Dorsal spinous process impingement syndrome (‘kissing spine’) in a cat: Imaging appearance and surgical management
Authors: Gutierrez-Quintana Rodrigo, Lindley Samantha, Sullivan Martin, Penderis Jacques, Wessmann Annette
Journal: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Summary
Dorsal spinous process impingement syndrome—commonly known as 'kissing spine'—is well-documented as a significant source of spinal pain in horses and humans, yet this case report describes its first documented occurrence in a feline patient, presenting an important clinical reminder that differential diagnoses for thoracolumbar pain in cats may extend beyond the typically recognised conditions. A 5-year-old cat with progressive thoracolumbar pain spanning seven months underwent radiographic imaging, which revealed abnormal approximation of the dorsal spinous processes at T7, T8, and T9 with characteristic reactive bone sclerosis. Surgical resection of the T8 dorsal spinous process completely resolved the clinical signs, with no recurrence noted at the 9-month follow-up assessment. Whilst kissing spine remains an uncommon diagnosis in feline medicine, this case underscores the importance of considering vertebral pathology when cats present with chronic spinal pain unresponsive to conventional management, and suggests that surgical intervention can be curative when imaging confirms the diagnosis. Equine and small animal practitioners should maintain awareness that similar biomechanical spinal conditions may manifest across species, particularly when managing cases of persistent thoracolumbar pain in cats for which other differentials have been ruled out.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Dorsal spinous process impingement should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cats presenting with thoracolumbar pain, though it remains rare in feline patients
- •Radiographic imaging showing spinous process approximation with sclerotic changes can confirm the diagnosis and guide surgical planning
- •Surgical resection of the affected spinous process may provide complete clinical resolution in appropriately selected cases
Key Findings
- •First reported case of dorsal spinous process impingement syndrome ('kissing spine') identified in a feline patient
- •Radiographic findings showed close approximation of dorsal spinous processes at T7-T9 with reactive bone sclerosis
- •Surgical resection of the T8 dorsal spinous process resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs with no recurrence at 9-month follow-up