SP

What is SP, its symptoms, and its causes? Spondylosis in dogs is a non-inflammatory condition where bony spurs (osteophytes) form and may bridge adjacent vertebrae, often affecting the thoracic and lumbar spine, especially at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions. It is often mistaken for arthritis but differs because it does not involve inflammation. Symptoms can include neck/back pain, ataxia, stiffness, lameness, and more (Spondylosis – Canine Massage Therapy Centre, n.d.).

According to Koch (n.d.), "Als Spondylose werden knöcherne Zubildungen der Wirbelkörper bezeichnet. Die
Ursache der Verwachsung ist nicht immer bekannt. Es sind aber auffallend viele
älter werdende Boxer und Dobermann Pinscher betroffen. Zunächst stört die
Spondylose den Hund überhaupt nicht, wird zufällig entdeckt und ist sie ein reines
Röntgenphänomen. Starke Spondylosen können zu so genannten Ankylosierungen
führen. Bei diesen werden aus den einmal zueinander beweglichen Lendenwirbel
starren Blöcke. Sie können zu steifem Gang führen. Eine zuverlässige Vorbeugung
oder Behandlung ist nicht bekannt" (Spondylosis refers to bony growths on the vertebrae. The cause of this fusion is not always known, but a remarkably high number of older Boxers and Doberman Pinschers are affected. Initially, spondylosis does not bother the dog at all; it is often discovered incidentally and is purely a radiographic finding. Severe spondylosis can lead to so-called ankylosis, in which the once mobile lumbar vertebrae fuse together into rigid blocks. This can result in a stiff gait. There is no known reliable prevention or treatment).

While some breds such as the Boxer, Doberman, German Shepherd, Bohemian Shepherd (Dzierzęcka et al., 2023) do have a predisposition to SP, it is important to consider all factors. Including activity level, trauma, age, symptoms, and any known history in the lines.