Every dog owner wants their four-legged friend to stay healthy and fit into old age. With a healthy diet, care, sufficient exercise and regular check-ups at the veterinarian, the dog owner supports the health of the animal significantly. Even if the dog comes from a breeder and the parents have been screened for hereditary diseases, many of these ailments can be avoided. However, some diseases cannot be ruled out even with the best care. Canine spondylosis, for example, is one of the most common diseases in older dogs. Nevertheless, it is also possible to work preventively against spondylosis. What spondylosis in dogs is, how you can avoid it and how the disease can be treated is what we want to discuss in more detail in this article.
One thing should be said in advance: spondylosis in dogs is not a death sentence and with good treatment the animal can also be relieved of the worst pain. A dog with spondylosis still has a few wonderful years ahead of it.
Canine Spondylosis – What is it?
Spondylosis in dogs is a so-called degenerative disease of the spine. The cervical spine, thoracic spine and also the lumbar spine can be affected. This disease is often also called arthrosis or specifically vertebral arthrosis. The spine stiffens and the dog suffers pain. If the dog’s body is no longer able to support and relieve its spine sufficiently by means of tendons, ligaments and muscles, a kind of self-protection comes into effect.
The vertebral bodies and the bones of the spine form brackets and condense. This ensures the stability of the musculoskeletal system. These braces are bony spondylophytes that usually grow on the lower side of the spine. These create a new connection between the individual vertebral bodies. They act like rigid bridges between the vertebrae. This, of course, helps with stability, but it also affects movement. Over time, the entire spine can become stiff. Since these braces are not original, they can put pressure on nerves or rub on joints. Pressure and friction not only cause pain, but also inflammation. The dog can move less and less, which affects its entire gait.
What does spondylosis mean in dogs?
Canine spondylosis means that the spine becomes ossified and stiff over time. As the disease progresses, the dog becomes increasingly unable to move.
Symptoms and Signs of Canine Spondylosis
If you know your dog well, you are guaranteed to notice immediately if something is wrong or if something changes in the beloved animal. The first signs of spondylosis can be a dog’s sensitivity to touch. If you pet your dog along the spine and he responds with a yelp or growl, alarm bells will be ringing in you.
You can also recognize the symptoms when your four-legged friend finds it increasingly difficult to get up and lie down. You can see very clearly that the body of the four-legged friend seems somehow stiff. This stiffness is also noticeable when walking and running. In males, it can also mean that they can no longer properly lift their legs when peeing as normal. If the dog suddenly no longer likes to move, this can also be an indication that something is wrong and that it is in pain. It can lead to problems when climbing stairs, the dog can no longer walk up the stairs to the upper floor and suddenly he doesn’t want to jump into the trunk of the car anymore.
If the dog suddenly keeps holding its hind paws incorrectly and it seems unstable when standing or sitting, this is also an indication of spondylosis. The back muscles are very tense and can also bulge optically. It can also lead to trembling and slight signs of paralysis, the dog limping or dragging a leg more and more frequently. It can also happen that the dog does not find the right position for sleeping for a long time, keeps tossing and turning and occasionally squeaks in pain. If one or more of these symptoms appear, you should definitely consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Causes of spondylosis in dogs
Large and heavy breeds are most commonly affected by spondylosis. Spondylosis is a sign of old age, but it can occur earlier if the animals’ supporting tissues are poorly developed. It is always advised that puppies and young dogs should not be overworked. It is not without reason that animals, especially large and heavy dog breeds, are said to not be allowed to climb too many steps, not jump from high places onto hard ground and should not get into the car without a dog ramp.
All this overload at a young age can lead to spondylosis in the long term and in old age. But it can also be a genetic predisposition that leads to spondylosis. It is therefore important that both parents are always examined for genetic defects before mating.
Obesity is also a risk factor and should be avoided. Utility and working dogs are also more likely to develop spondylosis because they have been overused throughout their lives. Spondylosis can also be referred to as wear and tear.
Supposedly modern but unnatural body shapes that are bred into some dogs are also triggers for spondylosis to occur in the animals. Here the German shepherd is the best example of this.
What to do with spondylosis in dogs?
If spondylosis is suspected, you should immediately consult a veterinarian and have the dog x-rayed. In this way, an exact diagnosis can be made.
