How CT Imaging Can Help Clinicians Understand and Manage Neck Pain in Horses

Presentation Description / Summary: Neck pain and movement restriction is being increasingly recognized in horses, with variable presentation from subtle poor performance to episodic intractable behavior. CT imaging of the cervical and early thoracic spine demonstrated specific pathologies which can both physically reduce range of movement and generate pain. The purpose of this session is to combine current knowledge with evolving clinical practice covering:
• Examination of the neck at rest, in-hand, on the lunge and ridden, covering veterinary and physiotherapy techniques to identify pain and physical movement restriction/dysfunction
• Current knowledge of cervical disease processes which result in pain and/or movement restriction/dysfunction, how cervical anatomy changes during exercise and how this relates to presenting signs and the clinical exam
• Common pathologies found during CT imaging – articular process joints, articular processes, inter-central (disc joint), soft tissue pathology within the vertebral canal; and their typical presentation
• How to assess CT images using a combination of signalment, history, presenting signs (neck mobility reduction and pain, neck symmetry, intervertebral nerve signs)
• How CT findings can be related to more accessible diagnostic imaging options (radiography, ultrasound) to provide a presumptive diagnosis
• When CT imaging is an appropriate next step
• Treatment options for common disease processes and how they relate to different ridden disciplines
• Case examples requiring guided audience input will be provided throughout to highlight important concepts and to help make up for the paucity of large scale studies of neck pain in horses.