🧬 Kissing Spines in Horses: Is It Hereditary? Vet Insights for 2025 🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Kissing spines—also known as overriding dorsal spinous processes—have long been a concern for equestrians, veterinarians, and breeders alike. The condition, marked by abnormally close or overlapping vertebrae along a horse’s spine, often leads to chronic back pain, reduced performance, and compromised quality of life for our equine companions. In 2025, veterinary science has made significant strides in understanding the genetic underpinnings of this disorder. This blog unpacks the science, treatment options, and what it means for horse owners today. 🧠🐎

🔬 What Are Kissing Spines?

Kissing spines occur when the bony projections (dorsal spinous processes) of a horse's vertebrae touch or overlap. This contact can lead to inflammation, muscle soreness, and behavioral changes. 🦴🔥

Horses affected by kissing spines may present with:

• 🔹 Bucking or resistance under saddle
• 🔹 Sudden performance decline
• 🔹 Refusal to jump or accept collection
• 🔹 Sensitivity when groomed along the back
• 🔹 Trouble with transitions or bending

These symptoms can mimic other conditions, which makes accurate diagnosis essential. 💡

🧬 Is Kissing Spines Hereditary?

In recent studies presented at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) conference, it was revealed that kissing spines have a genetic component. Researchers identified three key chromosomes associated with the condition in horses: chromosomes 14, 16, and 25. 📊

Here’s what was found:

• 🔸 Chromosome 14 is linked to whether a horse develops kissing spines at all.
• 🔸 Chromosome 16 influences severity—each variation adds one grade to the condition.
• 🔸 Chromosome 25 increases the severity by two grades when affected.

Therefore, a horse with markers on both chromosomes 16 and 25 may experience a dramatic three-grade increase in condition severity. 🧠📈

🐎 Which Horses Are Most at Risk?

The research focused on breeds like:

• ✔️ Warmbloods
• ✔️ Thoroughbreds
• ✔️ Stock horses (e.g., Quarter Horses)

Height also plays a role—taller horses seem more prone to this disorder. Interestingly, age and sex have little impact on risk levels. ⚠️

📉 Why This Matters for Breeders

Because of this genetic predisposition, breeding horses with known kissing spines is discouraged. Continuing such lines may perpetuate the disorder, leading to increased veterinary costs, performance issues, and pain for future generations. 🐴❤️

🧪 Can We Test for Kissing Spines?

Yes—and the future is promising. Researchers are developing genetic screening tools to identify horses at risk before training begins. This allows for early intervention, customized care, or selecting leisure-focused careers for at-risk horses. 📋🧬

📋 Symptoms: What Should You Look For?

If your horse shows signs of discomfort or poor performance, it’s crucial to assess their back. Symptoms can include:

• 🚫 Resistance to grooming, saddling, or tacking
• 🐎 Uneven movement or lameness
• ⚡ Back twitching or spasms
• 💢 Difficulty with collection or extension
• 📉 General training regression

Always rule out other musculoskeletal issues, ulcers, or behavioral causes before jumping to conclusions. 🧐

🔍 Diagnosis: How Vets Confirm Kissing Spines

Dr Duncan Houston recommends a multi-step approach:

1. 🔬 Physical exam with palpation and movement testing
2. 📸 Diagnostic imaging—primarily radiographs (X-rays)
3. 💉 Diagnostic nerve blocks to isolate pain sources

Advanced cases may require CT scans or scintigraphy (bone scans), but these are generally used in performance horses or prior to surgery. 🏇

💉 Treatment Options in 2025

Treatment is guided by the severity of the condition and the horse’s intended use. Key treatments include:

• 🔹 **Corticosteroid Injections** – Used to reduce inflammation in affected spaces
• 🔹 **Physical therapy & chiropractic care** – Improves core strength and back flexibility
• 🔹 **Shockwave therapy** – Encourages healing at the site of discomfort
• 🔹 **Surgery** – For severe cases, such as interspinous ligament desmotomy or osteotomy

Surgery offers the most long-term relief for horses with severe or unresponsive kissing spines. The outcomes are increasingly positive, especially when combined with post-op rehab and conditioning. 🏥💪

🏃 Lifestyle Adjustments: Training and Riding Tips

If your horse has—or is at risk for—kissing spines, adjust their training to preserve their comfort:

• 🧘 Focus on groundwork and core-building exercises
• 🐎 Use saddle-fitters and physio support
• 🚶 Walk and light trot work before canter or collection
• 🛑 Avoid over-jumping or high-impact reining

These horses often thrive in light to moderate riding roles, including trail work and pleasure riding. 🌳

🐴 Breeding Decisions: Think Long-Term

If you’re a breeder, genetic testing can now guide ethical breeding practices. Horses with confirmed risk factors or symptoms should not be bred. This helps reduce incidence rates and enhances the health and performance of future generations. 🐣🚫

📲 Support from AskAVet.com

If you’re unsure whether your horse may have kissing spines, or need a second opinion on care plans, reach out to a professional through AskAVet.com or the Ask A Vet App. 🐴💬

Whether you're a trainer, owner, or breeder, the expert team led by Dr Duncan Houston is ready to guide your decisions with real-time veterinary support—right from your phone. 📱❤️

🏁 Conclusion

In 2025, our understanding of kissing spines in horses has shifted from mystery to map. With genetic insights, early detection, and modern veterinary treatment, horses can enjoy longer, more comfortable lives—even with this diagnosis. 🧬🐎

Always consult your vet when you suspect back issues, and consider ethical breeding as a way to protect equine welfare for the future. 💡

Explore more equine health topics and get expert help at AskAVet.com 🐴💻