Kissing Spines PPE - Pass or no?

[gclair141]

OK so I have been on the hunt for my unicorn… my forever horse. Ultimate goal is to do 1.20-1.30m with said horse.

Of course I found my unicorn, overseas (I have imported before and do not need guidance on this aspect). He is 10, 17.2 and very successfully doing the 1.45m… As in, I’ve seen videos and have proof he is successfully and actively doing it… multiple times over the last 4-6 months. I have flat videos, tack up videos, everything… and he has shown 0 instances pain… ie, nothing with girthing, getting on, cantering, jumping, etc. Truly looks 100% sound.

So I did my PPE and they found 0 issues EXCEPT of course some Kissing spines (2-3) and a cyst on his back. So I’m waiting on a few vets opinions and doing my research but also wanted to ask opinions here as it appears it not a cut and dry topic.

The logical part of me says… he has kissing spine, why take any risk if you know about it before and there are so many horses out there!! The horse crazy amateur part of me says… hes perfect, hes got the experience you want, he shows no signs and is doing his job… maybe its worth the risk!!!

Thanks for any thoughts in advance!!

[Jealoushe]

Personally, if you can’t see the horse in person and watch how its body moves in front of you, then no, I would pass based on the findings.

Not a great start, which could be overlooked depending on the horse, but to not be able to meet and see this in person, and ensure no pain, no drugs, no force etc or there is a lameness that doesn’t show in the video.

Do you or you trainer have anyone who could go see the horse in person? Or have you seen in person?

[hoopoe]

are you talking about a bone cyst associated with the kissing spine?

[eponacelt]

Kissing spine can be manageable. I’d want to know whether they were doing anything to help “manage” it right now. You’d need to at least be willing to continue that. Other than that, do what a good sporthorse vet tells you with this purchase.

[beowulf]

I wouldn’t.

I have never seen a horse be entirely asymptomatic when there’s clinical findings on x-ray.

Most are just subtle enough that they aren’t picked up on by average owners/trainers, or, they are misattributed to another existing issue like ulcers or saddle fit.

[EmilyM]

I have a bone cyst in my hip. My hip pain came on suddenly and was serious. Like I couldn’t walk farther than 100 feet without resting, and I was 41. To the point I was kind of terrified. It’s taken three years for it to be not a constant nagging pain but it always hurts a little bit and I’ve lost range of motion. This is after two steroid injections, PT and daily stretches and exercises. And I also take Motrin pretty much daily or 2x a day. Oh and the specialist at UPenn didn’t think my MRI warranted all that pain

I would never buy a horse w a bone cyst knowing how it affects me.

[Willesdon]

I won’t buy anything online as I always like to see, feel and smell whatever I propose buying, even down to books or flowers. So, even though KS can be adequately managed with a good vet, I wouldn’t buy this horse. You haven’t been able to see, feel and smell him in person. It would be cheaper to fly to Europe and see him than to import and then spend $$$$ treating an identified problem.

[Jo]

Did you do a blood panel to see if there were any drugs in his system?

[DawgLady]

Listen, if you’re willing to import off video, the world is your oyster. Europe has a ton of these horses available. Why get hung up on one particular horse when it has significant clinical findings? What makes him/her such a rare unicorn?

Also, IME, these giant horses are harder to keep sound. So you’re really rolling the dice here.

[findeight]

Given the current environment of skyrocketing horsekeeping costs and being absolutely, completely honest with yourself. Can you easily afford ongoing vet bills to monitor and manage this KS? Better research that. And can you accept he may not be able to continue a regular Jumping program with schooling, lessons and shows if (when) the KS deteriorates with advancing age and increasing miles?

One thing here, 10 is much older then usually offered for export. Hints that he has very likely been in a program and had a regular job until recently but can no longer handle it. 10 is a little early to be stepping down and exported for physical reasons. That’s a concern.

Also keep in mind that these horses are usually sent to dealers who present them to overseas buyers- most don’t really know much about each individual horse sent to them except what sellers told them. That would worry me.

Why go 5k miles away buy a 10 year old with possibly expensive and physically limiting, often degenerative problems? Theres lots of those over here.

[hoopoe]

@gclair141

I’ve seen videos and have proof he is successfully and actively doing it… multiple times over the last 4-6 months. I have flat videos, tack up videos, everything… and he has shown 0 instances pain… ie, nothing with girthing, getting on, cantering, jumping, etc. Truly looks 100% sound.

are you sure this soundness was not drug aided? is the show system under drug surveillance

I vote there are many other fish in the sea