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Osseous pathologic changes in the thoracic region of the equine vertebral column: A descriptive post-mortem study in three breeds.
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  • Tijn Spoormakers,
  • Stefanie Veraa,
  • E.A.M. Graat,
  • Rene van Weeren,
  • Harold Brommer
Tijn Spoormakers
Universiteit Utrecht Faculteit Diergeneeskunde

Corresponding Author:t.j.p.spoormakers@uu.nl

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Stefanie Veraa
Universiteit Utrecht Faculteit Diergeneeskunde
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E.A.M. Graat
Wageningen University & Research Leerstoelgroep Adaptatiefysiologie
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Rene van Weeren
Universiteit Utrecht Faculteit Diergeneeskunde
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Harold Brommer
Universiteit Utrecht Faculteit Diergeneeskunde
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Abstract

Background: Data on equine thoracic pathology hardly exist in other breeds than Thoroughbreds. Objectives: To describe pathological changes of the osseous thoracic vertebral column in Warmblood horses, Shetland ponies and Konik horses, and to compare prevalence and severity. Study design: Descriptive post-mortem study. Methods: Computed tomography examined the thoracic vertebral column of 34 Warmblood horses, 28 Shetland ponies, and 18 Konik horses. Osteoarthritis (OA), periarticular osteolysis (PO), cyst-like lesions (CLL) and fragments of articular processes (APJs), costovertebral (CVJs) and costotransverse (CTJs) joints, soft tissue (ST) mineralisation surrounding these joints, intervertebral disc (IVD) mineralisation, impingement of spinous processes (SPs) and spondylosis were scored. Results: APJ aplasia (98%; 58/ 59) occurred in 14 Shetland ponies. OA predominated in Warmblood horses across all joints (45% vs. 29 and 32%, p<0.001). OA and PO were particularly found in CTJs (p<0.001) across all breeds. Warmblood and Konik horses showed more and severe ST mineralisation than Shetland ponies (2.3%, score 1.5 and 3.2%, score 1.3, respectively, vs. 0.3%, score 0.9, p<0.01). Mid location was most often affected with highest severity score (4.2%, 1.5, p=0.001). Konik horses displayed the highest IVD mineralisation (20%, p<0.001), which notably increased with age (p<0.001) compared to Warmblood horses (4.5%) and Shetland ponies (1.1%). SPs impingement was absent in Shetland ponies, and most prevalent in Warmblood horses (11.2%, p=0.0004) compared to Konik horses (2.2%). CLL, fragments and spondylosis were minimal in all breeds, nearly absent in Shetland ponies. Main limitations: Clinical histories were unavailable. Conclusions: Distinct breed differences exist in prevalence and severity of thoracic vertebral column osseous pathologies. CTJ pathology prevails over APJ in all breeds. Warmblood horses are prone to OA, spondylosis and SPs impingement; Konik horses exhibit significant IVD mineralisation, and Shetland ponies demonstrate high APJ aplasia . PO, CLL, fragments and ST mineralisation are notably low in Shetland ponies.
Submitted to Equine Veterinary Journal
18 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
18 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
18 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Jul 20241st Revision Received
08 Jul 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
26 Aug 20242nd Revision Received
27 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
27 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
27 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Accept