Spondylosis Diagnosis – How Spondylosis is Diagnosed
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, you should visit the vet. Talk to him directly about your concerns. The vet now checks the animal’s gait and feels the spine. To rule out all other diseases as causes and to determine the exact degree of spondylosis, an X-ray is performed. The ossification of the individual vertebrae can be clearly seen on the X-ray image. In this way it can also be determined how far advanced the spondylosis is.
Canine spondylosis is graded from 0 to 4. Grade 0 means the dog is free of spondylosis. Grade 1 denotes a mild form of spondylosis. Bone prongs are already visible on the vertebrae. Grade 2 is an intermediate form and the bony spikes are more pronounced. Here one speaks of so-called parrot beaks. Grade 3 is already a severe form of spondylosis. The bridges between the vertebrae are already strong, visible and isolated. Grade 4 is the most severe form of this disease. Closed bone plates have already formed. This is called the bamboo spine.
Therapy and treatment options for spondylosis
Spondylosis cannot be cured or reversed. However, it is possible to stop the progression of the disease and relieve the dog of the pain. Above all, it is important that no further flare-ups occur as a result of the treatment. It is important that the pain and any inflammation are treated. The vet will prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs for this. Alternatively or additionally, for example, CBD can also be given to the dog. Be sure to check this out with your vet. However, many dog owners swear by this non-psychoactive hemp oil for canine spondylosis.
Physiotherapy is also an important part of treatment. It is important that the muscles of the animal are rebuilt and strengthened. Treadmills under water have proven to be very good here. Special massages and careful movements are also effective. Exercises should always be made that relieve the dog’s body.
If the ossifications are already pressing heavily on the nerves, an operation is also possible in some cases. Here, surgery is performed on the side or on the back of the vertebral arch. This creates more space for the nerve. After this operation, physiotherapy is also on the agenda and the dog must rest consistently.
Is spondylosis painful?
Yes, spondylosis is very painful for dogs. It is therefore important that you support the four-legged friend with medication as well as with therapy and aids. In addition to pain and anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy is usually absolutely effective. Eat a healthy diet. If the four-legged friend is overweight, you should get rid of the excess kilos immediately. In addition, dietary supplements are important for dogs, which support the joints and protect the cells and the immune system.
Preventing spondylosis in dogs – prophylaxis through food, medication, and home remedies
The two most important factors are weight and strain. If you always make sure that your dog is always at its ideal weight, a risk factor is already excluded. You should also make sure that your four-legged friend is not put under too much strain. A dog ramp is a must-have, especially for large dogs if you often travel together in the car.
Large and heavy dogs such as Great Danes and Co. should not necessarily climb many steps and perform high jumps. You should also be careful with wild games. Games in which the dog has to stop abruptly are taboo. You should also refrain from tricks such as walking on your hind legs. You can also attach a ramp here so that your dog can still get onto the couch.
Cold and wet conditions also contribute to the progression of spondylosis. In addition, the dog feels the pain more in cold weather. Therefore, affected dogs should always wear a protective coat in bad weather.
If you have a very active dog and you do a lot of dog sports, make sure that your four-legged friend always warms up properly before exercising. Here, too, the muscles should be kept warm with a sweater, especially in cold weather. Also, make sure that you always do exercises that strengthen the muscles.
Another point is the dishes. Poorly fitting harnesses lead to poor posture. Spondylosis in dogs is also favored by misalignments. Your four-legged friend should therefore always wear a perfectly fitted harness that does not pinch, constrict or impede natural movement.
Dogs can also take supplements. There are some substances that are referred to as so-called joint nutrients. They include glucosamine and chondroitin. Grape seed extract, spirulina, sea buckthorn, algae, and lime as well as mumijo are also nutritional additives that support the dog’s immune system and cell function.
If your dog has spondylosis, you should definitely get your dog an ergonomic dog bed. The best beds are made of memory foam, which adapt to the body and specifically support the spine.
If the hind legs are already severely affected by paralysis, there is the option of having the dog fitted with a type of wheelchair. So he can stay a little more mobile for as long as possible. If the dog slides and moves well without a trolley, you should make sure that it does not rub itself up in special places. Slipping often leads to abrasions on the rear part. You can avoid these chafing points with padding.
