Osseous spinal pathology

Pathologic changes have been observed at the spinous processes, interverteb ral articulations, and sacroiliac joints in horses. Varying severity of deg enerative articular changes are found in many articular processes, intertra nsverse, lumbosacral, and sacroiliac joints. Pathologic lesions tend to aff ect multiple vertebral locations within a specimen. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the clinical significance of the numerous vertebr al and pelvic pathologic findings found in a sample of Thoroughbred racehor ses that died because of unrelated injuries. Increased knowledge of osseous pathology inherent in equine athletes will enhance our understanding of th e etiopathogenesis of spinal disorders and back pain in horses.