Kissing spines in horses: Shock diagnosis - And now?

Kissing spine syndrome: definition

Kissing spine syndrome describes a painful disease of the spine in horses in which the spinous processes of the dorsal vertebrae come so close together that they touch or overlap. This contact leads to pain, inflammation and restricted movement. Horses that are trained incorrectly or are loaded too early with the rider's weight are particularly frequently affected. Kissing spines can be diagnosed by x-ray and treated with a combination of medication, physiotherapy and targeted muscle development.

Watch our video on kissing spine syndrome to get a deeper insight into the condition. In the video, you will learn how kissing spines are diagnosed, what symptoms occur in affected horses and what treatment options are available. Visual explanations help you to better understand how the spine works and the effects of the condition.

Kissing spines: Causes

There are numerous factors that contribute to the development of kissing spines in horses. These can result from training errors as well as anatomical peculiarities. The main causes are often incorrect riding, inadequate muscle development or a poorly fitting saddle. Genetic predispositions or orthopaedic problems such as spavin also play a role. The following table provides a detailed overview of the most common causes:

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Symptoms of kissing spines in horses

The following table provides an overview of the most common symptoms that can occur in horses with kissing spines. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from horse to horse, depending on the individual's sensitivity to pain, the progression of the condition and other factors such as training and equipment.

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The severity levels shown in the table are intended as a guide. It is important to note that the severity of the symptoms does not always directly indicate the extent of the disease. It is therefore essential to consult a vet if kissing spines are suspected in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and the optimum treatment plan.

Kissing spines: Diagnosis

Clinical examination:

The vet begins with a thorough physical examination. The horse is palpated to find sensitive areas in the back and hardened muscles. Lunging often reveals that the horse has difficulty keeping its balance or bending correctly. A lunging girth can also indicate problems, as horses with kissing spines often appear stiff or do not walk in a relaxed manner. In addition, the horse is checked under the rider to find out whether the lack of rideability is caused by pain or training.

X-ray for the diagnosis of kissing spines: explained in the video

In the following video, the X-ray process for diagnosing kissing spines is shown in detail. X-rays can be used to accurately assess the position and approximation of the spinous processes. This process is crucial to determine if the vertebrae are rubbing against each other or overlapping. The video demonstrates how the vet performs the radiographs and how this information can be used to plan further treatment.

X-rays are a key diagnostic tool for kissing spines. Not only the surface of the spinous processes is examined, but also deeper areas of the spine such as the vertebral bodies and joints. This helps to identify the exact extent of the problem, as deeper structures that are not visible at first glance are often affected.

After the clinical examination and X-ray, there are other methods to check the significance of kissing spines in more detail. One possibility is diagnostic anesthesia, in which the affected area is anesthetized to see if the horse moves better afterwards.

An ultrasound can also be used to detect soft tissue changes such as ligament injuries. Another procedure is scintigraphy, which shows whether the painful areas are actively inflamed and whether deeper structures such as the facet joints may be affected.

Kissing spines: treatment options

Medication for the treatment of kissing spines

Medication plays a central role in the treatment of kissing spines. In most cases, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are administered to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. In addition, local injections of cortisone or other pain-relieving medication can be injected directly into the affected area of the spine. This targeted treatment often provides rapid relief and can improve the horse's mobility. In some cases, however, drug treatment is only the first step and should be supplemented by other forms of therapy.

The following video explains the medical treatment of kissing spines in detail. It shows how anti-inflammatory medication is used to relieve pain and improve the horse's mobility. It also illustrates the process of injections directly into the affected areas, which allows for targeted pain relief in more severe cases of the condition. Take a look at how this method can effectively contribute to healing.

Physiotherapy and osteopathy

Physiotherapy and osteopathy play a crucial role in the treatment of kissing spines. Manual therapies, stretching exercises and targeted movements are used to release blockages and strengthen the muscles. These treatment methods promote mobility and help to reduce pressure on the spine. Acupuncture and chiropractic can also have a supportive effect by relaxing the muscles and restoring the horse's natural mobility.

Muscle building training

As soon as the horse's pain has been alleviated, the targeted muscle building trainingwhich is essential for stabilizing the spine. Lunging, work in hand and lateral movements promote the horse's suppleness and ensure strong, healthy back and abdominal muscles. These exercises help the horse to arch its back correctly and relieve pressure on the spinous processes. Working in a stretching position is particularly important as it encourages the horse to arch its back and pull the vertebrae apart. Exercises such as walking uphill and downhill, pole work and correct transitions also strengthen the abdominal muscles, which play an important supporting role for the back.

Saddle and equipment adjustment

A well-fitting saddle is crucial to avoid pressure on the sensitive spine. As the saddle position is often affected by kissing spines, the saddle should be checked and adjusted regularly by an expert. An ill-fitting saddle can put additional strain on the spinous processes and increase back pain. In some cases, a saddle pressure measurement is also recommended to ensure that the pressure is optimally distributed.

Surgical interventions

If conservative treatments do not bring the desired success, surgical intervention may be necessary. A common operation for kissing spines is to cut the interspinous ligament, which reduces the pressure on the spinous processes. This relieves the pain and allows the horse to move better. The operation is usually minimally invasive in order to keep the stress on the horse as low as possible. However, surgery is only considered if other forms of therapy are not sufficient and the horse's condition requires it.

How do I prevent kissing spines?

• Pay attention to changes in your horse's behavior and performance. Take early signs of back problems, such as discomfort or refusal to work, seriously. 
• Being overweight puts additional strain on the back. A balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight are important. 
• Your horse needs sufficient rest to regenerate its muscles. Plan rest breaks and breaks from intensive work. 
• Close contact and communication with your vet is crucial to monitor your horse's condition and adjust the treatment plan. 
• A qualified physiotherapist can provide valuable support during treatment. 
• A well-fitted saddle is of great importance to minimize pressure on the back. 
• Develop an adapted training program that takes your horse's needs into account. 

Kissing Spines: Summarized

Kissing spines is a common back disease in horses that causes painful inflammation and restricted movement due to narrow spinous processes of the vertebrae. Causes such as incorrect training, poorly fitting saddles or genetic predispositions play a role. The diagnosis is usually made by X-ray, ultrasound and clinical examinations. Treatment includes medication, physiotherapy, muscle development and, in severe cases, surgery. As a preventative measure, targeted training, suitable equipment and regular veterinary monitoring help to maintain the horse's health.

Kissing spines: The most important questions and answers

How do you recognize kissing spines in horses?

Horses with kissing spines often exhibit back pain, limited mobility and loss of performance. Typical symptoms are sensitivity when saddling and stiffness when moving. A diagnosis is made by X-ray or clinical examination.

Can you ride a horse with kissing spines?

 Yes, but only with the right treatment and appropriate training. The horse should first build up its muscles through ground work and lunging before being ridden again. A well-fitting saddle and a suitable saddle pad are essential.

Can kissing spines be cured?

‍Kissing spines is not completely curable, but the symptoms can be alleviated with targeted treatment such as medication, physiotherapy and muscle building.

Which saddle pad and saddle are suitable?

A well-fitting saddle is crucial to avoid pressure points. A special saddle pad can help to distribute the pressure on the sensitive spine.

Can you jump a horse with kissing spines?

Jumping can be possible but only if the horse is well-trained and pain-free. Veterinary advice and targeted training adjustments are important.

How much does a horse with kissing spines cost?

Horses with kissing spines often have lower market value, as treating and managing the condition requires additional care and costs.