Cervical pain and poor performance

The cervical region is divided in 3 main segments: Cranial cervical segment, containing C1 and C2 (atlas and axis with more specialized function like flexion/extension and rotation of the nucha respectively); median cervical segment containing C3, C4 and C5 (all very similar vertebrae); caudal cervical segment containing C6 and C7.

Each segment can have distinct lesions that can be correlated to the different biomechanics of the area, trauma, or development pathologies. The clinical signs associated can vary from decreased performance, lameness or neurologic disorders that can go from mild to severe.

Some pathologies that can lead to the clinical signs mentioned above have been described. Intervertebral discopathy, arthropathy of the cervical articular facets, reduction of the intervertebral foramina, compression of the cervical nerves ventral roots C6, C7 and C8, cervico-thoraco-brachial syndrome, vertebral fractures, cervical articular facets capsulitis/synovitis, large muscles tendinopathies, myopathies, Osteochondritis dissecans, vertebral malformations (C6 and C7), agenesia and/or ankilosis, exostosis and malformation of the first ribs or arthropathy of the costovertebral joints are the most common pathologies found in this body region.

The best way to understand how to manage these horses is to have a profound knowledge of the anatomy of the cervical region and its biomechanics as well as good diagnostic imaging. With all these it´s possible better understand the pathology and eventually, its neuromuscular consequences.

The treatment should aim not only the primary pathology but also the other structures that can be involved in consequence of the primary lesion.

Some physical therapies to control de diffusion of pain like mesotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, magnetic field and more focal therapies like intra-articular and perineural infiltration of corticosteroids may be associated with other pharmacological systemic therapies to control pain and discomfort. Some specific cases like discopathies, wobbler syndrome or severe arthropathy with compression of the intervertebral foramen may require a surgical procedure.

MV. MSc.PhD. Iselp/Alapile Certified. Jairo Jaramillo Cárdenas

se formó hace 24 años por la Universidad de La Salle-ULS en Bogotá, Colombia; Allí realizó su residencia en clínica y cirugía de grandes animales. Es maestro en cirugía equina por la FCAV / UNESP Jaboticabal, y doctor en cirugía equina por la FMVZ / UNESP Botucatu. Se enfocó su especialización profesional en el aparato locomotor de los equinos, terminando el programa, y siendo titulado por ALAPILE (Asociación Latinoamericana de Patología e Imagenología del Sistema Locomotor del Equino); en la secuencia, también terminó y se certificó por el ISELP (International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology). Durante la titulación y certificación de estos programas, realizó un internado en el departamento de “Equine Field Service” en la Universidad de Davis (UCDAVIS) en el estado de California en Estados Unidos. Actualmente es el socio-gerente de la empresa “EQUARTER” (actuando en educación continuada) en Brasil, América Latina y algunos países de Europa y Ásia.