Sacroiliac joint disease

Veterinary advice should be sought before applying any treatment or vaccine.

Sacroiliac Joint Disease

Doral Sacroiliac Ligament (DSIL)

Sacroiliac (SI) joint region disease is is associated with reduced performance and hindlimb gait abnormalities in horses caused by abnormalities in the SI joint region. The sacroiliac joint is located within the horse's pelvis. It's role is to transfer the propulsive forces generated from the hindlimb through the pelvis to the thoracolumbar vertebral column.

Symptoms

Stiffness
Changes in rhythm or quality of walk
Frequent changes of lead or cross cantering
Decreased stride length
Difficulty with downward transitions
Muscle wasting
Poor quality canter
Pain when one leg is raised for farrier work
Jump refusal
Unwillingness to work on the bit
Change in tail carriage
Behavior changes
Increased bucking when ridden

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam
  • Ultrasound
  • Scintigraphy

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
Extended stall rest and controlled exercise
Cold therapy
Wrapping legs
Anti-inflammatory medicine
Intramuscular injections

Prevention

Prognosis

Good for return to work if rehabilitation is successfuly completed.

Scientific Research

General Overviews

Risk Factors

  • Older horses with greater bodyweight and/or taller withers
  • Warmblood horse breed
  • Competitive jumping and dressage horses