VET NOTES
SACROILIAC DYSFUNCTION
Linking the pelvis and the lower spine, the sacroiliac joint enables the horse to move and perform at his best. However, things can go wrong and malfunctions can be notoriously difficult to pinpoint, as vet Lucinda Ticehurst explains
THE SACROILIAC JOINT (SI) plays a critical role in every stride a horse takes and every stance he makes. The structure, including the joints and their supporting ligaments, is essential for the propulsion of energy and movement from the horse’s hind limbs to the spine and trunk of the body. The SI provides…
■ Stability
■ Shock absorption
■ Connectivity
The SI is positioned where the sacrum (which is made up of five fused vertebrae at the lower part of the horse’s back just above the tailbone) passes underneath and articulates with the top wings of the pelvis that are known as the ilium. The SI is situated on both sides of the horse’s
spine and is an intricate structure that is supported by major ligaments.
What is SI joint dysfunction?
Sacroiliac joint region pain can manifest itself either in isolation or in conjunction with various other problems. It can be a primary cause of discomfort in a horse or may be caused by another issue that results in a secondary SI issue.
Studies have shown that approximately 50% of cases involve SI joint pain alone, while 15% occur in conjunction with thoracolumbar (lower back) pain, 20% with hindlimb lameness, 5% with forelimb lameness, and 10% with a combination of issues. Such a diverse range of cases make it essential to understand the role of the SI joint in equine movement.
Symptoms of SI joint dysfunction
Recognising SI joint dysfunction can be challenging for vets because the symptoms are often subtle and insidious. Common signs include…
■ Poor performance. This might mean that the horse is reluctant to work, or simply not quite performing as well as he did before, perhaps with more faults occurring during a competitive showjumping round. Out hacking he may be slower when going down hill.
