Spondylosis deformans is a degenerative process that affects the spine of dogs, characterized by the formation of bone overgrowths in the lower and lateral part of the vertebrae. It generally appears in older dogs, although it can affect younger dogs when they suffer from a process that generates instability at the level of the spine.
If you want to know more about spondylosis in dogs, don't miss the following article on our site in which we will explain the aspects about your treatment and symptoms.
What is spondylosis in dogs?
Spondylosis or spondylosis deformans is a slowly developing degenerative disease that affects the spinal column of dogs. It is a non-infectious or inflammatory process, characterized by the appearance of some bone overgrowths, also called osteophytes, in the bottom and sides of the vertebrae that occur in response to aging or spinal instability.
Although it can occur throughout the entire spine, it most often occurs at the thoracic, lumbar or lumbosacral level.
Causes of spondylosis in dogs
Although the etiology of spondylosis deformans is not well defined, its origin seems to be related to aging and spinal instability.
With age, the soft tissues responsible for stabilizing the spinal column degenerate and lose elasticity, consequently producing spinal instability. The same occurs when repeated microtrauma, gait disturbances (limping), continuous pressure on the spinal joints or being overweight occur, as all of these are situations that produce excess stress on the spine. In any case, the body responds by creating these bony formations that join some vertebrae to others to counteract spinal instability.
At this point, it is worth mentioning the different factors that predispose to the appearance of canine spondylosis deformans:
- Age: The number of injuries doubles in adult dogs and triples in geriatric dogs, compared to young dogs. However, although advanced age is a favorable factor for the appearance of spondylosis, it is not entirely decisive, since it is also possible to detect it in young dogs.
- Working: Working or sporting breeds are more frequently affected by spondylosis deformans.
- Size: Large and heavy breeds are also more prone to this type of injury.
- Neutering: Apparently, the prevalence of these lesions is higher in neutered dogs than in intact dogs.
Normally, a dog is considered to have reached old age after 8 years of age. However, not everyone shows signs of it. For this reason, we recommend you consult this article with the 10 signs of old age in dogs in order to offer them the best care in this new stage.
Symptoms of spondylosis in dogs
The vast majority of dogs with spondylosis have no associated symptoms, that is, they remain asymptomatic. In fact, spondylosis is often diagnosed as an incidental finding when performing a radiographic study of the spine for some other reason.
It should be mentioned that, although these bone growths are very large, they do not usually invade the spinal canal and, therefore, do not produce spinal cord compression. However, when bone formations are located laterally, they can compress nerve roots exiting the spinal column (root compression), which does which could cause clinical signs such as:
- Pain: manifests with antalgic postures (postures to relieve pain) or rejection of movement. They also tend to show tenderness at the exit of the nerve roots.
- Rigidity.
- Weakness in the posterior third.
- Limp.
Types of spondylosis in dogs
Canine spondylosis is known by a variety of names, including:
- Spondylosis deformans
- Rheumatoid Spondylosis
- Spondylosis ossificans
- Ankylosing Spondylosis
- Degenerative hypertrophic arthritis
- Dog lumbosacral degenerative disease
However, all these terms refer to the same pathology, that is, they are different ways of referring to the same process.
Diagnosis of spondylosis in dogs
The diagnosis of canine spondylosis deformans is simple and is done by radiography However, it is important to include a complete neurological examination within of the diagnostic protocol to be able to detect possible neurological damage caused by spondylosis.
On radiographic examination, spondylosis is seen as protrusions (osteophytes) from the lower border of the vertebrae towards the anterior ends and posterior to the adjacent vertebrae. As it progresses, it takes on a hooked appearance commonly referred to as a "parrot's beak." In more advanced cases, a bridge is formed that joins the bodies of the vertebrae at the ventral level. When only an isolated osteophyte is observed in one vertebra, it is usually referred to as canine spondyloarthrosis.
In the face of this type of injury, it is important to carry out a differential diagnosis with other processes that also occur with the formation of new bone, such as spinal tumors or spondylitis. However, a simple radiological examination will distinguish spondylosis from these other pathologies.
Treatment of spondylosis in dogs
Spondylosis is a degenerative process for which there is no curative treatment, although dogs with these lesions generally do not have symptoms and do not require any specific treatment.
However, in patients who present symptoms it is important to establish a treatment to relieve painor the neurological signs associated with spondylosis. Therapeutic management of these patients may include:
- Analgesia: depending on the degree of pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam or opioids such as tramadol can be administered.
- Surgical treatment: Sometimes it is necessary to resort to a surgical procedure to decompress the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors: provide nutrients to reduce the degeneration of intervertebral joints.
- Rehabilitation program: may include physiotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, etc.
- Dietary management: It is important to correctly manage the feeding of these animals, to avoid obesity or overweight.
Prevention of spondylosis in dogs
Preventing the appearance of spondylosis in dogs is complicated, since it is a degenerative pathology that, in most cases, appears as a consequence of age. However, there are a series of preventive measures that can be taken into account to delay its appearance:
- Prevent overweight or obesity with proper dietary management throughout the animal's life.
- Avoid aggressive exercises or work that may cause instability or injury to the spine.
- In sports or working dogs, maintain a good warm-up and stretching routine before and after physical exercise, respectively.
- Treat early any process that may cause tension or instability of the spine.
How long can a dog with spondylosis live?
As we have explained throughout the article, spondylosis is a process that usually occurs without symptoms. Therefore, if you are wondering how long a dog with spondylosis can live, you should know that in most cases it is not a pathology that determines life expectancyof animals that suffer from it.
However, in very advanced cases, severe compression of the nerve roots can occur, causing intense pain or serious neurological signs. In these cases, euthanasia may become a valid alternative for animal welfare reasons.
