RE: [RC] Hunters bump or conformation? Vets please help - Burnett, Elly
Taken from thehorse.com.
"She might have been calling your attention
to a hunter's bump. The medical term is sacrcoiliac subluxation. Simply
described, it is a tearing of the fibrous attachment that holds the pelvis and
the spine together. Once this attachment is loosened, the pelvis actually shifts
out of place (see illustration) causing a characteristic bump visible on the
horse's rump. This injury is most common in jumping horses, trotters, carriage
horses, and some endurance horses. It usually is a result of repeated trauma
rather than a single discreet accident. However, a twisting fall or slip can
also cause the problem.
The bump that appears is actually the bony prominence on the top of the
pelvis made more visible due to its displacement or subluxation. In the acute
(early) stages of the condition, the bump might not yet be visible. The only
complaint could be that the horse is stiff in the hindquarters. Jumpers refuse
to jump or jump poorly. The horse might have a shortened stride on one hindlimb
if only one side of the pelvis is affected.
Stall confinement, ice application, and anti-inflammatory drug therapy is the
accepted and safest method of treatment. Some feel that alternative therapeutic
modalities such as acupuncture or ultrasound can provide beneficial effects in
healing. The torn ligament needs time to heal and scar to allow maximum
reattachment and stability. If work is continued, further damage to the ligament
can occur and pain and inflammation will persist.
When the condition is noticed and diagnosed early, the prognosis is
favorable. With repeated injury or extensive tearing of the ligament, permanent
lameness might result.
If your horse has the classic "hunter's bump" appearance, but is not
currently in pain, it is likely that the subluxation occurred some time ago and
has healed sufficiently to reestablish a solid connection between the pelvis and
sacral spine. However, even a well-healed injury in this area is more likely to
recur than in a normal pelvis. Owners should be aware of the risk and take
precautions whenever possible; i.e., thorough warm-up and cool-down, avoiding
slippery footing, and most importantly, know your horse's physique and behavior
patterns. The sooner you know something is amiss, the sooner your veterinarian
can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate therapy. "
