Kissing spine, or overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP), is a common and painful condition in horses, particularly in disciplines like dressage and jumping, where the horse's back is under constant stress. It occurs when the spinous processes of the vertebrae come too close together, often touching or even overlapping, which can cause inflammation, pain, and performance issues.

For equine athletes, maintaining a healthy, strong back is crucial. Myco Equine’s supplements, Lean Mass and Nerve Support, offer natural therapies to help prevent and treat kissing spine, supporting your horse’s health and performance.

Understanding Kissing Spine in Equine Athletes

Kissing spine is often seen in performance horses, especially those involved in dressage and jumping. These disciplines require significant back flexion and strength, as well as significant downward pressure from the rider, which can cause and exacerbate the underlying anatomical issues that lead to kissing spine.

Symptoms of Kissing Spine:

• Back Pain: Horses may show signs of discomfort when saddled or ridden.
• Resistance to Work: Affected horses might resist certain movements, particularly those that involve back flexion, like collection or jumping.
• Changes in Gait: Shortened strides, stiffness, or reluctance to move forward can indicate back pain.
• Behavioral Changes: Horses may become irritable, anxious, or display signs of discomfort when being groomed or tacked up.

Diagnosing Kissing Spine: Veterinarians typically diagnose kissing spine through a combination of clinical signs, palpation, and imaging techniques like X-rays. Once diagnosed, a comprehensive treatment plan is essential for managing the condition and restoring the horse’s comfort and performance.

Preventing and Treating Kissing Spine with Myco Equine Supplements

At Myco Equine, we understand the challenges of managing and preventing conditions like kissing spine in performance horses. Our supplements, Lean Mass and Nerve Support, are designed to provide natural support, helping to build and maintain a strong, healthy back and nervous system.

Lean Mass: Building Strength and Stability

Lean Mass is formulated to support muscle development and overall physical conditioning in horses. A strong, well-developed back is essential for preventing conditions like kissing spine, where muscle imbalances or weakness can exacerbate the issue.

• Muscle Support: Lean Mass contains key ingredients that promote lean muscle growth, helping to build the supportive muscles along the horse’s back. A strong topline can alleviate the strain on the spine, reducing the risk of the vertebrae coming into contact.
• Improved Posture: By enhancing muscle strength and endurance, Lean Mass contributes to better posture and back alignment during work, essential for dressage and jumpers who need to maintain a strong and flexible back.
• Natural Ingredients: Lean Mass is made with natural, bioavailable ingredients, ensuring your horse gets the support they need without the use of synthetic additives or chemicals.

Nerve Support: Enhancing Comfort and Function

Nerve Support focuses on maintaining a healthy nervous system, crucial for horses with or at risk of kissing spine. Nerve health is vital for controlling pain, improving mobility, and ensuring overall well-being.

• Pain Management: Kissing spine can cause significant pain due to nerve compression. Nerve Support helps to soothe the nervous system, reducing discomfort and allowing the horse to move more freely.
• Enhanced Recovery: For horses already diagnosed with kissing spine, Nerve Support can aid in the recovery process, helping to reduce inflammation and support nerve health during rehabilitation.
• Calming Effect: Horses suffering from pain or discomfort due to kissing spine may become anxious or stressed. Nerve Support has calming properties, helping to manage stress and improve overall behavior.

The Role of Myco Equine in Equine Athlete Health

At Myco Equine, we are committed to supporting the health and performance of equine athletes. Our supplements are designed with the specific needs of performance horses in mind, providing targeted, natural support for conditions like kissing spine.

Preventive Care: Using Lean Mass and Nerve Support as part of a regular supplement regimen can help prevent the development of kissing spine by maintaining a strong, well-supported back and a healthy nervous system.

Holistic Approach: Combining these supplements with proper training, saddle fitting, and veterinary care creates a holistic approach to managing your horse’s health. This comprehensive care strategy is essential for preventing and treating conditions like kissing spine.

Conclusion: Supporting Your Equine Athlete Naturally

Kissing spine is a challenging condition, especially for horses in demanding disciplines like dressage and jumping. However, with the right care and support, it’s possible to manage and even prevent this condition. Myco Equine’s Lean Mass and Nerve Support offer natural, effective therapies to help your horse build strength, reduce pain, and continue to perform at their best.

Investing in your horse’s health today with Myco Equine supplements can lead to a stronger, healthier, and happier equine athlete tomorrow.