Spondylosis

What is spondylosis?

Spondylosis in dogs is characterised by the formation of osteophytes (bony spurs) that can bridge one vertebrae to another. It is often thought of as arthritis of the spine however this condition is non inflammatory. It is more common in the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae and particularly at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral joints. It is a degenerative condition and can often develop in dogs around the age of 10 years old.

how does it progress?

The majority of dogs that develop spondylosis do not suffer any pain associated directly with the condition, however if the osteophytes develop close to a nerve and put pressure on the nerve then the dog could develop pain. If this is the case then neurologic impairment may be present. For instance, dogs with spinal trauma may also suffer with incontinence. This is due to the interrupted communications on the spinal cord due to the impingement from the osteophytes. Medication for any pain management may be required, in some cases, where spondylosis has more severe affects to the dog then treatment with acupuncture or even surgery may be required 

Image from Canine Massage Guild.

WHat causes spondylosis?

There are many causes for spondylosis in dogs. As it is a degenerative condition it is often associated with ageing, however there are other causes:

  • Ageing - usually develops around the age of 10 years old. This is doe to the increased years of ware and tear on the body

  • Trauma to the back, ie. from a collision with another dog

  • Repetitive stress - when the joints degenerate and lose stability the body will grow new bone to strengthen those areas

  • Poor nutrition

  • Stress / Anxiety

  • Lack of exercise

  • Dogs that have undergone abdominal surgery, ie. females that have been spayed and have excessive scarring. The weakening to the abdomincal wall puts excessive pressure on the spine as it works to stabalise the impeded core muscles

  • Excessive strains to the epaxial transversospinalis muscles, which will effect the spine

  • Breed disposition - Dachshunds and other long backed breeds are suscesptible to spondylosis as there is an increased demand for the spine to stabalise the core muscles

  • Many studies suggest that Boxers are predisposed to this condition. Large breeds such as GSD’s or Airedale Terriers are also suggested to be most commonly effected.

What are the symptoms of spondylosis?

Most dogs who suffer with spondylosis will be asymptomatic. The osteophytes can be felt externally upon examination but here will often be no clinical symptoms associated. If the case is more severe then these symptoms may be seen:

  • Stiffness when moving

  • Altered gait

  • Hopping or the back end being thrown out

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Lameness

  • Back pain

  • Neck pain (this is due to some of the muscles that stabilise the spine actually attach or insert onto the neck)

  • Character change e.g. not wanting contact with other dogs, guarding their back from other dogs

  • Resistant to touch along the back

  • Numbness and weakness in the limbs

  • Ataxia - loss of co-ordination when carrying out their daily tasks

how can massage help with spondylosis?

Massage therapy can help with spondylosis and aid to reduce its effects on your best friend. As a therapist i will take a full body approach to treatment and i aim to reduce the dysfunction around the body to increase the way that the muscles and the skeleton interact with eachother, which will aid in keeping your dogs health and wellbeing in the best condition we can. Clinical canine massage therapy aids in the following ways:

  • Massage therapy is a natural form of pain management for chronic conditions

  • By reducing the build up of muscle guarding around the area

  • Helping to alleviate and reduce the areas of overcompensation

  • Helps to reduce pain by alleviating muscle tightness

  • Aids with healing soft tissue damage

  • Can aid to relieve stiffness

  • Promoting flexibility and increased range of movement

  • Can restore strength to the spine by removing trigger points and myofascial pain, which are known to mimic the condition.

  • Can aid in returning good gait and posture, leading to a reduction in overcompensation

Contraindications (reasons to not massage or to alter the massage) to massage to be aware of - if your dog is showing any signs of the following then please let me know and then we can discuss a treatment schedule to work around or outside of the particular issue.

  • Pregnancy

  • Epilepsy

  • The severity of the condition

  • The level of inflammation in the area

    (heat therapy should be avoided if inflammation present)

  • Skin irritations such as eczema

  • Open wounds

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Cardio-vascular conditions

  • Broken bones

  • Bruises