Long term effects of treatment and management approaches for impinging dorsal spinous processes in ridden horses
Brassington, Rebecca, Hardy, Rachel and Bye, Tracy (2024) Long term effects of treatment and management approaches for impinging dorsal spinous processes in ridden horses. Equine Veterinary Education, 37 (7). pp. 382-388. ISSN 2042-3292
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Abstract
Background: Impinging dorsal spinous processes (IDSP) are a common cause of pain and loss of performance in sports horses, with a range of surgical and conservative treatments available. Objectives: Identify relationships between treatment choice and the likelihood of returning to previous level of performance for horses diagnosed with IDSP. Study design: Cross sectional survey of owners with horses diagnosed with IDSP. Methods: A 14-question online survey was circulated via social media. Data were collected for 260 horses and analysed for associations between treatment choice and return to pre-diagnosis level of performance. Results: Just under 50% of horses in the sample returned to their previous level of performance post-treatment. Horses that were treated surgically had twice the odds of returning to their previous level than those that were not, and horses that underwent an exercise rehabilitation programme had 10 times the odds of returning to level. Main limitations: As this was an owner survey, self-selection bias and recall bias could have influenced the findings. Conclusions: If the aim is for the horse to return to a competitive career post-treatment, the most appropriate surgical intervention appears to be the best approach, and an exercise rehabilitation plan may have benefit.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Horse, Kissing spines, Surgery, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation |
| Divisions: | Agriculture, Science and Practice |
| Depositing User: | Tracy Bye |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Jan 2026 10:46 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Jan 2026 10:46 |
| URI: | https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/16997 |
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