What Is Spondylosis in Dogs?

Spondylosis is a disease common in dogs that causes the spine to degenerate. Although not life threatening, spondylosis has the potential to cause your dog discomfort.

Identification

Spondylosis causes the disks between your dog's vertebrae to degenerate or break down.

Causes

Veterinarians and researchers do not understand the cause of spondylosis in dogs, according to Provet. It is believed the disorder is caused by excessive amounts of Vitamin A in a dog's body because this has been determined to be a contributing factor for the disease in cats.

Time Frame

Spondylosis is most common in older dogs, and the condition becomes progressively worse with the passage of months and years.

Symptoms

Spondylosis typically does not present symptoms until the disks in your dog's spine begin to press upon its spinal cord or nerves. When this occurs, the condition is likely to cause a decreased mobility or limping, difficulty climbing stairs, pain and urinary or fecal incontinence, according to Web DVM.

Treatment

There is no cure for spondylosis as surgery is not effective in treating the condition. If your dog appears to be in pain from spondylosis, your veterinarian can prescribe medication.

References

• Provet: spondylosis
• Web DVM: spondylosis