Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
UNDERSTANDING KISSING SPINE<br />
Kissing Spine is described as an impingement of the spinous processes<br />
(protusions that are part of the vertebrae), in particular, the Dorsal Spinous<br />
Processes (DSP’s); that is, the ones that project upward. Every vertebra from<br />
the withers to the haunches has a DSP, but usually the ones that are involved in<br />
Kissing Spine Disease are those under the saddle.<br />
The good news is that Kissing Spine can be managed. There are a lot of show horses competing<br />
because the problem is being successfully managed by their trainers and veterinarians. And<br />
the treatments are many; shock wave therapy, mesotherapy (multiple intradermal–in the skin–<br />
injections made over the back, croup, and withers), corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich<br />
plasma injections, therapeutic exercise, or saddle fitting changes are all effective procedures.<br />
[See our article “Will Simpson Speaks Saddles” on page 24 about fitting saddles]<br />
But in the case of Kissing Spine, as in so many things, knowledge is power. Early diagnosis and awareness<br />
are the best first steps.<br />
Our thanks to Virginia Equine Imaging for the information and the photos in this article.<br />
www.vaequine.com<br />
Dr. Kent Allen<br />
Virgina Equine Imaging
Change language