Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Congenital malformations of the thoracic vertebral column in a mature competition pony.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Hoogelander, Brenda et al.
- Affiliation:
- Sporthorse Medical Diagnostic Centre (SMDC) · Netherlands
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This case involves a 14-year-old Welsh pony that had serious issues with its back. The pony showed signs of muscle wasting along its spine, pain in the middle of its back, and stiffness, especially when cantering. X-rays and a special scan after the pony passed away revealed several birth defects in the bones of its back, including unusual shapes and connections between the vertebrae and ribs. Due to the pony's ongoing pain, concerns for the safety of a young rider, and financial factors, the owner decided to have the pony euthanized. This case emphasizes that even adult horses can have congenital (present at birth) spine problems that cause chronic pain, even if they don’t show signs of nerve issues.
Abstract
Thoracolumbar congenital abnormalities are considered rare in mature, performing horses. This case report describes a 14-year-old Welsh pony presented with marked epaxial muscle atrophy, mid-thoracic spinal pain, and stiffness, most pronounced during canter. The thoracic spine exhibited scoliosis, centered at T9-T10, and kyphosis. Radiography and postmortem computed tomography revealed complex congenital malformations of the thoracic vertebral column, including abnormal morphology of the T10-T12 vertebral bodies, partial vertebral fusion, a malformed spinous process, a malformed rib with associated costovertebral and costotransverse joints, and degenerative changes affecting multiple costovertebral and costotransverse joints. Given the combination of persistent ridden behavioral manifestations, safety concerns for a young rider, financial limitations, and the extent of the anatomical abnormalities, euthanasia was elected by the owner. This report highlights the importance of considering congenital thoracic vertebral anomalies as a potential contributor to chronic thoracolumbar pain in adult horses, even in the absence of neurological deficits.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41651136/