What is it?

In the normal spine, the vertebral bones are joined by ligaments to form a flexible protective column around the spinal cord. There is an intervertebral disc between each vertebral bone, acting shock absorbers and cushions. This combination of bones and joints give the spine its flexibility and motion. Spondylosis is a condition of the spinal column where bone spurs, or bony growths, develop. These growths can develop on the bottom, side or upper aspect of the vertebral bodies (see image). They can develop along any vertebral body aspect but are most common in the lumber (low back) region in dogs. In most cases these are mild but in some cases these bony growths can form a bridge between two vertebral bodies. Spondylosis forms for a variety of reasons. Genetics, microtrauma, and aging can predispose our dogs to this condition. 

What does it look like?

Many animals show no overt signs of pain or lameness and what symptoms dogs display varies widely. Sometimes owners notice their dog struggles to turn in one way or the other or seem to be more tense in their back muscles. As these bony growths mentioned above progress to the bridging variety, pain with rotation develops. It is sometimes called an “incidental finding” when radiographs were taken for a different reason. However most animals when tested display reduced spinal mobility/flexibility and in some cases pain! Additionally some spondylosis cases can lead to spinal osteoarthritis which is definitely painful. See newsletter about osteoarthritis for more specific information. 

What do we do about it?

The degree of treatment is reflective of the degree of symptoms. Rehabilitation therapy is the best long term treatment and in many cases can help prevent the onset of the more severe symptoms like pain/weakness. Building strength and improving spinal mobility are the primary goals of rehabilitation therapy.

At Canine PT and Me we focus on curating a home exercise program to prevent or delay the onset of pain/tightness/weakness that can accompany spondylosis. In addition to providing education on what to watch for and how to manage a painful flare up should it occur. 

Spondylosis is a common radiographic finding, ask us about your specific pet and how we can screen their spinal mobility today!