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Swayback in Horses

 

The Condition

In most developed nations, horses are used primarily for sport or leisure rather than for strenuous labor, so it is now rare to see an advanced case of "sway back". Swayback occurs in animals that have been ridden frequently, carried heavy loads, or had multiple pregnancies. It may occur during pregnancy and can contribute to complications such as pre-pubic tendon rupture. Sway back is more likely to develop in horses with a long back and high head carriage, and may be exacerbated by diseases such as Cushing's. Advanced cases are typically quite elderly animals. However, it is also possible for congenital lordosis to be present at birth

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Also known as: hollow back, lowback, saddle back, soft back.

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The Role of Breed

Saddlebred horses seem to be more prone to lordosis. Around 7% of American Saddlebreds will exhibit swayback, compared to around 1% in other breeds. They also tend to show this condition at an earlier age. The particular gene or genes responsible for this condition in Saddlebreds have not been identified.

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Swayback has also been found to be common in the modern Karakachan breed in Bulgaria. This trait was no common in the breed previously but is now typical to some extent in most individuals.

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Essentially, the soft tissues have stretched and relaxed, allowing a spinal deformity that can look quite alarming. However, in most cases, the animal is functioning quite normally and not in distress. Swayback in young horses is more likely to reflect poor breeding, overly severe use, or over-training.

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Congenital Lordosis

In a small number of cases, foals are born already exhibiting swayback. These cases are considered likely to have a genetic cause, possibly via a recessive trait. As such, they are more likely to occur in pedigree lines with a high degree of inbreeding. Examples have been described in the American Saddlebred, Halflinger, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, and mixed-breed foals.

 

Secondary Lordosis

Swayback may also occur as a consequence of another disease process, such as the lung disease silicosis. Use of

 

Saddle Pads

If a swaybacked horse is still suitable for riding, a good saddle fit should be assured by using a saddle pad.

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Other Species

Lordosis can also occur in other species, such as cattle and guinea pigs. It is often seen as a sign of poor breeding in these animals, as they are not subjected to mechanical causes such as riding or load carrying. In cattle, it can also be caused by toxins such as tree tobacco.

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Bibliography

  • Coates, J. W., & McFee, R. C. (1993). Congenital lordosis in three Haflinger foals. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 34(8), 496.

  • Cook, D., Gallagher, P. C., & Bailey, E. (2010). Genetics of swayback in American Saddlebred horses. Animal genetics, 41, 64-71.

  • Henri Kerkdijk-Otten Plumlee, K. H., Holstege, D. M., Blanchard, P. C., Fiser, K. M., & Galey, F. D. (1993). Nicotiana glauca toxicosis of cattle. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 5(3), 498-499.

  • POPOVA, M., NIKOLOV, V., KRASTEV, N., & GRADEV, G. (2018). STUDIES OF THE EXTERIOR OF THE KARAKACHAN HORSE BREED. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, 24(2), 290-295.

  • Rooney, J. R. (1969). 3 Congenital Equine Scoliosis and Lordosis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®, 62, 25-30.

  • Seyrek-Intas, K., Kumru, I. H., & Seyrek-Intas, D. (2011). Rupture of the prepubic tendon in a congenitally lordotic mare. Tierärztl Prax Großtiere, 39, 46-48.

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