Kissing Spine in Horses – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Kissing Spine is a skeletal condition in horses where the vertebrae in the back touch or rub together, leading to pain and discomfort. It’s believed to be one of the most common causes of back pain in horses, with some studies suggesting it may affect up to 40% of ridden horses to some degree.
Every case of kissing spine will vary in severity with some horses showing no clinical symptoms whilst other horses may experience more intense pain and discomfort.
Early Signs and Kissing Spine Symptoms in Horses
Signs of kissing spine can be subtle at first, but common symptoms include:
• Changes in behaviour or reluctance to work
• Pain or sensitivity in the back, especially when grooming or tacking up
• Bucking, rearing, or refusing to go forward under saddle
• Difficulty picking up or maintaining correct canter leads
• Unexplained lameness
• Excessive tail swishing
• Loss of topline muscle
If your horse is showing several of these signs, it’s worth consulting a vet to investigate further.
What Causes Kissing Spine in Horses?
Kissing spine can be caused by a number of factors ranging from:
• Conformation and poor posture
• Ill-fitting saddles
• Improper training methods or overworking
• Previous injuries or trauma
• Genetic predisposition (more common in Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and Quarter Horses)
Diagnosing Kissing Spine Disease in Horses
If you suspect your horse has kissing spine it is important to consult with your vet as soon as possible. A diagnosis of kissing spine is normally confirmed through an X-Ray, however other techniques such as ultrasound imaging and bone scans may also be used to determine the extent of the condition and damage to surrounding tissues.
Prevention and Management of Kissing Spine Equine Cases
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent kissing spine, there are steps owners can take to reduce the risk and support horses already diagnosed with the condition:
• Always use correctly fitting tack.
• Avoid overworking
• Increase workloads gradually.
• Ride with correct posture and balance to avoid putting excess strain on the back.
Nutrition and Weight Management for Horses with Kissing Spine
When it comes to feeding horses with kissing spine we recommend avoiding feeds with a high sugar and starch content as high sugar and starch diets can exacerbate inflammation within the body. Ensuring horses receive adequate amounts of protein alongside correct exercise can aid the recovery and development of top line muscle during the rehabilitation process.
If your horse has kissing spine it is important that they maintain a healthy weight. Carrying excess weight can put additional pressure on the spine and may inhibit your horse from working correctly, which can hinder muscle development further and may impact the rehabilitation process. Weight should be monitored and recorded regularly with any unusual changes addressed as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for Kissing Spine in Horses
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the individual horse. Common options include:
• Corticosteroid injections: These are injected between the affected vertebrae to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. This can involve cutting the ligaments around the vertebrae or removing small sections of bone.
Rehabilitation Following Kissing Spine Treatment
Post-treatment recovery usually involves a period of box rest followed by controlled exercise. Rehab following kissing spine surgery can be extensive and it may be many months before a horse is able to return to ridden work. When it comes to rehab there is no one size fits all approach. Every horse should be given an individual rehab plan customised to their own needs. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Bute may also be prescribed during recovery to help manage pain and inflammation.
Conclusion – Living with Kissing Spine Disease in Horses
Kissing spine might sound intimidating, but with the right care, many horses go on to live happy, comfortable lives. By working closely with professionals, paying attention to your horse’s comfort and making thoughtful adjustments to their training and management, you can give them the best chance to thrive.