Koper Equine

Recent Research

The gene linked to *kissing spines* in horses has recently been discovered, which may help in preventing and managing this painful condition. Researchers in the U.S. identified a specific gene variant that is associated with the severity of kissing spines. Horses carrying two copies of this variant tend to have a higher risk of developing more severe forms of the condition, although the presence of the gene doesn’t guarantee a horse will develop it.

This discovery offers potential for selective breeding, where horses with the variant can be bred with more caution to reduce the likelihood of passing on the condition. In addition, if a horse is known to carry this variant, owners and veterinarians can take proactive steps, like focusing on strengthening the horse’s back and managing their workload to mitigate the risks before symptoms arise. 

This new genetic insight doesn’t mean the condition will automatically occur in horses carrying the gene, but it helps in managing and preventing the development of severe cases.

What is it?

Kissing spines is a condition in horses where the spinous processes of the vertebrae touch or rub together, causing pain and inflammation in the back. It most commonly occurs between thoracic vertebrae T13 and T18, with T15 being the most commonly affected. This is the area of the spine where the angle of the dorsal spinal processes change orientation. It also sits directly under the saddle and the rider’s seat. While the presence of kissing spines is not always a cause for concern, as some horses may have it without exhibiting any signs, for others, it can be a predisposing factor for back pain.

Kissing spines can be brought on, or made worse, by a variety of factors, including training that allows the horse to carry itself with its head up and a back hollow, poor saddle fit, repetitive stress, too much stress too soon, muscle tension (tight, imbalanced muscles can pull the dorsal spinous processes closer together, leading to kissing spine). Recent research also indicates a connection between negative plantar and/or palmer angles and kissing spines.

Many horses with mild kissing spines do not exhibit any clinical signs. For those that do, the signs can be highly variable. Affected horses can exhibit intermittent lameness, hypersensitivity to brushing, girthiness, bucking, rearing, resistance to go forward, head tossing, kicking out, hollowing the back, poor contact with the bit, trouble with transitions, cross-cantering, limited range of movement both in flexion and rotation, and refusing or rushing fences. Their backs are often sore and very tight to the touch.

Care for kissing spines begins with making the horse more comfortable. This is usually achieved through a three-pronged approach: a combination of pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and exercises to stretch and strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, with the goal of improving posture, stability, and range of motion.

1. Medical treatments may include prescription pain medication, shockwave therapy of the affected vertebrae and surrounding muscles, injections of anti-inflammatories and/or corticosteroids in the area of the kissing spines, and, now viewed as quite controversial, surgery.

2. While kissing spines may develop through a combination of misfortunes, the spine continues to be held in its undesirable position due to a network of soft tissues and deep-seated postural tendencies. The muscles, fascia, and ingrained postural habits that are holding the spine in this negative, painful posture are often what truly need to be addressed and changed.

Postural tone refers to the tonic activation of muscles in order to provide specific postural attitude and generate force against gravity. `Postural’ muscles tend towards overuse and eventual shortening, whereas phasic muscles (used for movement) tend towards disuse and weakness.

Predominantly Tonic Muscles	Predominantly Phasic Muscles
Anti-gravity; higher resting tonus (constant low-level activity) than phasic muscles	Do not oppose gravity, but are available on demand
Slow-twitch (endurance-oriented)	Fast-twitch (power/ speed-oriented)
Are responsible for “maintaining posture,” and as such are almost always “on”	Are used for dynamic movement, and almost always need regular conditioning
Tend to be short and tight	Tend to be inhibited and weak
Atrophy less quickly than phasic muscles	Atrophy more quickly than tonic muscles

While phasic muscles activate when your horse tells them to, tonic muscles can be thought of as “background” muscles. These muscles are responsible for holding postural patterns, acting with minimal stimulus. Tonic muscles tend to respond to over-use, under-use, or trauma by shortening and tightening. Phasic muscles have the opposite response to over-use, under-use, or trauma: they lengthen and weaken.

Massage with myofascial release can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to altering muscle patterns, balancing tension, building strength, reducing pain and pain related anxiety, enhancing nourishing, cleansing circulation and improving mobility.

3. Movement therapy typically involves consistent exercise that encourages your horse to move freely in a round but relaxed frame. The focus will be on improving posture, flexibility, strength, and range of motion while minimizing stress on the affected area. Exercise combined with massage is often the most effective way to move forward.

Here are some examples of exercises that may be beneficial:

1. Groundwork exercises, such as lunging or long lining, can help improve the horse’s flexibility and range of motion. These exercises should be performed at a slow, controlled pace to avoid putting undue stress on the back. Include a few 7m circles, lateral steps and backing up.

2. Ponying your horse can be a great way to encourage him to carry himself in a naturally relaxed, round frame while building strength and fitness.

3. Once he’s willing to stretch and lift his back you can consider adding some ground poles to your work, to encourage lifting of the back, stomach engagement and improve spinal rotation. Work up gradually to avoid overexertion and poor form.

4. Hill work can help improve your horse’s strength, endurance and shape while minimizing stress on the back. Work up gradually to avoid overexertion.

5. Stretching exercises, such as baited stretches, hip pushes, and gentle rocking exercises, if done well, will help supple the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce tension in the muscles.

6. Exercise on an aqua treadmill, which encourages a round back and abdominal engagement, may also be advised.

As always, it’s very important to collaborate with a qualified equine massage therapist, trainer, and vet. Together, they can create a customized program tailored to your horse’s individual needs and stage of recovery, monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure a consistent and steady path toward full recovery.

*If you suspect your horse may have kissing spine, please consult with your veterinarian who can diagnose and create a treatment plan suitable for your horse.

The gene linked to *kissing spines* in horses has recently been discovered, which may help in preventing and managing this painful condition. Researchers in the U.S. identified a specific gene variant that is associated with the severity of kissing spines. Horses carrying two copies of this variant tend to have a higher risk of developing more severe forms of the condition, although the presence of the gene doesn’t guarantee a horse will develop it.

This discovery offers potential for selective breeding, where horses with the variant can be bred with more caution to reduce the likelihood of passing on the condition. In addition, if a horse is known to carry this variant, owners and veterinarians can take proactive steps, like focusing on strengthening the horse’s back and managing their workload to mitigate the risks before symptoms arise. 

This new genetic insight doesn’t mean the condition will automatically occur in horses carrying the gene, but it helps in managing and preventing the development of severe cases.