Companion Animals

Horse Kissing Spine Prevention and Welfare

Kissing spine (overriding dorsal spinous processes) causes back pain in horses. Understanding risk factors enables prevention while early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes.

Key Facts

Kissing spine affects approximately 25-39% of horses assessed radiographically
The condition causes back pain ranging from mild stiffness to severe behavioral problems under saddle
Conformation, rider weight, saddle fit, and training method all influence development risk
Shockwave therapy, steroid injection, and surgical desensitization are established treatment options
Many horses return to normal ridden work following appropriate treatment and rehabilitation

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spine causes chronic back pain that often presents as behavioral problems under saddle - bucking, resistance, and reluctance to work. Misdiagnosis as a training problem delays appropriate treatment and prolongs unnecessary suffering. Radiographic diagnosis enables targeted treatment that resolves pain and often returns horses to comfortable work.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary investigation including imaging for horses showing behavioral problems under saddle
Optimize saddle fit, rider position, and training method to reduce development risk
Discuss treatment options with an equine specialist experienced in kissing spine management
Support research into non-invasive kissing spine prevention and detection methods