Horse Kissing Spine Syndrome: Welfare Management

Overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spine) causes back pain that significantly affects horse welfare and performance. Understanding diagnosis and management options improves welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Kissing spine refers to contact or overlap between adjacent dorsal spinous processes causing spinal pain
Prevalence in sport horses assessed by radiography is estimated at 20-40%, though not all cases are clinically significant
Clinical signs include reluctance to work, sensitivity on back palpation, behavioral changes under saddle, and reduced performance
Diagnosis requires radiography plus clinical assessment - radiographic changes without symptoms may not require treatment
Treatment options range from conservative management (physiotherapy, saddle fitting) to injection therapy and surgical resection
Saddle fit is critically important - poorly fitting saddles can cause or worsen kissing spine symptoms

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spine is a significant cause of hidden chronic back pain in sport horses that is frequently misattributed to training problems, rider issues, or behavioral defiance. The horse that is increasingly reluctant, resistant to saddling, or shows tension and hollowing when ridden may be communicating back pain rather than stubbornness. The welfare-centered response investigates back pain as a primary cause of performance problems rather than applying more forceful training methods. Treatment success depends on addressing the full picture: saddle fit, rider balance, physiotherapy, and targeted medical intervention when indicated. Horses that cannot be managed without ongoing pain are candidates for retirement from ridden work.

What You Can Do

Have horses showing behavioral changes under saddle assessed for kissing spine before pursuing training solutions
Ensure saddle fit is professionally assessed and that saddles are checked regularly as horse toplines change
Work with a veterinary physiotherapist to address muscle tension and compensatory patterns around kissing spine
Discuss injection therapy options with your veterinarian if conservative management is insufficient
Adjust work expectations appropriately for horses managed for kissing spine - some benefit from lower-intensity work
Accept retirement from ridden work as a welfare-appropriate outcome for horses that cannot be managed comfortably