Spondylolisthesis (Kinky Back) in Turkeys: Spinal Compression and Paralysis

Spondylolisthesis, commonly called kinky back, is a developmental problem of the spine. In poultry, it involves abnormal rotation and displacement of the free thoracic vertebra, which can narrow the spinal canal and press on the spinal cord. When that happens, a turkey may develop weakness, poor balance, or paralysis in the rear legs.

This condition is described most often in broiler chickens, but it can also occur in turkeys. It is considered uncommon overall, yet it is important because the signs can look dramatic and may progress quickly. Affected birds may sit back on the hocks or tail, stretch the legs outward, or become unable to stand.

For pet parents, the biggest concern is function and comfort. A turkey that cannot stand normally may struggle to reach feed and water, may be trampled by flockmates, and can develop secondary injuries from prolonged recumbency. That is why sudden leg weakness or paralysis should be treated as an urgent veterinary problem.

Kinky back is considered a developmental vertebral disorder rather than a contagious disease. In poultry references, the problem is linked to abnormal development and rotation of the free thoracic vertebra, with spinal cord compression as the main reason birds show neurologic signs. Genetic background and rapid growth are recognized influences in poultry, and the condition is seen most often in young, fast-growing birds.

In turkeys, the condition is reported only occasionally, so many pet parents will never see a case. Still, growth rate, body conformation, and mechanical stress on an immature spine are thought to contribute. Females are reported to be affected more often than males in poultry overall, although individual flock patterns can vary.

It is also important not to assume every weak or paralyzed turkey has kinky back. Your vet may need to rule out vertebral osteomyelitis, trauma, severe leg disorders, and less common infectious or developmental problems. In commercial and breeder settings, sourcing poults from reputable flocks matters because some infectious agents, such as Mycoplasma meleagridis, have historically been associated with poor growth and skeletal abnormalities in progeny, even though this organism has been eliminated from US primary turkey breeders.

Diagnosis starts with a hands-on exam by your vet. They will look at posture, gait, leg strength, ability to right itself, and whether the problem seems painful, orthopedic, or neurologic. A turkey with kinky back often has rear-leg weakness without a simple foot or hock injury to explain it.

Radiographs can help evaluate the spine and rule out fractures or other skeletal problems. In some birds, the diagnosis is strongly suspected from age, signs, and imaging findings. In others, the exact cause is only confirmed after necropsy, especially if the bird dies or humane euthanasia is chosen.

Your vet may also recommend additional testing if the history or flock pattern suggests another cause. That can include necropsy of affected birds, tissue submission to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or targeted infectious disease testing. This step matters because vertebral infection and other spinal disorders can mimic kinky back but may carry different flock implications.

Prevention focuses on good sourcing, steady growth, and careful flock management. Because kinky back is a developmental spinal disorder influenced by genetics and growth rate, the most helpful step is obtaining poults from reputable hatcheries or breeders with strong health programs. In the US, breeder participation in programs such as NPIP also supports control of important poultry diseases, including Mycoplasma meleagridis in turkey breeding stock.

Work with your vet or poultry advisor on balanced nutrition and appropriate growth management for the type of turkey you are raising. Avoid overcrowding, provide secure footing, and make sure birds can reach feed and water without excessive competition. These steps will not prevent every spinal deformity, but they can reduce stress on growing birds and help you spot mobility problems early.

If you notice one turkey sitting back on the hocks, lagging behind, or struggling to stand, isolate that bird promptly and arrange a veterinary evaluation. Early assessment helps protect the bird's welfare and can also identify whether you are dealing with a one-bird developmental issue or a broader flock concern.