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The Furry Critter Network

Bone Spurs - Issue Description

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Issue Name

Bone Spurs

Other Names
Spondylitis

Issue Description

Spondylitis is defined as a degenerative condition in one or more joints of the spinal column. Repeated stress on joints in active dogs and hereditary factors are the two main causes of this disorder. Spondylitis can also be caused and advanced through high levels of stress, poor nutrition, environmental factors, immune system imbalances and lack of exercise.

Symptoms

Is the most common symptom with this disorder. Dogs who wince when rising, walking or playing are most likely suffering a fair amount of pain.

Stiffness
Stiffness in joints often presents itself in large breed dogs. Those have had a particularly hard time rising after resting or can no longer climb stairs or short inclines, often suffer stiffness in joint areas.

Swelling
Swelling in and around joints is a common symptom of Spondylitis. Any puffiness or redness around hip or spinal areas is cause for concern, and should be addressed immediately.


Diagnosis

See symptoms

Treatment

Treatment
Treatment is usually conservative in nature; the most commonly used treatments are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical modalities, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is occasionally performed. Many of the treatment modalities for cervical spondylosis have not been subjected to rigorous, controlled trials. Surgery is advocated for cervical radiculopathy in patients who have intractable pain, progressive symptoms, or weakness that fails to improve with conservative therapy. Surgical indications for CSM remain somewhat controversial, but most clinicians recommend operative therapy over conservative therapy for moderate-to-severe myelopathy.

Surgery
There are many different surgical procedures to correct spinal deformity. The vertebra can be approached by the surgeon from the front, side, or rear. Portions of a disc may be removed. To prevent further dislocation, fusion of two vertebrae may be done by taking pieces of bone from the patient's hip and inserting them between the two vertebrae which are fused together and secured by screws.

Prognosis
The prognosis is guarded because the disease cannot be totally treated.

Long Term
Total ankylosis of the spinal column can result in the worst affected cases. This can lead to an abnormal gait and difficulty negotiating stairs, jumping and other activities in which movement of the spine is important.


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