Symptoms of a Kissing Spine in Horses

Kissing spines syndrome is a back injury in the dorsal spinous processes (DSPs). The DSPs are bones on the spinal column that arise from the vertebra and project into the surrounding muscles and ligaments, acting as spacers to keep the soft tissues from becoming damaged. In horses with kissing spines syndrome, the DSPs are misaligned or overlap, and they impinge the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Some horses with the syndrome may exhibit symptoms that the horse owner can identify, although an equine veterinarian must provide a diagnosis and treatment.

  1. Behavioral Changes

    • Some horses with kissing spines syndrome experience back pain. The pain can cause a well-mannered horse to become anxious and uncooperative. "Back pain is one of the few reasons horses refuse to perform," says Dr. Liz Maloney, DVM, owner of Equine Therapies in Franklin, Massachusetts, in the article "Q&A: Dr. Maloney Explains Kissing Spine." If your horse is showing symptoms of anxiety or a reluctance to perform, he may have kissing spines syndrome or other health issues. Have an equine veterinarian examine him to diagnose the problem.

    Grooming

    • It is a good time to evaluate the condition of your horse during grooming activities. A horse with kissing spines syndrome may react negatively to pressure on the back due to the pain the pressure causes. This may be seen when grooming or petting the horse. A horse in pain may appear anxious or attempt to step away from petting or grooming activities. During hoof cleaning, the horse may refuse to lift his leg or kick out.

    Saddling and Riding

    • Upon seeing a saddle, a horse with kissing spines syndrome may exhibit signs of anxiety such as shifting his weight and relieving his bowels. Once the saddle is placed on his back, he may groan and bite at the air or the crossties. After saddling, he may lay on the ground and buck. A saddled horse may walk slow and stiff and position himself in a manner that makes it difficult for a rider to mount him. Once the rider gets on his back, he may drop his back, walk slowly, buck and resist jumps. There are various reasons a horse displays these symptoms.

    Stance

    • A horse with back problems -- including kissing spines syndrome -- often has difficulty maintaining a normal stance, according to the Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre. A horse experiencing back pain may hold his tail to one side, show unsymmetrical hind limb action or hold his head too high. Some horses stand with their back legs on a higher surface or sit on a window ledge in an attempt to relieve their pain.

    Diagnosis

    • Only a veterinarian can reliably diagnose kissing spines syndrome. A diagnosis is made through palpation, symptom evaluation and X-rays. Rehabilitation and pain relief are often possible through proper treatment. Treatment may involve rest, pain-relieving medications, muscle relaxant medications, cortisone injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, epidural steroid injections in the spine, physical therapy and, in some cases, alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Proper shoeing and properly fitting saddles are also important for horses with kissing spines syndrome.