Back pain in horses

Abstract

Back pain is one of the most important causes that lead to performance issues in the equine athlete. The difficulty of access to the structures involved and the lack of specific clinical signs, making diagnosis difficult and requires the use of diagnostic imaging methods. Therefore, a detailed history, associated with a complete physical examination and complementary examinations such as thermography and ultrasound are essential. Among the thoracolumbar pathologies are included desmitis supraspinous ligament, the myositis, lesions interverebrais discs, osteoarthritis, and the process spinal fusions. The treatments are based on the use of cryotherapy, heat, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local corticosteroid injections, acupuncture, muscle relaxants, physical therapy and change in exercise programs. Keywords: Back, performance, desmitis, thermography, ultrasound, physiotherapy