Back pain is one of the common health issues that a horse can face at any age. The back of the horse comprises the complex structure of tendons, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and bones, so that you can feel any discomfort or pain in the back of the horse can be felt on all these body parts.
It is not an easy task to diagnose back pain in horses as they cannot tell us where they are hurting, so you must be aware of common notable signs and symptoms.
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Lameness:
Lameness is one of the visible symptoms of back pain in horses, so if a horse exhibits an uneven gait or shows reluctance in movement, especially while riding, it may be due to back pain.
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Restricted Movement:
Back pain leads to difficulty in movement and exercise. So, if your equine is unable to move normally, then it is another sign of pain in the back.
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Behavioral Problems:
With the help of behavioral clues, you can quickly diagnose back pain in horses. If the horse is not responsive to your aids while riding or cannot concentrate, these behavioral changes can be due to back pain. Your equine may arch his back and frequently look at his back with the development of annoying habits during rides in this condition.
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Pain and Tenderness:
You can guess the back pain of a horse by gently palpating the back. It may twitch, flinch, or react when pressure is applied to specific areas at the back.
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Reduced Performance:
A horse that struggles while performing different tasks in which they excel, like racing, dressage, or jumping, can be a victim of back pain.
Many factors can cause back pain in equine, so a few are below.
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Injury:
Trauma to the back, such as accident, fall, or sudden jolts, is responsible for causing back pain in horses.
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Arthritis:
Horses develop arthritis in the spine with aging, which causes pain and stiffness, which can be another cause of back pain.
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Dental Problems:
Dental issues also lead to poor appetite by affecting the eating ability of horses, thus leading to back pain due to an altered posture.
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Overwork:
Overwork, especially excessive exercise on hard surfaces, can strain the back muscles and lead to pain.
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Inadequate Warm-Up and Cool Down Time:
If you are not providing adequate warm-up and cool-down time to your equine before and after exercise, it will badly affect the back muscles and result in discomfort and pain.
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Improper Fitted Tack:
Weight can be distributed evenly only when the tack is fitted correctly. So, improper fitting of saddles or bridles can create pressure points and cause back pain.
1. How to Treat Back Pain in Horse?
In many cases, you can treat back pain quickly by following a few easy steps. So, if your equine is also facing back pain, then you may go for any of the below-mentioned options.
2. Saddle Fitting:
Proper saddle fitting is essential to treat back pain in horses, so consult a professional saddle fitter to prevent future back pain.
3. Change in Exercise:
Modify the exercise routine of your equine so that they don’t overwork, and then gradually reintroduce them to work when they recover from back pain.
4. Rest and Rehabilitation:
Excessive exercise and overwork are among the leading causes of back pain in equine, so proper rest is essential for the recovery of horses. Physical therapy and massage are some unique rehabilitation techniques that will help the horse regain its strength and performance.
5. Consult with a Vet:
A qualified Vet can diagnose and devise the best treatment for a horse with back pain. The vet will adequately examine the issue and use proper medication or other techniques for treatment.
By following these prevention tips, your equine can prevent back pain and fractures.
1. Balanced Diet:
The equine diet prevents back pain and fractures, so you must include vitamins and minerals in the horse’s feed. Natural supplements are the best way of providing all the necessary ingredients that the body of a horse requires so that you can follow natural supplements.
Equinety Horse XL is one of the most amazing natural products for horses that improve muscle support for strength and recovery. You can maximize the performance of horses with cell generation with the help of this product. It will provide the necessary support to the bones of the equine, and it will be able to prevent back pain and fractures. 100% natural amino acids are added in this product, so without any fillers, soy, and sugar, the body of a horse will get what it requires for its best physical health.
Equinety Ultimate OEC is another magical product that supports joint health, healthier coats, and equine skin. It also promotes gastric health and can have a more significant impact on the back pain of horses. This natural product contains flaxseed-based omega-3 oil, colloidal silver, and natural vitamin E. If you combine this product with Equinety Horse XL, then your horse will get a perfect natural supplement. This supplement will ensure the overall health of your equine and prevent any kind of back pain.
4. Easing into Exercise:
An intense workload or exercise is quite dangerous for the well-being of horses. Slowly introduce your equine to work and remember only to ask it to complete the convenient task. Start with low and light exercises to build a routine and gradually increase the exercise or work intervals.
5. Proper Rest:
Allow your horse to rest well to help recover muscles and prevent fractures.
6. Quality Tack:
Invest in quality tack that can distribute weight evenly and minimize pressure points.
7. Dental Checkups:
Dental issues also contribute to back pain in equine, so regular dental checkups will help prevent back pain.
Exercises for Horses with Sore Backs:
Exercise and rehabilitation process play a vital role in the recovery of horses with sore backs, so go for these exercises that will be beneficial for your equine.
1. Ground Work:
Long lining and lunging are groundwork exercises that will help the equine strengthen core muscles and improve balance, so they are best for horses with sore backs.
2. Stretching:
You can reduce muscle tension and increase flexibility with the help of gentle stretches. Pelvic tilts, lateral flexion, and neck stretch benefit horses with sore backs.
3. Massage and Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy and professional massage will help your equine in relieving back pain and promote the process of healing.
4. Walking Up and Down Hills:
Walking up and down hills is another best stretching exercise to improve the muscles of the back and hindquarters. Start with gentle and short hills and gradually increase the steepness and length for the most effective treatment.
FAQs:
Can ulcers cause back pain in horses?
Yes, ulcers cause back pain in horses quickly because it can cause muscle spasms in the hindquarters and back.
What is lumbar back pain in horses?
Discomfort or pain in the lower back region is lumber back pain that can be the result of various factors like trauma, overuse, muscle imbalances, and underlying conditions.
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