Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Welfare: Kissing Spine and Back Pain

Overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spine) is a common cause of back pain in ridden horses, with diagnosis and treatment significantly improving welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Kissing spine refers to impingement between adjacent vertebral spinous processes
Prevalence estimates vary but kissing spine is detected in 20-40% of horses examined by nuclear scintigraphy
Clinical signs include resistance to saddling, bucking, stiffness and ridden evasions
Treatment includes corticosteroid injections, osteopathic manipulation, physiotherapy and surgery
Not all horses with radiographic kissing spine show clinical signs, requiring careful pain assessment

Welfare Considerations

Back pain from kissing spine causes significant welfare harm in ridden horses that is often attributed to behavioural problems or poor training rather than pain. Horses cannot self-report pain and may show subtle resistance long before overt pain behaviours emerge. Routine back palpation assessment, working with qualified equine physiotherapists and prompt veterinary investigation of ridden evasions reduce suffering from undiagnosed back pain.

What You Can Do

Have your horse's back assessed by a qualified equine physiotherapist annually
Investigate ridden evasions as potential pain rather than behavioural problems
Ensure saddle fit is assessed by a qualified saddle fitter regularly
Discuss back pain treatment options with your equine vet if kissing spine is suspected