HORSE FACT FRIDAY: LET'S TALK ABOUT KISSING SPINE

 

T13 T15 T17

What is it?

Commonly called kissing spine, this is overriding or impinging dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP). It happens when the vertebrae are too close together so that they are touching or overlapping in the bony projections. 

It is most common in the thoracic spine with through T13-T18 with T15 being the most affected. This area is directly under the saddle and where the rider sits. 

What are the clinical signs?

The clinical signs vary greatly with some horses having zero signs. Others may be lame or have overt lameness. Poor performance is another sign. As well as hypersensitivity to brushing, being cinched up. Horses may buck, rear, hollow their back, kick out, resist the bit, have trouble with transitions, cross-canter, or refuse work. Often their backs are sore to the touch. 

How do we diagnose it?

The most common method is via x-rays and a clinical exam. Thermography which uses infrared light to take photos can also be used. Bone scans (nuclear scintigraphy) and ultrasound are also some tools your veterinarian may use to make an official diagnosis. 

So, how do we treat it?

Managing pain will be crucial as well as strengthening the back. Stretching, shockwave therapy, as well as injections of anti-inflammarodies or corticosteroids are common treatments. There is also surgery. 

There are several different types of surgery offered. One removes half the bone (approximately three inches) at the top of the dorsal spinous processes (DSP). This surgery is highly invasive with a long recovery time. Endoscopy is another. This removes selected DSP and rejoins the ligaments. There is also interspinous ligament desmotony (ISLD) where in interspinous ligaments are cut. 

*reminder that I am not a veterinarian and all decisions for your horse should be thoroughly discussed with them. this is simply information*

What is the prognosis?

The majority of horses can be treated and return to work. However, the prognosis is poor if the horse is under the age of five, has five or more vertebrae involved, or when kissing spine is secondary to other issues.

How do we prevent it?

Since not much is known about what causes it there is little we can do for prevention. Experts believe it is related to poor conformation and improper saddle fit. Prevention would lie in breeders not breeding horses with poor conformation, and riders to ensure that their saddle fits their horses properly. Improper training is another issue that has been discussed as a potential cause of kissing spine. This would include horses who stargaze (ride with their head up), with their back hollow, and not engaging their core muscles. Whether or not it is genetic is not known at this time.