Spondylosis in dogs
Many dogs become stiff in old age, avoid climbing stairs or occasionally limp. You have pain in the back. Curl. The culprit is pathological degeneration of the spine.
Disease explained: What is spondylosis in dogs?
Spondylosis can be detected with the help of an X-ray examination.
Spondyloses are pathological and painful changes in the spine. Especially the chest area-. Lumbar vertebrae is affected. In this degenerative disease of the skeleton, the intervertebral spaces ossify, resulting in stiffening of the spine. The dog is restricted in its mobility and subsequently suffers from pain, herniated discs, paralysis and impairment of nerve cords.
Spondylosis in dogs can be roughly compared to ankylosing spondylitis in humans.
Causes: How does spondylosis develop in dogs?
The spine is composed of a chain of individual vertebral bones. They are connected by joints, intervertebral discs and ligaments. In the neck and lumbar region of the dog, this construction is extremely mobile; in the thoracic and sacral vertebrae, rather rigid. The transition between the mobile. Rather rigid part is problematic especially in old age. Thus, the last vertebra or. the last disc of the more mobile part of the spine buffer the movement, because the more rigid section of the spine does not follow the movement.
Lose in old age but ligaments and intervertebral discs lose elasticity. Therefore, the body produces bony spikes to relieve prere on the discs. If then two vertebrae are connected by these spondyloses, the adjacent vertebra must carry the main load until it also gets support by the formation of a spondylosis.
Thus, the spine is curved and the dog gradually loses mobility.
Risk group: which dogs are particularly at risk of developing spondylosis?
Boxers in particular are among the dog breeds with an increased risk of spondylosis.
Not only older dogs are at risk of developing spondylosis. Some dogs have a genetic disposition. With them the illness breaks out then frequently already in the youth age. Boxers, for example, have a weak connective tie and are therefore particularly at risk.
Other factors are:
– size of the dog – overweight – too early stress on the young dog – too much stress over a longer period of time, for example in sporting dogs – breeding of unnatural body shapes
Also Sheepdogs belong to the breeds with a higher risk.
Symptoms: How to recognize spondylosis in my dog?
Walking is difficult for your dog? He shows reluctance. Rest more often? Pain could be the reason.
Since the disease acts very insidiously, there are hardly any symptoms for a long time. Many dogs live quite carefree even with pronounced spondylosis. If you notice an unusual gait in your dog, he limps at times, avoids certain movements and lies down a lot, these are the first signs.
Pain in the back area can lead to an arched back. The hind paws may develop a malposition. Male dogs often have difficulty lifting their leg. Some dogs have pain when the back is touched. Can react to it partly aggressively.
Other dogs show a Avoidance behavior: They try to avoid movements such as climbing stairs, getting into a car, jumping on a sofa or bed, and faster gaits.
Quick test:
Gently palpate the lateral areas of your dog's spine with your fingertips. If your dog shows Pain response, please present yourself to your veterinarian.
The complaints occur in spurts. If the animal has an acute episode, inflammation can develop. This is where going to the vet is important, especially to reduce pain. In the case of highly inflammatory phases, the vet can also Cortisone injections administer. Between spurts the dog appears healthy. But with longer and higher load, the animal shows quickly again the typical complaint pattern.
How is spondylosis in dogs diagnosed by the vet?
The veterinarian will first ask you what changes you have noticed. Afterwards he palpates the affected animal. By means of a X-ray or one Computed Tomography (CT) he can make a definite diagnosis.
Does spondylosis change the life expectancy in dogs?
As a rule, the disease does not negatively affect the life expectancy of a dog. However, if the spondylosis leads to extremely severe pain or even paralysis in the dog, the quality of life is severely limited. In some cases a dog wheelchair becomes necessary.
Consequential damage in dogs: What diseases can follow spondylosis?
– The risk of having a Herniated disc to suffer is increased in dogs with spondylosis. This is also a very painful and lengthy experience for dogs. – Bone bridges can crack or break under increased loads. This leads to severe pain and often long-lasting inflammations. – Pronounced spondylosis can Pinching of nerves.
Therapy: How are spondyloses treated in dogs??
Dogs with spondylosis can be helped with physiotherapy.
Spondylosis can not cured become. However, good veterinary care can lessen the effects:
– In acute episodes Medication for the pain administered. In addition to painkillers, cortisone injections are also commonly used to treat inflammation. – become next to it physiotherapy measures, for example water therapy, used. Acupuncture or massage may also help relieve pain. Operations Vets perform this test when nerve cords are permanently pinched or bony neoplasms are pressing on the spinal cord.
Prophylaxis: How to prevent spondylosis in dogs?
Take your dog for a walk, but don't rampage.
Dog owners cannot do anything against a hereditary disposition. However, you can prevent rapid progression of the disease:
– Exercise is essential for your dog, but avoid jumping, climbing stairs, or running at a fast pace in good time. A steady. Brisk walking is appropriate. Swimming is especially beneficial for heavy dog types. – Watch your dog's weight, because excess weight puts extra stress on your dog's bones. – Let your dog also gnaw on bones and cartilage to strengthen his own bone and joint apparatus. You can also do it with Barfen try. That is a biological species-appropriate raw feeding. In addition to raw vegetables, fruit, lettuce and egg, raw meat can also be part of this diet.
Our pages are for your information only and do not replace the diagnosis and treatment by the veterinarian.
Status as of: 20.02.2020