Many of us treat our pets, especially dogs, as if they were members of our own family. They are with us in all our joys and sorrows. So, even if they get a little sick, we feel very worried. Have you ever noticed that your older dog doesn't run and play like he used to, and has difficulty getting up and bending over? Perhaps the reason for this is the disease we are talking about today.
What is Spondylosis Deformans?
Simply put, it's a degenerative condition that affects the spine of dogs and is associated with aging. Some people compare it to a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis , which is a type of back pain that occurs in humans. But it's a little different.
In this condition, extra bone spurs, like little spines, grow around the vertebral bones of the dog's spine. Think of these bony spurs as bridges between two vertebrae. One or more of these can develop along the spine .
Although these bone spurs can form anywhere in the body, they are most commonly seen in three main locations:
1. Lower back: We call this the ``lumbar spine.`` That is, the spine in the dog's waist area.
2. Around the hip bones and hind legs: We call this area the `(lumbosacral spine)`.
3. Along the spine in the chest area: To be precise, the thoracic vertebrae, where the abdomen and chest meet.
Who is this happening to?
There was a misconception in the past that this disease only affects large breed dogs. But that is completely wrong. Any breed, any size dog can develop this condition as they age. Typically, this condition starts to develop when a dog is around 10 years old. So, even if you have a small dog at home, it is very important to be aware of this.
Why do our dogs get this?
The main reason for this is aging . Just as our joints wear out as we age, dogs' spines also undergo changes over time.
Research has shown that Spondylosis Deformans is often a side effect of another medical condition. This means that a dog that already has a degenerative disease of the spine is more likely to develop this condition.
As we age, the shock -absorbing discs between the vertebrae, called intervertebral discs, begin to wear down and weaken. This reduces the stability between the vertebrae. To compensate for this instability, the body tries to strengthen the spine. As a result of that effort, the bony spurs we talked about earlier begin to form. This is like the body naturally building a "brace."
How do I know if my dog has this condition? (Symptoms)
The surprising thing here is that a very large percentage of dogs with Spondylosis Deformans do not show any symptoms. In many cases, the condition is discovered incidentally when an X-ray is done for another reason.
However, in some cases, symptoms may appear. Let's see what they are.
Remember, if your dog shows one or more of the following symptoms, don't ignore it. Definitely see a veterinarian.
| Symptom | Description and what you should be aware of |
|---|---|
| Stiffness of the body | These bony spurs reduce the flexibility of the spine. You may notice that your dog's body doesn't bend as easily as it used to. When you wake up in the morning, or after sleeping for a while, the body may feel 'stuck'. |
| Pain | Bone spurs usually don't cause pain. However, if the spur forms near a nerve root that comes out of the spine and presses on that nerve, it can cause severe pain. If your child groans or cries out when you touch their back, that's a sign of pain. |
| Lameness | A pinched nerve can disrupt signals to the legs, causing the dog to limp or be reluctant to put one leg down. |
| Behavioral changes | If a dog that used to love to play, jump, and run is now quiet and trying to stay in one place, it could also be due to pain. Reluctance to get into the car or on the sofa is also a sign. |
How does the doctor diagnose this? (Diagnosis)
If you think your dog is showing any of these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see a veterinarian. Please do not give your dog anything that is similar to painkillers for humans. This can cause further harm to them.
The veterinarian mainly uses an X-ray of the spine to diagnose this disease. The bone spurs can be clearly seen on the X-ray.
Sometimes, the doctor may need to take several X-rays. This is because bone spurs caused by Spondylosis Deformans can look similar to those caused by cancerous or inflammatory lesions. Therefore, several X-rays or other tests may be needed to differentiate between the two and make a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment for this condition depends on the severity of the symptoms. If there are no symptoms, no treatment may be necessary. If there is pain, the doctor will recommend things like medication, weight management, and exercise to control it. Therefore, it is very important to talk to your veterinarian for proper advice.
Take-Home Message
- Spondylosis Deformans is a common condition that occurs in the spine of dogs as they age.
- Here, extra bone spurs (bony spurs) grow around the spine.
- Most dogs don't show any symptoms, but some may experience stiffness, pain, or limping.
- If you notice a change in your dog's movements or any signs of pain, don't ignore it and take it to a veterinarian immediately .
- Diagnosis is mainly made through X-ray examination, and treatment is determined by symptoms.
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