Companion Animals

Horse Kissing Spine: Welfare and Treatment

Overriding dorsal spinous processes, known as kissing spine, is a significant source of back pain and reduced welfare in ridden horses.

Key Facts

Kissing spine is estimated to affect up to 39% of sport horses in some studies
Many affected horses are ridden without diagnosis, potentially causing chronic pain
Diagnosis requires radiography and clinical assessment by a veterinarian
Treatment ranges from conservative management to surgical interspinous ligament desmotomy

Welfare Considerations

Kissing spine represents a major hidden welfare issue in equestrian sport. Horses cannot verbally communicate pain, so the responsibility falls on owners, trainers, and veterinarians to recognise behavioural and physical signs of back pain.

What You Can Do

Have horses showing resistance or behavioural changes assessed by a vet
Learn to recognise signs of back pain in horses
Advocate for routine back screening in equestrian disciplines