The Value of Thoracolumbar Radiography for the Judgment of Horse Soundness and the Pre-purchase Requirement

Abstract

Background: Back pain is a disorder with a high-frequency recurrence in horses. There are absolute indications to request radiography besides physical, dynamic, and lameness examinations, especially in animals with normal appearance and without lameness undergoing alteration of the thoracolumbar spines and the sudden onset of back pain. Objective: To assess the value of radiography in identifying thoracolumbar conditions in normal equine that may affect the soundness of the animal and its significance as a pre-purchase basic exam. To determine how well radiography can find thoracolumbar conditions in horses that seem healthy but could affect the animal's health and how important it is as a basic pre-purchase exam. Methods: Nine horses of both sexes, 2 of them were showing lameness, and 7 were apparently normal (lameness-free). A series of lateromedial and DM 20° VLO radiographs of the thoracolumbar column (T1-L6) were acquired with digital equipment. The images were analyzed, and radiographic findings were noted. Results: Different osseous lesions were noted among the studied horses groups. Variable degrees of bone lysis, bone cyst-like lesions and bone remodelling were observed. Kissing spines, sclerosis, and APJ ankylosis were also detected. Though the animals suffer no lameness, radiography predicts their future unsoundness. Conclusion: A radiographic examination of the thoracolumbar spine should be a basic annual exam and a fundamental pre-purchasing procedure to predict an animal's future back pain and lameness.