Kissing spines are extremely common and they can be handled in several different ways. Each case is individual and many parameters effect the treatment method and outcome.
Kissing spines most commonly fall into 3 main categories:
Thoracic Region – under saddle area.
Lumbar Region – linked to sacroiliac and hind suspensory problems.
Fused spines and facet joint problems.
In most cases of kissing spines a period of physiotherapy and postural training is advised before any surgery is considered. Immediate surgery is generally only undertaken if the x rays show numerous spinous processes touching. Then shaving and desmotomy of the ligament is usually the only long term solution. However this is not a short cut, the horses spine and soft tissues, still need major rehabilitation and continual assistance in helping the spine stay pain free and flexible.
Fortunately we now have the “Equus” INDIBA, which has proven itself to aid in recovery post surgery but it is also significant in assisting the older horse which only presents with kissing spines due to losing posture because of age conformation.
INDIBA is also significant in assisting postural training and therefore preventing the need for surgery in the majority of cases. The INDIBA works best when used intensively to assist pain relief and calm down nerve irritation when the facet joints are impaired. The treatments are then gradually spaced out as the work is intensified. Most commonly treatments can eventually be spaced out as much as 8-10 weeks, depending on the activity / sport the horse undergoes.
What I have noticed over my many years of experience, is that when we have a spell of bad weather and horses’ work regimes are compromised, INDIBA treatments, or treatments in general need to be brought forward. Why is this? This is relevant because horses’ inactivity and box rest due to weather can aggravate conditions such as kissing spines. Therefore exercises and different techniques at home in the stable can help, but bringing a treatment forward before going back into work, is never a bad idea.
At Smallwood centre of Excellence we specialise in bringing horses back into work and rehabilitating the competition horse.
Prevention is best but management is also key. Using INDIBA can assist performance and enable goals which were once thought unachievable.
