Kissing spines
Kissing spines and how we made this horse pain-free with Excellent Horse supplements!
We bought Loretta (a Haflinger mare by Liz. Weltbild x Star) pregnant at 16 years old. It was not our plan at all to buy a pregnant horse and then keep her foal. But sometimes you come across a horse that you know belongs with you from the first glance. In November 2023, about 6 months after her foal was born, we slowly started working with Loretta again through groundwork and stretching.
Last January, I noticed she wasn't moving quite right under saddle, so we put her on rest. Just a few weeks (again) out in the pasture and no pressure (incidentally, she wasn't ridden fanatically either, on average 3 times a week for a nice hack). Instead of getting better, she got progressively worse, and after consulting with the vet, we had X-rays taken and put her on Metacam because she was so painful. These X-rays confirmed what we already feared: kissing spines.
Video 14-03-2024:
Excellent Horse
Unfortunately, the Metacam did nothing, and instead of getting better, she got worse. Since we are a reseller of Excellent Horse products, we consulted with them and our vet about possible alternatives. On the advice of the specialist at Excellent Horse, we opted for No Bute in combination with Equi Flex HA Liquid. For the first week, we gave this in high doses both in the morning and evening. After a week, we switched to the normal dosage, where we only gave Equi Flex HA Liquid in the evening with her feed. Initially, she had to get used to the taste of No Bute. Nevertheless, we saw a huge difference after just 4 days!
Pure Free
Pure Free (formerly No Bute), is not Bute, which is one of the direct advantages of this product. The chance of stomach problems due to this product is (almost) non-existent. Additionally, this supplement is based on ingredients such as MSM, turmeric, devil's claw, ginger, black pepper, and pineapple meal, which are known for their natural supportive properties. It is extremely suitable for supporting the musculoskeletal system and can be safely given to overweight horses. What is important to know; horses in competition are not allowed to have this product. Devil's claw is on the doping list. Also, devil's claw is not recommended for pregnant mares!
Equi Flex HA Liquid
Equi Flex HA Liquid is an oil that horses generally eat well. The most important ingredients are MSM and collagen, which gives this supplement a positive effect on strengthening tendons and ligaments, bones, and cartilage formation.
A big advantage of this supplement is that it can be safely given to sport horses, pregnant mares, and older and/or overweight horses! You also see results fairly quickly after starting this supplement.
Video 28-03-2024:
Prognosis
Kissing spines cannot be cured this way; for that, we could opt for surgery. But given how well she is doing now, combined with her age, we will stick to these supplements for now. She is under the care of our vet and is making good progress.
08-03-2024 diagnosis "suspected Kissing Spines" and start Metacam
12-03-2024 X-rays confirming diagnosis
16-03-2024 start No Bute and Equi Flex HA Liquid
20-03-2024 clear difference in reaction and behavior
05-04-2024 allowed to start walking Loretta again and begin stretching
30-04-2024 vet's permission to start groundwork and lunging
Kissing spines, additional information
Do you also have a horse with Kissing spines or would you like to know more about it? The following links may be interesting for you: