| Defects of the spine include scoliosis, synostosis, and lordosis. Although all of these conditions are uncommon in foals,
congenital scoliosis is encountered most frequently. On clinical examination, it is often difficult to assess the severity. A better appreciation of the condition can be obtained by radiographic examination. In mild cases, improvement is spontaneous and may be complete. Even in the more severe cases, there is rarely any obvious abnormality in gait or maneuverability. However, these foals frequently are not raised
because they appear unlikely to be able to withstand being ridden or worked. |
| Another occasional congenital deformity is that of synostosis (fusion of vertebrae), which may be associated with secondary scoliosis. Radiography is necessary for confirmation. |
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Congenital lordosis (swayback) is associated with hypoplasia of the intervertebral articular processes. In adult horses, degrees of acquired lordosis and kyphosis (roachback) are occasionally seen, which contribute to back weakness. Diagnosis is based on the clinical appearance and can be confirmed by radiography, which reveals an undue
curvature of the vertebral column, usually in the cranial thoracic region (T5-10) in lordosis and in the cranial lumbar region (L1-3) in kyphosis.
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