Horse Kissing Spines: Diagnosis and Welfare

Impingement of dorsal spinous processes causes back pain in horses. Understanding this condition helps owners recognize suffering and seek appropriate treatment.

Key Facts

Kissing spines (overriding dorsal spinous processes) is identified on X-ray in 39% of racehorses
Many horses with radiographic kissing spines show no clinical signs of pain
The condition becomes clinically significant when it causes pain under saddle or at rest
Signs include reluctance to work, bucking, difficulty bending, and sensitivity to back palpation
Treatment options range from physiotherapy and corticosteroid injections to surgery
Saddle fit and rider balance significantly affect whether kissing spines cause clinical pain

Welfare Considerations

Back pain from kissing spines can be chronic and significantly affect quality of life. Horses cannot verbally report pain, and signs of back discomfort are often attributed to behavioral problems or rider error rather than physical cause. This leads to escalating pressure on horses to perform despite pain, and sometimes to punitive training approaches that compound the suffering. Welfare-appropriate responses to behavior problems always include ruling out pain causes first.

What You Can Do

Investigate any behavioral change under saddle as a potential sign of pain before attributing it to temperament
Ensure saddle fit is assessed by a qualified saddle fitter regularly
Have your vet perform a thorough back examination including scintigraphy if indicated for horses with back pain signs
Follow prescribed treatment consistently and allow adequate recovery time
Work with a qualified physiotherapist to maintain spinal mobility and muscle condition
Consider the ethics of continuing to use a horse for demanding work if pain cannot be adequately managed