Companion Animals

Horse Kissing Spine Welfare Management

Kissing spines (overlapping dorsal spinous processes) cause chronic back pain in horses and are significantly underdiagnosed, affecting performance and quality of life.

Key Facts

Kissing spines may affect up to 39% of horses including those with no apparent back pain
Many horses with radiographic kissing spines show behavioural signs of pain under saddle
Treatment options include conservative management, cortisone injections, and surgical intervention
Saddle fit assessment is essential as poor saddle fit exacerbates spinal pain
Physiotherapy and targeted strengthening exercises improve outcomes significantly

Welfare Considerations

Back pain from kissing spines causes significant suffering that may be masked by horses being ridden through pain. Recognition and management prevents chronic unnecessary suffering.

What You Can Do

Investigate back pain in horses showing performance or behavioural changes under saddle
Ensure regular saddle fitting by a qualified saddle fitter
Access physiotherapy for horses with back pain as part of management
Support research into less invasive treatments for kissing spines