Spondylosis is a non-inflammatory disorder that affects the spine's vertebrae. It is distinguished by the presence of osteophytes (bony spurs) on the vertebral margins. Although only one osteophyte can be present, it is considerably more typical for numerous osteophytes to exist in multiple locations along the spinal column. In certain cases, osteophytes develop large enough to appear as a bridge between adjacent vertebrae. “It commonly affects the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae particularly at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junction.” (Lenton,2016b)

Cause and progression 

Spondylosis is a chronic condition which develops as part of the aging process although it often accompanies another degenerative disease which affects the intervertebral discs, as it is thought that the osteophytes form to provide stability to a joint which is already weakened. 

Furthermore, dogs with weak abdominal muscles as a result of surgery or injury are more likely to develop spondylosis because the spine is subjected to increased strain when attempting to stabilise itself due to the weaker abdominal muscles not providing as much support. 

Most dogs can live with the condition pain-free and therefore it is often undiagnosed, only being found during an X-ray for another reason. However, the osteophytes can grow into a nerve causing significant pain, restrict the natural movement of the spine causing stiffness, or in extreme cases cause compression of the spinal cord. 

Breeds that are chondrodystrophic, such as Dachshunds or Basset Hounds are more likely to be affected by spondylosis due to their predisposition to other diseases of the intervertebral discs such as IVDD. 

Symptoms & Onset

Dependent on where and how large the osteophytes grow depends on the symptoms and onset of the disease. 

Many dogs affected by spondylosis can live their lives pain-free without diagnosis, due to a minimal reduction in their range of motion which may go unnoticed by their owner. Where the osteophytes cause pain or compress the spinal cord the onset of symptoms can be sudden. An owner may see

• The dog may appear stiffer 
• Less flexibility in the dog’s spine 
• Lameness or limping 
• Unwillingness for their back to be touched 
• Referred pain (e.g. the neck) 
• Numbness in the limbs 
• Behavioural changes 
• A change to the dog’s usual gait 
• Unable to use hindlimbs

How massage can help

Massage can help a dog with spondylosis by; 

• Providing natural pain relief 
• Can relieve areas of the body which are overcompensating/muscle splinting 
• Releases restricted fascia and hypertonic muscles increasing their flexibility and reducing stiffness. 
• “Restores strength to the spine by addressing areas of myofascial pain and trigger points which are commonly known to mimic symptoms of the disease” (Lenton,2016b)
• Can improve posture and gait changes caused by the dog changing their movement patterns to reduce pain.

Information sourced from

Lenton, N. (2016) Spondylosis, Canine Massage Therapy Centre. Available at: https://www.k9-massage.co.uk/conditions/orthopaedic/spondylosis/ 

Hunter, T. and Yuill, C. (2023) Spondylosis Deformans in dogs: VCA Animal Hospital: VCA Animal Hospitals, Vca. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/spondylosis-deformans-in-dogs