Blog

Spondylosis in Dogs

Jan 24, 2020

As your dog ages, they will become vulnerable to more health conditions than when they were young pups. Spondylosis is a chronic condition that usually occurs most along the spine in older dogs. There, degenerative disks cause bone spurs to develop. A bone spur is a bony growth that develops on the edge of a bone. These bone spurs can form bridges from one vertebra to the next, limiting flexibility and range of motion. These growths are usually due to aging, injury to the same joints and bones through repeated exercise or other activities or major trauma/injury. They can affect dogs after the age of ten years old. This is because the bones and joints of older dogs have had more time to go through natural wear and tear. Poor nutrition, stress, and a lack of exercise may also contribute to the condition. Some dogs, especially larger breeds, depending on the size and location of the bone spurs, may not feel many symptoms, or they may start to experience nerve damage and mobility issues. Some dogs need extensive treatment or surgery, while others can be treated with medication and monitoring.

Symptoms might be:

Pain
Lameness or limping
Motion restriction
Signs of discomfort
Stiffness

If the condition is severe, the dog may whine or cry when touched along affected areas of the back. In addition, severe cases some vets may suggest surgery to remove the bone spurs. The condition is usually diagnosed from a radio-graph (x-rays) of the spine.

Management practices:

Acupuncture
Weight loss programs
Low impact exercise programs
Anti-inflammatory drugs

Many affected dogs can live adequate lives, even though they may be slightly limited in flexibility and range of motion. To assist in pain management for your dog the Benefab® Canine Comfort Shirt fabric emits far-infrared rays, keeping muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments supple and relaxed. The shirt provides supportive compression for anxiety and comfort. It helps harmonize bodily functions safely and naturally stimulating recovery time, promoting blood circulation, increasing oxygen flow, and ultimately reducing pain and stiffness. Material is also breathable with wicking qualities. Keep your dog comfortable and on the right track with our line of canine therapeutic products.