Thoroughbreds and performance horses are the most commonly diagnosed cases. The presence of kissing spines is not necessarily cause for concern, but it can be a predisposing factor for back pain. Kissing spines have also been observed in the lumbar vertebrae, but this is less common. It is also the site directly under the saddle and the rider’s seat.
This is the site where the angle of the dorsal spinal process changes orientation. Kissing spines most commonly occur between thoracic vertebrae (T) 13 and 18, with T15 the most often affected. The locations and number of vertebrae involved can vary. In some horses, this can cause consistent, low-grade pain, but many horses do not exhibit any clinical signs. This results in touching or overlapping of two or more of the bony projections at the top of each vertebrae (spinous processes). Overriding (or impinging) dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP), or “kissing spines”, occur when vertebrae in the spine are too close together, rather than being spaced apart as in a healthy spine. *Download a printable pdf of this article here. Recovery is possible, but requires time and commitment.Affected horses may undergo medical or surgical treatment and physical therapy.In some cases, kissing spines are secondary to other health issues. The exact cause is not well understood and many horses with kissing spines do not show any clinical signs.Overriding dorsal spinous processes, or “kissing spines”, occur when two or more bony projections at the top of the vertebrae (dorsal spinous processes) touch or overlap.