Discospondylitis in Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment

Discospondylitis is an inflammation of the spine caused by infection of the disk and adjacent vertebrae. Usually bacteria or fungi cause the infection. Discospondylitis in dogs typically begins in the vertebral endplate and then spreads to the adjacent disk. It is important to note that this condition can lead to severe pain and mobility issues if not addressed promptly.

It is a spinal disease that is much more common in dogs than in cats. It occurs mainly in young to middle-aged, male, purebred, unneutered, medium to large dogs. Similarly, it is much less common in small breed or chondrodystrophic dogs. Understanding the breed predisposition helps in early detection and management.

Deforming spondylosis or parrot beaks in the spine of dogs should not be confused with discospondylitis, as they are sometimes referred to as the same thing. Each condition has distinct characteristics and requires different management approaches.

Continue reading this other article to learn more about spondylosis in dogs.

Symptoms of canine discospondylitis vary depending on the degree of the infection. In general, affected dogs show the following symptoms:

• Back pain
• Difficulty moving
• Muscle weakness in the limbs
• Depression
• Fever
• Loss of appetite and weight

In addition, clinical signs of musculoskeletal dysfunction are common, such as fatigue, ataxia, hyperesthesia, or even difficulty walking. In severe cases, a dog may become paralyzed. It is crucial to seek veterinary attention if these signs are observed.

Finally, neurologic signs may also occur, including extradural compression and paresis or paralysis. These signs can vary depending on the affected vertebral site and the severity of the infection. Occasionally, meningitis or meningoencephalitis may occur if the infection spreads to the central nervous system, further complicating the condition.

First, a thorough clinical history and physical examination are performed on the dog to make the diagnosis. This includes ancillary investigations such as blood tests, urine, and blood cultures to detect the microorganism. Ensuring a comprehensive assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Discospondylitis is most effectively diagnosed by imaging tests, including x-rays, myelography, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging. In order to diagnose this disease, radiographs of the dog's entire spine are required. These imaging modalities provide detailed insights into the condition of the spine and associated structures.

In the results of imaging studies, the veterinarian may find: collapsed disk spaces, erosion of the lamina terminalis, and focal laminae lysis. Proliferative changes in the bones adjacent to the disk space and sclerosis at the margins of bone loss are also seen. Identifying these changes helps in confirming the diagnosis.

A CT scan can be very helpful for early diagnosis and in cases where the radiograph does not show discospondylitis lesions. It can be performed in combination with myelography to detect possible spinal cord compression. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive test for evaluating the disk, spinal cord, vertebrae, and paravertebral muscles. It also identifies changes in the bone marrow of the vertebrae that occur in the early stages of the disease and precede osteolytic lesions. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques can enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Discospondylitis in dogs can be treated with medication or surgery, depending on the case. The choice of treatment is influenced by the severity and progression of the disease.

Medication

Medical treatment consists in the application of specific antibiotics to the pathogen for a certain time, among which the following stand out:

• First generation cephalosporins
• Clindamycin
• Trimethoprim

Treatment is usually continued for a period of 6-12 months, with long courses of medication required to clear the infection. Discontinuing the medication too soon may cause the signs of discospondylitis to reappear, even in a dog that has shown dramatic signs of improvement. Consistency in medication is crucial for successful outcomes.

Generally, symptoms improve in dogs within a few days, especially fever and spinal hyperesthesia; neurologic signs often take a little longer to resolve. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs and analgesics are usually administered to manage pain and inflammation.

Surgery

It is recommended that dogs with extradural spinal cord compression and significant neurologic deficits undergo surgical treatment if they fail to respond to antibiotics or have negative cultures. Surgical intervention can alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and improve neurological function.

Depending on the location of the lesion, decompressive techniques such as ventral slit, hemilaminectomy, or dorsal laminectomy may also be included in treatment. If the intervertebral spondylitis is secondary to brucellosis, although this is rare, the affected dog should also be sterilized to prevent further complications.

In addition to these targeted treatments, treatment for discospondylitis usually includes pain medications. There are a number of pain medications that can be used depending on the level of pain and overall health of your dog. Tailoring the pain management plan to the individual needs of the dog ensures better overall care.

There is no short answer to this question. In general, canine discospondylitis has a good prognosis, but it depends on the severity, timing, and effectiveness of treatment. Early intervention and adherence to the treatment plan are key factors influencing the outcome.

Dogs with mild symptoms, such as spinal pain with mild neurologic deficits, and those that respond well to medical treatment have a good prognosis. If a fungal infection, fracture, subluxation, or endocarditis is present, the prognosis is guarded. While most dogs do respond to medication, some do not, highlighting the need for individualized care plans.

It is not possible to cure Brucellosis infection completely, but long-term antibiotics are often effective in treating it and your dog can have a good quality of life. Continuous monitoring and adjustments in the treatment regimen are often necessary.

If your dog shows any of the symptoms of discospondylitis described above, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Prompt veterinary attention can make a significant difference in the management of this condition.

This other article examines canine anatomy and categorizes the muscles, bones, and organs of dogs in detail.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Discospondylitis in Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend you visit our Bacterial diseases category.