Companion Animals

Horse Kissing Spines: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines) cause back pain in horses that impairs performance and welfare; modern diagnostic and treatment options have improved outcomes.

Key Facts

Kissing spines affect an estimated 40% of sport horses at some degree
The condition ranges from asymptomatic radiographic findings to severe pain and resistance to ridden work
Diagnosis requires radiography and ideally nuclear scintigraphy and diagnostic nerve blocks
Treatment options range from rest and physiotherapy to mesotherapy, corticosteroids, and surgical interspinous ligament desmotomy
Saddle fit assessment and back muscle development are central to long-term management

Welfare Considerations

Horses with painful kissing spines show behavioral signs including resistance to saddling, bucking, and reluctance to go forward that are frequently misinterpreted as evasion or behavioral problems. These horses are communicating pain. Addressing kissing spines before applying escalating training pressure prevents significant welfare harm and the breakdown of the horse-rider relationship through punishing pain-avoidance behavior.

What You Can Do

Investigate potential back pain before applying training corrections to a horse showing back sensitivity
Have saddle fit professionally assessed by a qualified saddle fitter
Work with a veterinarian experienced in equine back conditions for accurate diagnosis
Build topline musculature through appropriate ground work and physiotherapy to support spinal health