Horse Kissing Spines: Diagnosis and Welfare

Understanding overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines) in horses, its welfare impact, and evidence-based treatment options.

Key Facts

Kissing spines refers to contact or overlap between adjacent dorsal spinous processes of the thoracic spine, causing pain during back loading
Studies using advanced imaging have found some degree of kissing spines in 30-40% of horses assessed, though clinical significance varies
Signs of kissing spines include reluctance to be saddled, resistance to work, restricted movement, behavioral changes, and muscle tension over the back
Treatment options include intralesional corticosteroid injections, mesotherapy, physiotherapy, and surgical resection of affected spinous processes
Back pain in horses is frequently under-diagnosed because horses adapt their movement and behavior to avoid pain rather than displaying obvious lameness
Saddle fit assessment and correction is often a critical component of management, as ill-fitting saddles exacerbate pain from underlying spinal pathology

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spines represents a significant source of chronic back pain in horses that is frequently missed or attributed to behavioral problems. Horses that are reluctant to be ridden, pin their ears when saddled, or show resistance to collection may be communicating pain rather than demonstrating disobedience. The welfare consequence of misinterpreting pain communication as behavior problems and responding with escalating pressure or punishment is severe — it compounds suffering while failing to address the cause. Comprehensive diagnostic investigation including clinical examination, nerve blocking, radiography, and sometimes nuclear scintigraphy, combined with saddle fit assessment, should precede any behavioral or training interventions in horses showing back pain signs.

What You Can Do

If your horse shows reluctance to be saddled, resistance to work, or restricted back movement, arrange a veterinary back assessment before attributing it to behavior
Have your saddle fit assessed by a qualified saddle fitter in conjunction with any veterinary back investigation
Follow through with recommended physiotherapy and appropriate exercise modification during treatment
Never respond to pain-related resistance in horses with escalating pressure — investigate the cause and treat it
Have horses in regular work assessed periodically for back pain as a routine welfare measure, not just when problems are apparent