Spondylosis is a very common disease middle-aged to older dogs. It is sometimes an incidental finding on radiographs taken for a separate reason, but I usually have a suspicion of osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease when I see it. Many times my patients will show sensitivity on palpation of the spine or have exhibited stiffness noted by the owners.
Research has suggested that Boxers have a genetic predisposition to spondylosis, but I see it in many types of dogs. Studies have not definitively proven a direct cause, but I usually think of the bridge formation as the body’s reaction to the presence of instability or inflammation. Obviously instability in the spinal column would be a bad thing and the body strives for stability.

AdvertisementMost dog owners just want to know what to do to make their dogs comfortable. I usually try weight management because excess weight puts pressure on all the joints, the spine most of all. People ask me about exercise and many think that their affected dog can no longer be active, but activity is always important. If your dog has spondylosis, you may want to choose lower impact choices, like swimming and walking over running and retrieval games.

Any dog exhibiting signs of pain would probably benefit from a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescribed by your veterinarian. You might not even realize how much pain your dog was experiencing until you address it. I have many grateful clients call to thank me for these types of medications.

Another method of addressing pain is through disease modifying agents. This class includes joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. There is variable response to each of these agents and one should not expect 100% control with these alone. They can serve as an adjunct to therapy, reducing the amount of other medications that are required to control pain. If you find that one particular type of these agents is ineffective, it is reasonable to try others because each dog is an individual.
In some cases your veterinarian may find the disease and its associated signs so severe that steroids are the choice for treatment. In these cases it is important to talk with your veterinarian about side effects, long-term management and future plans. I usually reserve steroids as my last step for restoring quality of life. But you should ask your own veterinarian about his or her opinion of the role steroids can play in the management of spondylosis.

As time passes, some patients with spondylosis may require narcotic class agents to control their pain and maintain their quality of life. These medications must be prescribed by a veterinarian and you should be sure that you know exactly what you were getting and what to expect for control of pain. Make sure you understand possible side effects and directions for use.

Any patient with joint pain could be a candidate for physical therapy. Ask your veterinarian if there is a veterinary certified physical therapist in your area. I have seen miraculous response for these patients when I added physical therapy to their control regimen.

There could be a place in your dog’s management for alternative therapies like acupuncture. Each dog responds differently to an individual treatment protocol and depending on its availability to you, could be a viable option for inclusion in your dog’s treatment.

AdvertisementThere are many options for management of Spondylosis pain ranging from what you feed (and how much) to a variety of things your vet can prescribe or recommend. First make sure your dog is not at all overweight, then review the diet quality and whether or not it already contains supplements to support joint health. Ask your veterinarian about non-steroidal medications versus steroids and narcotics. You might consider alternative therapies, like physical therapy and acupuncture. Remember, every dog is individual and like people, some will respond well to one protocol and not another. Do not give up. There is a combination that will help restore your dog’s quality of life.

About The Vet: Dr. Kathryn Primm is a practicing small animal veterinarian. She has consulted on articles for national magazines, done numerous radio interviews and appeared on local television. She has contributed to an article for Prevention magazine and Woman’s Day in Feb 2014 and June 2015 on shelves now.