Whether you are an avid equestrian, a breeder, or just a fan of horses, then you know that horses are extremely strong and powerful creatures that can be quickly taken down with improper riding and care techniques. Equine back pain and problems often debilitate a horse and reduce its ability to comfortably move, which is why a horse’s back can be such a problem area. Whether the pain creeps in gradually over the years or strikes suddenly after an incident, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. When a horse experiences back pain, it can be a source of discomfort and even frustration for the horse and its owner, which is why our understanding of it is extremely beneficial to every level of equestrian.
Our Cloud Peak Veterinary Clinic is dedicated to equestrians of all skills and expertise, which is why our team wants to explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments to your horse’s back pain with you. Discovering the subtle signs of your horse’s discomfort is a crucial skill for any rider or horse owner, which is where we come in. Our experts are well-trained in equine care and all things relating to horses, so do not hesitate to reach out to us for personalized tips and tricks. Call us at (307) 347-2781 or stop by our clinic in person so we can address and treat your large companion’s pain today!
Causes
Just like people, horses can develop back pain over years or in just an instant, but there are things you can do to mitigate the long-term damage. By understanding the common causes of back pain, you will be better equipped to avoid them and preserve your horse’s happiness and wellness. The common causes of horse back pain are:
- Poor Saddle Fit: An ill-fitting saddle is one of the most common causes for equine back pain, and it is one of the most preventable. When a saddle does not fit the horse correctly, the rider’s weight cannot be distributed evenly across their back, causing awkward movement, muscle soreness, pressure points, and even long-term spinal issues. If you are unsure of your saddle’s fit, your horse will often be the first to tell you with unwillingness to move, aggressive behavior, and much more. Consult with a trusted rider before hopping on the saddle and be willing to make adjustments to fit your horse’s needs.
- Muscle Strain: Similar to when we overexert our own muscles, our equine friends are just as likely to suffer from muscle strain and the associated pain. Whether it’s due to overexertion, excessive workloads, hoof pain, or awkward movements, a horse’s muscle strain is a serious issue that requires prompt treatment from a qualified professional. Often, this strain develops in the lower back and upper part of the back legs, seriously prohibiting comfortable movement.
- Arthritis and Degeneration: Often, older horses are predisposed to joint degeneration as the continuous years of hard work will take a toll on the bones and surrounding ligaments. As their joints weaken, your horse will lose their ability to properly walk, move, work, and even lay down, which is why we recommend employing retirement. The arthritis will often develop in the horse’s spine, causing severe discomfort and sometimes pain with the slightest movement.
- Injuries: While it may be the most obvious, injuries can cause unimaginable back pain for our horses. Because horses are such large animals, it can be harder to promote proper healing as the pressure from their weight alone can exacerbate the issue. Once an accident happens and an injury is sustained, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is paramount to your equine’s long-term health, wellness, and recovery.
Diagnosing Back Pain
Recognizing back pain in horses can be challenging as they are renowned for being stoic animals that often hide signs of discomfort. However, there are some common indicators that are important for any rider or equine owner to understand. The four best ways you can diagnose your horse’s back pain are to pay attention to:
1. Altered Gait: One of the most visible indicators of pain is an altered, irregular, awkward, or stiff gait. Similar to how humans limp or shorten their gait, horses may begin to shorten their stride or move at an uneven pace to lessen their discomfort. It is relatively easy to determine if your horse has changed its gait based on visual queues, but reach out to your vet or farrier if you are unsure.
2. Behavioral Changes: If an animal is experiencing pain, their personality can quickly change for the worse. Back pain especially can cause pain and soreness all over the horse’s body, so if touched the wrong way, your horse may experience pain. When one of your equine friends becomes irritable, reluctant to work, resistant to being saddled, and opposed to being ridden, then they may be experiencing serious back pain. Horses experiencing back pain have been known to exhibit severe signs of aggression when their back is touched, so be cautious if you think your horse may be exhibiting behavioral changes.
3. Muscle Atrophy: This describes the decrease in size and functionality of a muscle, usually caused by repeated stress over long periods of time. This decrease may be caused by an animal’s age, genetic makeup, work history, and certain medical conditions, but can lead to serious problems. Muscle atrophy along the spine is a telltale sign of chronic back pain and issues as the spine muscles can no longer support the weight of the horse without discomfort. If you notice that your horse’s muscles are getting smaller and weaker despite routine use, speak to a professional.
