questions on possible roach back

[user 488]

Reble, I wonder if different terminology is somehow in use? In the photo you posted, I can see NO evidence of what is in this thread being referred to as 'roach' (or 'roached') back. Instead, I see a horse I would describe as somewhat 'sway' backed--basically, a condition opposite to 'roach' back.

Margo

I agree.....absolutely NO roach back in that photo........... long sway back with an absolutely short, shallow, horrendous hip.

 

[Mona]

Reble, I wonder if different terminology is somehow in use? In the photo you posted, I can see NO evidence of what is in this thread being referred to as 'roach' (or 'roached') back. Instead, I see a horse I would describe as somewhat 'sway' backed--basically, a condition opposite to 'roach' back.

I agree 100%...no roach back there at all, only what I would consider a sway back. A roached back has an upward curvature to the spine.

 

[StellaLenoir]

Ok, I went to feed for a freind, and felt up all her horses!

I really think some of Rainbows problem is from needing some muscle mass. Her spine felt very similar to the other horses, but where their spines dipped a bit, the muscle was bigger and evened things out.

I know this does not make sense!

If you could feel her, she is like a person with a flat butt! She needs more booty.

I dont know, I will talk to my not very enthusiastic vet and do what Marty said by looking up alternitive docs.

She was doing great holding her weight, untill the last couple of weeks, (maybe 2) and I had already been increasing her grain, but noone but me thought she needed it. I am going to trust myself a bit more and increase again. SO far I have been mostly right about them and what is going on with them.

Everyone has been well wormed, and hooves done, and shots. Rainbow just needs the 5 day, but the feed store was closed this evening. So tomorow or I will order on line. I think she needs that too, as I said I dont think previous owner wormed with anything other than ivermectin.

And just to know, I never bred her, she came bred and we have her 2.5 year old. I really am not into breeding. We just liked her, and didnt mind taking her out of the gene pool.

Thanks for all the replys, this is such a tricky problem.

We need a photo gallery of all things weird,

 

[Marty]

She needs more booty.

You crack me up.

I just got back here and your pics just loaded, that's why I did not add a comment on if I thought it was a roach back or some injury.

Actually I don't see much of nothing there but I don't know much anyhow. But if Carol says it's just a goofy backside I would go with that and I wouldn't bother with anything more . OH!

 

[user 488]

But if Carol says it's just a goofy backside I would go with that and I wouldn't bother with anything more . OH!

If another Carol answered this thread...sorry. Marty I was not speaking of the OP's horse, I was speaking about a horse that Rebel posted as having a roach back. I would never tell anyone on this Forum that they had a

long sway back with an absolutely short, shallow, horrendous hip.

OH! Even if I thought it........Well, unless someone emails me directly and asks point blank. You know I don't mince words. If you don't want to know then don't ask.

 

[Marty]

long sway back with an absolutely short, shallow, horrendous hip.

Thought you were describing me

 

[runamuk]

Maybe this will help.

What I am learning in dogs....."roach back" describes a "rise at the loins" and is desirable in a number of dog breeds, especially sighthounds who have a unique running style.

here is a picture showing a distinct rise.

and the description

Body: Shoulders should be slopeing and be fine at the withers, a narrow chest with great depth, the back should rise at the loins into a gentle curve

Based on the OP picture I also would call it a mild roach back. Horses who have been injured can develop a roach as well so the chiro and strengthening are both good suggestions. Roach back does typically LOOK better with some weight on the horse and some muscling.

 

[Reble]

Now that shows a roached back, thanks for sharing.

 

[minimule]

This is one of the mares that I lost a few years back to colic. She developed what folks told me was a "roach back". I was also told that a horse can develop a roach back as a result of pain somewhere in their body.

 

[AppyLover2]

If you're looking for an equine chiropractor go to FLAhorse.com. If you don't find one listed ask about them on their bulletin board. I'm sure you'll get a response. I can't remember any names but there were several in the area when I lived in St. Augustine.

 

[StellaLenoir]

Thanks Minimule, for sharing that picture

And Appylover, Thanks for the idea of FLahorse. I will surf around today and hopefully find someone to talk to. I would love to be able to help her. I do know she had an injury years before I got her where she kicked and got tangled in fence. She has a scar on her back lower leg, so maybe she did something to her back too.