06/24/2026
Not all radiograph findings mean your horse is in pain but some absolutely do. We've had an uptick in horses showing lameness at PPE where advanced imaging pointed us to the nuchal ligament. Click through to learn more.
🔬 What Is Dystrophic Mineralization?
Calcium deposits or new bone formation in or around the nuchal ligament — most commonly near the poll or upper cervical vertebrae. On radiographs, it shows as dense, irregular opacities in the soft tissue of the upper neck.
⚖️ Incidental Finding vs. Clinical Problem
Not every horse with mineralization is a horse in pain. In one study of 302 Warmbloods, 85% had radiographic evidence of new bone in that region with no clinical signs.
But in the right clinical context, that same finding tells a very different story. When paired with poll sensitivity, resistance to neck flexion, head shaking, reduced performance, or subtle lameness it may point to insertional desmopathy of the nuchal ligament, an increasingly recognized cause of reduced performance in sport horses.
🩻 How We Diagnose It
Advanced digital radiography + ultrasound + full clinical evaluation. Because imaging never tells the whole story on its own.
💡 Why It Matters for Your PPE
A horse can superficially "pass" a PPE and still have a performance problem waiting to surface. Dr. Porter connects the dots so you know exactly what you're buying.
