Kissing Spine
We are seeing a lot of horses lately for “Kissing Spine”. So, what is it? Kissing Spine is otherwise known as Overring (or impinging) dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP), and it occurs when the vertebrae in the spine are too close together. This results in the spinous processes touching or overlapping. In some horses, this can cause consistent low-grade pain, however many horses do not exhibit any clinical signs. The presence of ORPSP does not necessarily cause concern, however it can indicate predisposing factors for back pain.
Clinical signs of ORDSP can be highly variable – from no clinical signs at all to vague or overt lameness, and poor performance. Affected horses can exhibit changes in behaviour such as hypersensitivity to brushing, girthiness, bucking, rearing, head tossing, kicking out, hollowing the back, reluctance to go forward, resistance to the bit, trouble with transitions, disuniting, and refusing or rushing jumps.
ORDSP is diagnosed by radiographs (x-rays) of the back, but it’s important to not over-interpret the results. We usually recommend blocking the affected spaces and riding afterwards to determine if the ORDSP is causing symptoms. Other methods of diagnosis include nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan), which we unfortunately do not have this available in Tasmania.
There are a few different treatment options available for ORDSP. This often starts with muscle relaxation and exercises to strengthen and stretch the back and abdominal muscles, stabilize posture and improve mobility. Physical therapy may include daily exercises to encourage a relaxed frame, progressing to caveletti and poles. Lunging Systems may be used to encourage the horse to engage the core muscles. It’s recommended that good saddle fit assessment is performed, and any necessary adjustments made to alleviate pressure points on the back.
Medically we can administer corticosteroids within the interspinous space to reduce the associated pain and inflammation, this is usually combined with an exercise program to help strengthen the back and improve the horses comfort long-term. Depending on the severity of the ORDSP, this may or may not be an option.
Surgery is always an option in any case of ORDSP providing there are no further lameness issues. This is done under standing surgery and involves either cutting the ligament within the spaces or removing a section of the bone of each affected process to widen the spaces or a combination of both. Recovery involves a rehabilitation period of several months and usually requires a significant amount of lunging prior to ridden exercise.