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  Discussion on Difference btwn Lordosis & Scoliosis
Author Message
New Member:
Gunnar

Posted on Monday, Apr 4, 2005 - 11:15 pm:

I've read through some of the posts regarding lower back problems in horses, specifically "hunter bumps" and lordosis. My 8 year old gelding has scoliosis... is this the same as lordosis? I believe in humans they're different?

Also, I believe that correct training will help him to "use" his back better - but how much will his back come up? He was used as a hunter/jumper for the past 3 years and is now undergoing a career change to simply dressage:-)

Thank you in advance for your time!

d.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 7, 2005 - 12:22 pm:

Hello Dawn,
The defintions are:
Lordosis is an anteriorly (ventral in the horse) convex curvature of the vertebral column. This would be like a sway back horse.

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral and rotational curvature of the vertebral column. This is where the spine curves sideways. I have only seen this as a congenital malformation.

Hunter bumps are neither and represent a sacroiliac subluxation. The tips of the ilium are displaced dorsally so stick up as the observable bump.

Can you tell me which your horse has?
DrO
Member:
Gunnar

Posted on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 8:45 pm:

Hello again! My apology for not answering this question you so kindly asked sooner!

So to answer... nobody seems to have a clear answer!! My guess would be more Lordosis - however... through work with the chiro and massage and a change of career, the place where the saddle sits has come up quite a bit! Making him just "croup high"!! But a little higher on the right - right where a hunter bump would be.

I belive that some of his "posture" was created by the former type of riding done on him. He was used by a small gal - he's 17 hands - and he was to powerful for her. A gag bit was used to control him -- he's got an large, upright neck and fairly straight in the shoulder with long hind legs. So now my question turns into training versus physical problems!! I'm thinking of re-x-raying his hocks - to rule them out or inject them. It's a long road ahoe!! But we'll get there!

Thank you so much for your concern!! Keep up the good work!!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 6:08 am:

From what we know about lordosis in horses, neither chiropractic or massage is likely to improve spinal curvature and the most likely cause of a improved top line is going to be increase condition (fat and muscle).
DrO
Member:
Miamoo

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2005 - 8:53 am:

Dr. O,

What is the current thought on riding horses with significant sways in their back? Is it likely to cause pain or lameness or is it just their shape and although it looks bad it is not harmful?

Ella :-)
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2005 - 6:45 pm:

There is almost universal agreement these horses are fine to ride.
DrO
Member:
Gunnar

Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 5:41 pm:

Just an update...

Although my boy shows a clear "bump" in his lumbar area (higher on the right side), his career change and new work has made it far more "normal" looking! He's never had x-rays to determine if it's truly scoliosis - my guess is yes - but nothing that appears to impedede his ability as a dressage horse:-) Now I've just got to develop his muscles in a way that helps, rather than exacerbates, his scoliosis!!

Thanks again!! I'll keep you posted on my horses interesting back!

Dawn:-)
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