Spondylosis is a fairly common bone condition in older dogs that unfortunately does not have a recognized cure.
Your vet will be able to assist you in keeping your pet comfortable, but will not be able to relieve the condition altogether.
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What is Spondylosis?
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Spondylosis is a disease that causes a dog's vertebrae to grow together. It is a progressive disease. The majority of dogs will develop some degree of spondylosis in their later years in life, but very few live long enough for the disease to affect their lives in a major way.
The disease is usually painful by the time it is diagnosed because most pet owners first notice a limp or signs of back pain in their animal.
Treatment
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If you believe that your dog may have spondylosis the first step is to take him to the veterinarian and have him properly diagnosed. Once diagnosed, your vet will likely start your pet on a pain regimen. Unfortunately, there is no real cure for this disease. Experimental surgeries have been performed, but the bone will always grow back.
The majority of dogs are able to continue happy and otherwise healthy lives once their pain has been resolved.
Further Complications
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The disease can lead to further complications in highly developed cases. These cases normally occur in dogs that are reaching the end of their lifespan because the disease has had more time to develop.
The first complication in these dogs is called total ankylosis of the spinal column. In other words, all of the bones have fused together. When this happens the dog will have a general difficulty, and a large amount of pain, with large or quick movements such as negotiating stairs or jumping.
The second, more serious but rare complication, is severe nerve compression which leads to nerve damage.
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