Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pony with back pain and stiffness due to spine malformations
By Hoogelander, Brenda et al.·Published in Journal of equine veterinary science·2026·Sporthorse Medical Diagnostic Centre (SMDC), Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Congenital malformations of the thoracic vertebral column in a mature competition pony.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 14-year-old Welsh pony was brought in for severe back pain and stiffness, especially when cantering. The vet found that the pony had unusual spinal deformities, including scoliosis and other malformations in the thoracic vertebrae that were likely present from birth. Unfortunately, due to the pony's ongoing pain, safety concerns for its rider, and the extent of the issues, the owner decided to euthanize the pony. This case shows that congenital spine problems can cause chronic pain in adult horses, even if they don't show signs of nerve issues.
People also search for: pony back pain · congenital spine problems in horses · euthanasia decision for horse
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 on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41651136/