26/03/2026
LET'S TALK KISSING SPINE! 🔎
“Kissing spine” is a common cause of back pain where the bony points along the top of the spine (dorsal spinous processes) sit too close together and rub or “impinge.” It’s most often seen in the mid-back area (around T13–T18), but it can also involve the lumbar spine.
Important note:
Many horses can have kissing spine changes on X-rays and not show obvious problems, but horses with kissing spine findings are about 3x more likely to have back pain.
Common signs owners may notice:
• Vague “poor performance” or not wanting to work as usual
• Change in head/neck carriage
• Unwillingness to move a certain direction or bend
• Behavioral changes under saddle such as bucking
• Back soreness when pressed firmly
• Sometimes hind-end lameness at the same time
Treatment & outlook:
• Many cases can be managed medically, especially when paired with core strengthening and conditioning.
• Some horses benefit from injections at affected sites for short-term relief, but recurrence can be common.
• Surgery can be an option (especially if a horse needs repeated injections to stay comfortable). One surgery type (interspinous ligament desmotomy) can be done standing, and published outcomes have been strong.
If your horse suddenly resists work, won’t bend, changes topline use, or seems back-sore, talk with your veterinarian. Back pain can have multiple causes, and X-rays are only one piece of the puzzle.
