Companion Animals

Horse Kissing Spine Welfare: Diagnosis, Treatment and Management

Kissing spines (overriding dorsal spinous processes) cause chronic back pain in horses. Early diagnosis and evidence-based management significantly improve welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Kissing spines affect approximately 20-40% of sport horses examined radiographically
The condition involves impingement or contact between dorsal spinous processes of the thoracic spine
Clinical signs include reluctance to work, bucking, and sensitivity to girthing
Diagnosis requires standing radiography - the condition is frequently missed without imaging
Treatment options include physiotherapy, medication, rest, and surgical intervention
Back pain from kissing spines is frequently misinterpreted as training or behaviour problems

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spine pain is chronic and significantly impairs quality of working and resting life. Horses with undiagnosed back pain are subjected to increasingly aversive training attempts to address what appears to be a behaviour problem, compounding suffering through punitive interventions for a medical condition. Early diagnosis allows appropriate management. Post-surgical outcomes are good in many cases and allow return to comfortable work, dramatically improving welfare.

What You Can Do

Consult an equine vet with back imaging capability if your horse shows signs of back pain
Seek a second opinion from a specialist if performance issues persist without diagnosis
Advocate for kissing spine awareness in equine welfare education for riders and trainers