Understanding the health and well-being of our equine companions is crucial for their overall happiness and longevity. One condition that can affect a horse’s comfort and performance is kissing spine, a condition that requires careful attention and management.

What is Kissing Spine in Horses?

Kissing spine, also known as equine dorsal spinous process syndrome, is a condition that affects the horse’s back. It involves the dorsal spinous processes, the bony projections that run along the top of the horse’s spine, becoming abnormally close together or even touching. This narrowing of the space between the vertebrae can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.

Causes of Kissing Spine

The exact causes of kissing spine are not always clear, but several factors can contribute to its development. These include:

• Genetics
• Poor conformation
• Repetitive stress on the back
• Trauma

Symptoms of Kissing Spine

Horses with kissing spine may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including:

• Back pain
• Stiffness
• Difficulty moving or changing direction
• Resistance to being ridden
• Muscle atrophy

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other back problems, so a veterinarian’s diagnosis is essential for proper treatment.

What’s Kissing Spine in Horses

Kissing spine, also known as equine dorsal spinous process syndrome, is a common condition in horses that affects the back. It involves the dorsal spinous processes, which are the bony projections that run along the top of the horse’s spine, becoming abnormally close together or even touching. This can lead to a range of discomfort and performance issues for the horse.

Causes of Kissing Spine

The exact causes of kissing spine are not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to its development.

1. Genetics

Some breeds, such as Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and Arabians, are predisposed to kissing spine due to their conformation.

2. Trauma

A sudden impact to the back, such as a fall or a kick, can cause the spinous processes to become misaligned and eventually touch.

3. Repetitive Stress

Activities that put repetitive stress on the back, such as jumping, dressage, or long periods of carrying heavy loads, can contribute to the development of kissing spine.

4. Poor Conformation

Horses with certain conformational faults, such as a long, sloping back or a short, upright back, are more susceptible to kissing spine. (See Also: Why Do Horses Paw The Ground)

Symptoms of Kissing Spine

Kissing spine can present with a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity depending on the degree of spinal involvement.

1. Back Pain and Soreness

Horses with kissing spine often exhibit signs of back pain, such as reluctance to move, stiffness, and a hunched posture.

2. Muscle Spasms and Tightness

The muscles surrounding the affected area may become tight and spasmed, causing discomfort and restricted movement.

3. Difficulty with Movement

Horses may have difficulty performing certain movements, such as bending, turning, or jumping, due to pain and stiffness.

4. Performance Issues

Kissing spine can significantly impact a horse’s performance, leading to decreased agility, coordination, and overall athletic ability.

5. Behavioral Changes

Horses with kissing spine may exhibit behavioral changes, such as becoming more irritable, anxious, or resistant to handling.

Diagnosis of Kissing Spine

Diagnosing kissing spine involves a combination of physical examination, palpation, and imaging techniques.

1. Physical Examination

A veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, assessing the horse’s overall condition, posture, and range of motion.

2. Palpation

The veterinarian will palpate the horse’s back, feeling for any tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities along the spinous processes.

3. Imaging Techniques

Imaging techniques, such as radiographs (X-rays), computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to visualize the spinal structures and confirm the diagnosis of kissing spine.

Treatment of Kissing Spine

The treatment for kissing spine depends on the severity of the condition and the individual horse’s needs.

1. Conservative Management

For mild cases, conservative management may be sufficient. This may include:

• Rest and Turnout
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical Therapy
• Massage Therapy
• Acupuncture

2. Surgical Intervention

In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the malalignment of the spinous processes.

Surgical options include:

• Spinous Process Resection: Removing a portion of the affected spinous processes to reduce pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Fusion: Joining the affected vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.

3. Post-Treatment Rehabilitation

Following treatment, a period of rehabilitation is essential to allow the horse to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion. This may involve:

• Controlled Exercise
• Stretching
• Hydrotherapy

Prevention of Kissing Spine

While not all cases of kissing spine can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce the risk.

1. Proper Conformation

Choosing horses with good conformation and avoiding those with known predispositions to kissing spine.

2. Gradual Training and Conditioning

Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of training and conditioning to avoid overloading the back.

3. Proper Tack and Equipment

Ensuring that tack and equipment fit correctly and do not put excessive pressure on the horse’s back.

4. Regular Veterinary Checkups

Having regular veterinary checkups to monitor the horse’s back health and address any potential issues early on.

Recap

Kissing spine is a common condition in horses that can cause significant discomfort and performance issues. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for kissing spine is essential for horse owners and veterinarians to ensure the well-being and athletic performance of these animals.

By implementing preventive measures and providing appropriate care, we can help minimize the incidence and impact of kissing spine in horses.

Frequently Asked Questions: Kissing Spine in Horses

What is kissing spine in horses?

Kissing spine, also known as equine dorsal spinous process syndrome, is a condition where the spinous processes (bony projections on the vertebrae) of the horse’s back become abnormally close together, causing them to rub against each other. This rubbing can lead to inflammation, pain, and restricted movement.

What causes kissing spine in horses?

The exact cause of kissing spine is not always clear, but it is often associated with repetitive stress on the back, such as from strenuous exercise, poor conformation, or carrying heavy loads. It can also be caused by trauma or injury to the back.

What are the symptoms of kissing spine?

Horses with kissing spine may exhibit a range of symptoms, including stiffness, reluctance to move, difficulty bending, and pain when touched along the back. They may also show signs of muscle atrophy or spasm in the back muscles.

How is kissing spine diagnosed?

Diagnosis of kissing spine typically involves a physical examination by a veterinarian, who will palpate the horse’s back to assess for tenderness and range of motion. X-rays or other imaging techniques may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.

What are the treatment options for kissing spine?

Treatment for kissing spine depends on the severity of the condition. Conservative management may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the bony abnormalities.