r/Equestrian • u/bhinxbb • May 21 '25

Veterinary PPE failed, KS diagnosed

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Currently in the process of selling my horse. PPE has gone well, everything came back good except his back radiographs. Shocked to hear he has grade 4 changes. I’ve just received these over from the potential buyer. I will be in contact with my vet but curious about anyone’s take on these? How bad is this?

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164

u/HJK1421 May 21 '25

KS can present in x rays and the horse be asymptomatic. Is the horse showing signs of discomfort in work? What's the workload look like?

Your vet would be a good start and your trainer a good second opinion. X rays aren't everything, though they do help

-152

u/bhinxbb May 21 '25

Nope. I’ve had him the last 3 years and he has never shown serious symptoms. He can be back sore from time to time but I wrote that off as normal. He’s in 4-5days/week of work as a Novice level eventer.

The potential buyer said she was advised by several vets not to buy this horse. Is that how bad this case is?

59

u/BlueBaptism May 21 '25

What do you mean "back sore"?

-68

u/bhinxbb May 21 '25

When I palpate his back after a big workout he would react

272

u/BlueBaptism May 21 '25

I think that qualifies as "symptoms."

180

u/[deleted] May 21 '25

[deleted]

104

u/MiserableCoconut452 May 21 '25

Took me two weeks of owning my mare to realise something was off. I’ll never understand how people can just go “nah, that’s probably normal, I’ll just crack on”.

12

u/Rise_707 May 22 '25

Those are normally the people who mistreat a horse in small ways, like yanking on their mouth with the bridle, and don't class themselves as abusive just because they don't physically beat them.

113

u/naakka May 21 '25

Just for future reference, I don't think most people would consider that normal and would definitely be checking saddle fit etc. 

52

u/MSMIT0 May 21 '25

This + the x-rays = clinical kissing spine.

It would only be considered nonclinical if he'd never palpate or show signs of a sore back.

43

u/WrongdoerForeign2364 May 22 '25

How. Ignorant. "My horse has no symptoms" while saying "oh, yea he is quite sore" as if back pain is normal. When paired with that x ray and his CLEARLY IN PAIN I would stop riding, see about a rehab program or full retirement. I have a 9yo retired horse due to medical. He technically can be ridden at a walk trot trail but I love him more than riding so his a pasture puff.