin to pull
too much on the vertebrae. Also, to give
an assessment of your horses core and
some exercises to improve it.
Regular checks of the tack especially
the saddle (by a qualified saddle fitter),
so that it can be corrected before it starts
to affect the muscles.
Get signs of lameness investigated
quickly so the horse doesn't have to alter
its spinal posture to accommodate a
different way of going for too long.
If you are in any doubt over your
horses health Everything Horse UK Ltd
and Michelle Woolrich, Cheshire Equine
Therapy, strongly advise you should
contact a qualified vet. Before any type of
therapry can take place full permission
must be sought by the horses registered
vet.
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 26• November 2015