Comments on: All You Need to Know About the Hidden C6-C7 Malformation That’s Bringing Horses Down

By: Kitty

Kitty — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:29:42 +0000

My TB/Dutch Warmblood gelding (eventer hopeful) started to show symptoms when we started him under saddle at 4 years. Before that time he was out in pasture so it wasn’t noticed. He had neurological reactions; one day was loving and remembered everything taught from the day before, and then other days had no idea who you were or where he was and was afraid of everything. Tested for EPM and that was negative, so took him to UCDavis and after walking tests where he obviously had issues with placing his hind feet, he was x rayed which showed the remodeling in the C6 and C7. Since that appointment, he has been a pasture pet and is happy, healthy, and calm, even with the farrier. Also learned soon after that visit that his sire had neurological issues as well and had been gelded. I don’t know if they ever discovered the reason. I had always wondered if it was inherited. Today is my (so very handsome on the outside and is always mistaken for a 3-year-old) boy’s 14th birthday and he will live out his days in my pasture with his buddies.

By: Asha DUBE

Asha DUBE — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 07:26:55 +0000

Very interesting. (Medical) I thought that bony processes develop secondary to the muscle insertions – the muscle produces traction on the bone when in use, causing a roughened or raised area. Could this actually be a muscular, neurological or in-utero problem at its root ?

By: Kate

Kate — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 05:12:35 +0000

This is of great interest to me. I used to compete endurance on a TB cross mare who had the toe out stance. She had the highest head cartridge of any horse and the most unpredictable temperament. Could catch her one day but not the next. Threw major ‘tantrums’ for no apparent trigger. Could have a completely different horse one day to the next. Never lame. I bred one foal from her who is an endurance legend (not owned by me). She passed at age 22. Found in the paddock with blood from one nostril and absolutely no sign of a struggle. One other foal I kept who is now 14yo. He has the toe out stance had it from birth. Slightly Drags the hinds and wears the boots at the toe. Has been a total darling up until 6 months ago. Displaying nervy frightened behaviour. Hard to catch at times when previously he chased you down. On some days is really talkative and wants to be with you on other days won’t let you near him. When ridden has Started lowering his head to the ground when trotting for quite some distance. He did a small shy a few weeks ago ripping off a front boot which he has never done. Replaced and trotted slowly a short distance then did it again wrecking the boot on the same foot. Rode a week later on a very familiar track slowly trotting no tension and he kind of collapsed on me. I have a vet booked for eyes and neurological test. My ex partner a vet but lives away said do not ride him it sounds neurological. Will ask vet about this disorder
Thank you for your research time

By: Jane @ THB

Jane @ THB — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 05:41:19 +0000

In reply to Andrea V.

I am sorry to hear about your mare.
On Facebook, try Equus-Soma re a genetic study: https://www.facebook.com/groups/846796842859723/
If you have radiographs, you can submit them along with a hair sample in the US.

By: Andrea V

Andrea V — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:38:56 +0000

Wow this is the most informative article I have read about this condition, as well as the replies. I have currently found out that a broodmare I own has produced 2 foals with narrowing in the C6/C7.

Clearly this is hereditary in her case, and unfortunately will be the end of her career as a production mare.

Is there anyone out there who is gathering a database of lineages that have these abnormalities?

I also found it extremely interesting to hear that it has been found in 3rd term abortions. As this mare has had 1 3rd term abortion as well. Is this malformation thought to be a potential cause of a late term abortions? I really want to know more about that!!

By: Carl

Carl — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 12:48:13 +0000

Does anybody have a contact for a vet in the UK that has experience of this??
I’m a farrier, a large percentage of my work is stud work and the “corrective side” of it….I’ve followed Sharon’s work for some years now, I see foals/youngstock that exhibit growth/postural problems (I usually get brought in to glue on various extensions etc)
When I suggest to vets that I work with that we investigate the possibility of ECVM…. I point out that it’s abnormal for a 9 month old foal to never lay down in its stable (often when they do they get cast) and you never see them roll in the fields etc- combined with the postural/development problems that I see I think there’s a case for further investigation, X rays etc, so I’m looking for suggestions for vets that have experience in this…
Thanks in advance

By: Beverley Wade

Beverley Wade — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 08:08:37 +0000

I knew something was wrong with my newly purchased and vetted horse, just discovered enlargement of c6 and c7 facet joint , reduction in size of intervertebral foramen. He also has bone remodeling of SI . I need help gaining the previous owners vetinary history, she is a breeder breeding horses into congenital pain , cheating purchasers that could potentially die froma riding accident

By: Paula Heilman

Paula Heilman — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 15:25:13 +0000

2 yrs ago my AQHA cutting horse (Lena Little Smart) started short stepping in front and sticking his nose out and lowering neck at the trot. X-rays showed c6/c7 to be fused. Injections in that area made no difference.

Now I’ve bought a different AQHA cutting horse (Smarty’s Doctor). He’s been tripping, has fallen and stumbled with me and seems quite off. X-rays and ultrasound shows abnormalities in C5-C7. We’ve injected now between 5/6 and 6/7. Is it my bad luck, or do you think the (Smart Little Lena) lineage could be a root cause?

By: Annette Brahtz

Annette Brahtz — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 06:28:57 +0000

In reply to Jane @ THB.

Thank you <3.
We struggled with it from we bought him as 1,5 year old. All the time he had symptoms on and off of something being wrong.
Section revealed an allready on going artrosis in 6 of his legjoints i various legs.

By: Kathleen bryant

Kathleen bryant — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 10:55:56 +0000

In reply to Annette Brahtz. Could anyone give me more information on the signs that there horse was showing before the decision to put them down? My horse has the c6 and c7 and I want to put him down but I dont know of I can justify doing then when he seems fine. Thanks