4. Pain Response: When an animal is in pain, their reflexes are instinctively sharpened and primed to protect them from danger. As a result, a horse with back pain may visibly react when any pressure is applied to their back or the surrounding area. Often, the pained equine will flinch, tense their muscles, or move away from the pressure. Checking your horse’s pain response is an excellent way to determine whether or not they are experiencing back pain.
To diagnose the specific cause and location of the pain, it is advisable to consult a trusted veterinarian. They may use a combination of physical exams, diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays or ultrasounds), and observations of the horse’s movement to pinpoint the problem. Diagnosing the issue is an important part of an animal’s health, as the sooner they are diagnosed, the sooner they can be treated.
Back Pain Care for Horses – Professional Equine Care
Managing the Pain
To preserve your equine’s health, wellness, and happiness, you need to take the appropriate plan of action. Your horse’s pain may stem from a variety of unpredictable and predictable causes, and as such, your horse should have a treatment plan that is tailored to their needs. Often, these steps effectively manage your equine’s pain and discomfort:
- Address Saddle Fit: As mentioned, the fit and feel of a saddle can greatly affect a horse’s health. Ensure that your saddle correctly fits your horse and regularly check its position. Professional riders and saddle fitters can also aid in achieving an optimal fit if you are unsure. It is better to be safe than sorry, so ask your fellow riders to check the saddle if necessary.
- Proper Riding Techniques: Riders should be educated in proper riding techniques and understanding their horse’s signs of discomfort. Avoid putting excessive pressure onto the horse’s back, especially while they are growing. If you are a first-time rider, we recommend seeking riding lessons from a qualified instructor to avoid injury and unnecessary stress for both you and the animal.
- Rest and Rehabilitation: Horses that experience back pain and discomfort need adequate rest and rehabilitation to properly recover from stress, injury, and other potential harm. Recovery could include stall rest, gentle hand-walking, or turnout in a small paddock. Your horse should be able to move without overexertion to regain their health and strength.
- Physical Therapy: The careers of chiropractors and physical therapists have become specialized and thankfully, that includes equines! Both professions have developed targeted treatments that focus on alleviating the horse’s pain or discomfort. Often, physical therapy, or PT, is utilized in cases to reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and restore spinal alignment. The treatment timeline is entirely dependent on the care the animal needs, so speak to a professional about a customized plan.
- Medication: In some cases, anti-inflammatory medication may be necessary to reduce the horse’s discomfort and any subsequent swelling. It is important that a veterinarian makes the call about anti-inflammatory or pain management medication as it can greatly affect the animal. If you are looking to utilize medication to manage your horse’s symptoms and pain, speak to a trusted veterinarian before you give any form of medication to your equine companion.
- Exercise and Conditioning: Only after the horse has fully recovered from the illness or problem should they be reintroduced to exercise and a consistent conditioning routine. To regain their strength, the horse’s physical recovery program should reflect the horse’s needs at their own pace. Proper exercise and conditioning is crucial to a full physical recovery and a healthier back.
If you are unsure of the steps to take, speak to your trusted vet. The use of their backs is an essential element of a horse’s health and happiness, meaning that prompt and professional treatment are mandatory if recovery is desired. To speak to professionals near you, give Cloud Peak Vet a call today.
Protecting Your Horse’s Back
For horse enthusiasts, understanding the strength and vulnerabilities of these majestic creatures is key for a happy and healthy equine companion. Your interactions with your horse carry much more weight than you may have previously thought as improper riding and care techniques can lead to back pain. Back pain in horses is a common issue that requires careful attention and proactive management. By addressing the root causes, seeking professional guidance for diagnosis, and providing the appropriate care, you can help your horse lead a comfortable and fulfilling life. Whether the back issue is a consequence of years of use or an unpredictable accident, it is important that you have the tools, information, and team to get your horse back to their healthy selves. We’re here to help all equestrians by exploring the causes, symptoms, and treatments for horse back pain, so give us a call. Contact our Cloud Peak Clinic at (307) 347-2781 or visit our clinic to ensure your horse’s well-being and your peace of mind. Don’t hesitate any longer!
