Radiological prevalence of osteoarthritis of the cervical region in 104 performing Warmblood jumpers

Background Cervical osteoarthritis (OA) has been documented as a potential source of pain and poor performance in sport horses. Objectives To assess the prevalence of cervical OA in a population of Warmblood jumpers and its correlation with age, level of performance, neck pain and mobility. Study design Descriptive observational study. Methods Warmblood jumpers free of lameness or neurological disorders were selected. Cervical pain and range of motion of the neck were subjectively assessed. Left to right lateral views were taken at C3‐C4, C4‐C5, C5‐C6 and C6‐C7. The presence of OA at the cervical articular process joints (APJs) was evaluated and graded as absent, mild or moderate to severe by three board‐certified radiologists. The agreement between radiologists and the potential associations between OA grades with age and other variables were statistically assessed (P