Signs of Spondylosis in Dogs
According to VetInfo.com, canine spondylosis is a condition in which bone spurs begin forming along the spine. Spondylosis commonly affects older dogs, with larger breeds most at risk. Canine spondylosis can also be referred to as spondylosis deforms, but should not be confused with the term "spondylitis," which is an infection of the spine.
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Back Pain
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Since canine spondylosis directly affects the spine, the dog may suffer from mild to severe pain. Some dogs may experience such severe pain that the condition becomes debilitating.
Mobility
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As the disease progresses, the bone spurs can attach to multiple discs and form what is known as bridges. These bridges essentially fuse the discs of the spine, which can result in a loss of mobility.
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Muscle Atrophy
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The loss of mobility can eventually result in muscle atrophy, a condition in which the muscle mass wastes away. Loss of muscle mass can vary in severity from dog to dog, with partial or full loss of muscle mass.
Lameness
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Dogs affected by spondylosis deforms often suffer from lameness, a term veterinarians use to describe the disabled state of the dog in which movement such as walking becomes difficult.
Neurological Issues
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Spondylosis directly affects the spine, but fortunately the resulting neurological issues are relatively rare. These issues vary greatly from dog to dog and are based on the location on the spine of the spondylosis.
Stiffness
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Since spondylosis often affects older dogs, many owners dismiss stiffness as a normal part of the aging process. Stiffness can occur at any time of day, or it can be seen whenever the dog attempts to get up or down.
Jumping
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Dogs affected by spondylosis can have difficulty jumping up or down, but also when going up or down stairs.
Feet
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According to veterinarian Kathleen Carson of HolisticVetInfo.com, some dogs with spondylosis may drag their feet when walking.
Asymptomatic
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Unfortunately, mild cases of canine spondylosis may not produce any symptoms whatsoever. In these cases, the disease may only be diagnosed during a routine examination or while the dog is being tested for other potential issues.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
