kissing spines paarden|kissing spines paarden

How to treat kissing spines in horses - 6 helpful tips

Kissing spines in horses are a bothersome back problem. Yet, many horses experience them. Fortunately, there are things you can do to alleviate and treat this condition. Curious about what you can do for your horse with kissing spines? Then read on.

What is kissing spines?

Kissing spines in horses are a common back problem. The spinous processes, the bony structures on the vertebrae, touch or become too close together. This often causes pain and difficulty moving.

What causes kissing spines?

The causes of this back condition vary widely. Some horses are naturally prone to it. In others, it can be caused by overuse, weak back muscles, or even poor riding style.

What are the symptoms of kissing spines in horses?

This condition can be difficult to recognise because the symptoms vary widely. Below are some common symptoms.

Changes in behaviour

Resistance when saddling or unsaddling;
Irritation or aggressive behaviour when touching the back;
More rearing, bucking, running or standing still;
Difficulty relaxing.

Problems with movement

Stiff back and difficulty bending or moving sideways;
Short and irregular strides or lameness;
Difficulty bearing weight;
Difficulty with galloping, for example irregularly or jumping to a different rhythm.

Physical signals

Sensitive back to touch or brushing;
Hollow back, or difficulty arching the back;
Poor musculature on the back;
Stiff or asymmetrical posture during movement.

If you are unsure whether your horse is suffering from kissing spines, it is important to consult a veterinarian or equine doctor.

How to treat kissing spines in horses

1. Pain relief and anti-inflammatories

Kissing spine symptoms in horses are often alleviated with anti-inflammatory medications. Injections of corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs are used to provide temporary relief.

2. Customised training

It's important to give your horse a tailored training program. This often involves specific exercises to strengthen the back muscles and improve the horse's posture. For example, you can lunge with a correct posture or work in hand.

3. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care

These therapies help make the back more flexible and stronger. You can choose from massage, stretching, or chiropractic treatments. It can also be helpful to have a veterinary physiotherapist assess the horse.

4. Optimisation of saddle and riding technique

It's crucial to use a well-fitting saddle. It's also important to use a correct riding style. This minimises pressure on the back and reduces pain for the horse. Riding a horse with kissing spines is therefore possible, but do so with caution.

5. Surgical intervention

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the vertebrae. This usually involves an interspinous ligament desmotomy. Surgery is often only necessary if other treatments are ineffective.

6. Red light therapy

Red light therapy can help reduce pain and improve blood circulation in the back muscles. This can alleviate complaints and symptoms. You can perform this therapy yourself, for example, with the PowerCure Pro red light therapy laser.

benefits red light therapy lamp shines on wall

How can red light therapy help your horse?

A horse with kissing spines can benefit from red light therapy in several ways. Here's what this form of light therapy can do for your horse with kissing spines:

Pain reduction

The red light penetrates deep into the tissues and stimulates the mitochondria in the cells. This helps produce ATP (energy), which supports cells in the healing process and can reduce pain.

Anti-inflammatory

By improving blood circulation and cell activity, this form of light therapy can help reduce inflammation around the affected vertebrae and muscles. This can relieve pressure and pain around the spinous processes.

Reducing muscle tension

Many horses with kissing spines have tense muscles due to the pain. Red light helps relax these muscles and reduces tension. This can improve the horse's range of motion.

Better blood circulation and recovery

The improved microcirculation helps remove waste products and supply oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This accelerates the healing of damaged tissues and helps the horse move more comfortably.

Support for training and rehabilitation

Using red light therapy before or after exercise can help keep muscles supple and prevent or treat stiffness. This is especially helpful in a modified training program to strengthen the horse's back muscles.

By using red light therapy correctly, it's possible to give your horse with kissing spines a better life. The PowerCure laser can offer these benefits.

Why should I choose PowerCure when treating a kissing spine?

The PowerCure laser is a self-contained red light therapy device. This allows you to treat your horse at any time. It's suitable not only for horses, but also for dogs, cats, and people.

Shop the PowerCure here

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