Kissing Spine - Best Treatment Approach

[cybersasj]

I have an Eventing horse who’s had a weird topline and been positive to back palpations since I got him at 4 - he’s now 19. He’s had a great competition career but is now short stepping worse behind, pausing before jumps, and still palpates positive. On the other hand, he never stops at jumps and still seems to love his job.

After having dozens of vets and vet-chiro’s look at him over the years one finally suggested we radiograph his back and he has kissing spine - what appears to be quite an extreme case thats confirmational in origin. Vet was shocked he lets me sit on him.

The vet injected 5 spots in his spine and gave him some Osphos yesterday - not sure of the outcome yet as he’s still on 3 days stall rest. He’s recommending a series of Shockwave Treatments. For those who have dealt with KS what treatment protocols have you had the best success with?

I basically retired him 6 months ago, but he’s quite sad and doesn’t understand why he never gets ridden anymore. On the lunge hes like a playful 2 year old and when I do ride him he’s as happy and willing as always, so I really want to help him. I’m in the Paso Robles in the Central Coast fo California, so if you have any recommendations I’m all ears!

[findthedistance]

Shockwave was the most useful thing I did for my mare with KS. (Never tried back injections, though.) The response was pretty immediate – within a day or two she would be markedly more comfortable – and I got about 4 months between treatments.

[caryledee]

Osphos seemed to help mine but it takes about 4 weeks to see the benefit. Shockwave is what a lot of vets seem to have success with around me.

[wildlifer]

I used injections successfully with mine (along with focus on always stretching & strengthening topline). 1x per year. Horse is now retired from sport due to unrelated injury, but can still trail / pleasure ride.

[staceymc]

Honestly, it really depends on the horse. I had almost no result from injections, but great results from shockwave and mesotherapy. My horse also really likes to have a heating pad put on his back during cold weather. Additionally, I got a lot of relief when we fixed some issues with his front feet. He was trying to hold his weight off the front feet, exacerbating the back pain.

[beowulf]

24/7 turnout.

After that, a series of shockwave and mesotherapy injections to keep comfort going. Good farriery. The wrong trim can really exacerbate issues; BTDT, dealt with it myself in a personal horse who has mild KS.

Previcox & robaxin is also routinely prescribed for managing KS.

[cybersasj]

Wow, thanks guys - I’ll try all of the above!