Spinal articular dysfunction is common in athletic horses

• DOI: 10.1111/evj.14541
• Publication Date: 2025-06-02T05:38:38Z
• Authors: Claudia R. Patricio; Gustavo H. Z. Winter; Petra Garbade
• Keywords: Dysfunctional family

Abstract Background Spinal articular dysfunction disrupts normal neural function and may lead to stiffness, pain or poor performance. Back is common in equine athletes, it a complaint by horse owners requesting chiropractic evaluations. Objectives To describe the prevalence of spinal showjumping horses. Study Design Retrospective analysis clinical records. Methods Records from 3 years examinations horses, beginners high‐performance levels. Each had 30 segments evaluated for presence dysfunctional articulations. Exams were performed certified International Veterinary Chiropractic Association veterinarian. Data recorded included age, sex, history previous veterinary examinations. Descriptive statistical was age groups: G1 up 6 old, G2 7 10 years, G3 11 14 G4 15 above. Significance set as p < 0.05; results presented mean ± SD. Results Four hundred ninety‐two jumping horses (4–19 old). On average, animals 11.9 (±3.5) segments. The minimal number observed 2 maximum 23. No free dysfunction, 442 (89.8%) found have segmental all regions. most affected vertebrae L3, L2, L4, C1 T7. Dysfunctional cervical region diagnosed less frequently ( 0.05). Main Limitations Objective measurements unavailable. Lameness, when present, not graded directly correlated with dysfunction. Conclusions Jumping high mainly lumbar spine, thoracic sling area atlanto‐occipital joint. spine increases age. athlete this study