Companion Horse Kissing Spines: Pain, Diagnosis, and Management

Overriding or impinging dorsal spinous processes (ODSP), commonly called 'kissing spines', cause back pain in horses that frequently presents as behavioural problems before physical signs are recognised.

Key Facts

ODSP occurs when the spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae are so close they touch or overlap, causing pain
The condition is estimated to affect 40-80% of horses undergoing veterinary investigation for back pain or poor performance
Behavioural signs - bucking, napping, reluctance to go forward, girthiness - often precede recognition of physical pathology
Diagnosis requires radiography; the degree of contact does not always correlate with the degree of clinical pain
Treatment options include mesotherapy, steroid injections, surgical intervention, and physiotherapy
Many horses with radiographic kissing spines show no clinical signs and perform normally
Saddle fit is closely associated with back pain; ill-fitting saddles worsen kissing spine symptoms
Post-treatment management including progressive rehabilitation and saddle assessment is essential for good outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spines represent a significant equine welfare problem because the presentation is so often behavioural - horses that appear 'difficult' or 'naughty' may in fact be expressing pain that has not been diagnosed. Riders and trainers who attribute behavioural signs to attitude or training deficiency may escalate training pressure on a horse that needs veterinary assessment. Awareness that back pain has behavioural presentations - and that these should trigger veterinary investigation rather than stricter training - is the most important welfare message. Horses that are correctly diagnosed and appropriately managed can return to full work and comfortable lives.

What You Can Do

If your horse shows any new behavioural issues under saddle, seek veterinary assessment before assuming a training problem
Request a saddle fit assessment from a qualified saddle fitter regularly and whenever your horse's weight or topline changes
Discuss back pain assessment including radiography with your vet if you have concerns
Support progressive rehabilitation protocols under veterinary guidance after treatment
Advocate for equine welfare education that emphasises pain recognition as a priority in horse management