Spinous processes
It is noteworthy that some horses live with signs of kissing spine shown on X-rays without showing signs of discomfort and enjoy a successful working life without requiring any veterinary intervention. Many of the typical signs can also be caused by a behavioural or training issue, or a medical condition that is not related to the horse’s back, so keeping a note of any changes you notice so you can share this detailed history with a vet is key so they can form part of the discussion prior to diagnosis. Horses may also be reluctant to roll or lie down.A horse with kissing spine is likely to show a loss of muscle mass across its topline.Canter is often a key indicator of kissing spine with many horses struggling to pick up the correct lead or maintain a true three-beat canter, tending to break or go disunited instead.The horse may buck, rear, run away, kick out, or repeatedly shy.The horse may struggle to make transitions between the paces or within a pace, dropping behind the rider’s leg and show a reluctance to go forwards with impulsion.It may be unwilling/unable to work ‘on the bit’ preferring a hollow or constantly changing outline or repeatedly tossing its head.
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When being worked the horse may show signs of stiffness through the back.The horse may become difficult to mount, refusing to stand still, running backwards or forwards when the rider’s weight is added.Changes to the horse’s normal temperament and demeanour when working or being prepared to work.The horse showing signs of discomfort (such as shifting weight, pulling faces, biting) when being groomed over the back or when pressure is applied to the back such as when the saddle is put on or girthed up.