A dog’s spine, a complex structure, is composed of numerous small bones known as vertebrae. These bones extend from the base of the skull down to the tail’s end. The vertebrae are connected by flexible discs of cartilage, the intervertebral discs, which provide cushioning and allow for the bending and movement of the neck, spine, and tail. The spinal cord, a crucial component made up of nerve fibers, runs above these discs and through the bony vertebrae, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
What is Diskospondylitis?
Diskospondylitis, sometimes spelled ‘discospondylitis’ or referred to as ‘vertebral osteomyelitis,’ is an infection that affects the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs in dogs. This condition can cause swelling, inflammation, and bone deformities, leading to pressure or compression on the spinal cord. When only the vertebrae are affected, the disease is called “spondylitis,” and it’s distinct from ‘spondylosis,’ a non-infectious condition involving the fusion or degeneration of the vertebrae.
Causes of Diskospondylitis
Diskospondylitis is often observed in regions where plant awns, such as grass seeds or foxtails, are prevalent. It is believed that bacteria or fungi from these awns can enter the bloodstream upon piercing the skin. Other potential entry points for bacteria include bacterial endocarditis, urinary tract infections, or dental issues like disease or extractions. Additionally, Brucella canis has been identified as a causative agent for this disease in dogs.
Symptoms of Diskospondylitis
Common indicators of diskospondylitis include weight loss, diminished appetite, depression, fever, and back pain. Affected dogs typically show reluctance to engage in activities like running or jumping.
Diagnosis of Diskospondylitis
Identifying diskospondylitis can be challenging. A combination of blood tests, urinalysis, radiographs (x-rays), and spinal taps may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Cultures of blood and urine are often conducted to identify the underlying cause and determine the most suitable treatment approach. Myelography might be necessary to pinpoint the exact location of spinal compression, and in some cases, surgery may be performed to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord.
Treatment of Diskospondylitis
Treatment focuses on identifying the causative agent, be it fungal or bacterial. Given the difficulty in treating bone infections, the therapy may last a minimum of six weeks, and in some cases, it could extend for six months or longer. Regular radiographs during treatment are essential for monitoring progress, and the lesions that appear early in the disease should subside with treatment.
Patients usually experience a reduction in symptoms within two weeks of initiating treatment. Pain medication may be necessary in the early stages, and restricting exercise can also help to alleviate pain.
Prognosis
The prognosis depends on the effectiveness of the infection elimination and the extent of nerve damage caused by spinal compression.