Snap and crackle
THORACIC injuries in horses are rare, but when they do occur it is usually as a result of blunt or penetrating trauma.
In adult horses, they are most commonly seen in National Hunt horses and polo ponies following rotational falls. They can also occur due to kicks from other horses, or altercations with fences or vehicles, or from becoming cast or trapped in a trailer during an accident.
In the majority of cases, the injury is unilateral (one-sided) and the 18th rib is most commonly affected. This is significant due to the greater pressure applied by the saddle compared to the ribs that sit further forward in the horse’s body, as it means a greater level of discomfort while ridden.
Such injuries are suffered far more frequently by foals (see box,
