Rainbow Equine Hospital in Malton to carry out pioneering surgery
Reported by The York Press · November 13 at 11:00 PM · Summary by Hoofdeck
Rainbow Equine Hospital in Malton will become the first in the UK to offer a new surgery for wobbler syndrome, a spinal cord compression in the neck that can make horses trip or fall. The hospital has done corrective surgery for 16 years and will now use 3D-printed titanium implants. Its clinical director trained for 18 months, including in the United States.
Background
Wobbler syndrome, also called cervical vertebral malformation, can be caused by narrowing of the neck vertebrae or instability between them, which compresses the spinal cord. Corrective surgery usually fuses the affected vertebrae to take pressure off the cord, and recovery typically takes many months of controlled exercise and rehabilitation.
Why it matters
Wobbler syndrome is a serious neurological condition, and an owner whose horse shows unsteady gait may face hard decisions about treatment or euthanasia.
What you can do
If your horse shows stumbling, weakness in the hindquarters or unexplained falls, ask your vet about a neurological exam and whether referral to a surgical centre is an option.
Written by Hoofdeck from the report by The York Press. Background is general information, not advice about your horse; if you are worried, call your vet.