Kissing spine is a skeletal abnormality in horses in which bony projections on the vertebrae of the spine touch or overlap, also known as impinging or overriding dorsal spinous processes. The exact cause of kissing spines is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to conformation and development. Poor saddle fit and improper training that allows the horse to carry itself with its head up, back hollow, and not engaging the muscles in its core can also be contributing factors. Thoroughbreds and performance horses are the most commonly diagnosed cases.
Many horses with kissing spines do not show any clinical signs, but it can be a predisposing factor for back pain. Affected horses may undergo medical or surgical treatment and physical therapy. The prognosis is poorer for young horses (5 years of age or younger), horses with five or more vertebrae involved, and for cases in which kissing spines are secondary to other spinal issues.
To prevent kissing spines, it is important to treat potential underlying issues, such as other causes of lameness or improper saddle fit, first, as these may prevent horses from using their backs properly.
