MY DOG HAS A SORE BACK

 Spondylosis is degenerative changes in the joints of the vertebrae, or bones of the spine. It is very common in dogs. Although I have not seen any scientific papers on the subject, my personal observation from veterinary practice is that I do see it more often in certain breeds including cattle dogs, and perhaps border collies.

 If there is some instability between each bone that makes up the spine, the body tries to stabilize this by adding “boney deposits” along the edges of the joint. Sometimes, these deposits even bridge the gap between the vertebrae. These boney deposits (osteophytes) can be seen on radiographs.

 In most cases, when we see these osteophytes on the spine of the average pet dog, it is an accidental finding. We are taking radiographs of the dog for some other reason, and we see the tell tale signs of spondylosis, and the dog is not showing any signs of back pain. But the average pet dog probably jumps up onto the car once or twice a week, up on the lounge twice a day and then the bed once every evening (if they are lucky.)

 On the other hand, the average agility dog jumps in the car daily to go out for exercise, jumps on the lounge and bed as often as the average pet dog AND jumps over umpteen jumps at training and bends and flexes his back in a most unnatural manner, probably a minimum of 88 times a week, to speed through the weave poles (assuming an average of about 8 weave pole performances per week. If you are lucky, it is a multiple of 11 and the dog has not popped out of the weaves sometime!)

 This is why it seems that spondylitis is more common in agility dogs. The degenerative changes (spondylosis) are more likely to become inflamed and painful because of the stresses and strains we put on our agility dogs. (SpondyLOSIS is the degenerative changes, spondyLITIS is the inflammation).

 My personal opinion is that agility probably does not cause an increase in the incidence of spondylosis in our dogs – but those dogs that do agility that were going to develop spondylosis anyway, are more likely to find it painful.

 Another potential cause of back pain in agility dogs is intevertebral disc disease. There is a cartilage pad between each of the vertebral bones. If the cartilage of these discs loses its resiliency then they can rupture and the soft centre (nuclear pulposis) can be forced out. Sometimes the disc will just bulge and the pressure around it will cause a sore back. Other times, if there is a full rupture, the disc material just pushes against supporting muscle and fibrous tissue, and the only symptoms the dog will show are a painful back. But in a more serious scenario, when the disc ruptures, this nuclear material may put pressure on spinal nerves or directly onto the spinal cord. In these cases we may see neurological problems varying from pain and slight inco-ordination through to full paralysis.

 Certain breeds are predisposed to this problem. Their disc cartilage easily loses its resiliency and becomes brittle. Having well conditioned back muscles will help these dogs because the muscles will help support the strains on the back. But, if these dogs have a sore back, then strict rest is needed for a good recovery. 

The problem is usually diagnosed with simple plain radiographs, although sometimes further more complicated techniques are needed. In an acute disc prolapse we see a narrowed space between the two vertebrae. If it is a disc that prolapsed a while ago we can see a narrowing of the disc, and also signs of spondylosis – osteophytes forming on the edges of the vertebrae due to the instability created by the prolapsed disc.

 We need to look after our dog’s backs. Poor jumping technique can often be attributed to pain, and it is often a sore back. It might be muscular pain because we have not been conditioning and warming up our dogs appropriately. Or it may be a disc problem or spondylitis. So we need to monitor our dog’s backs.

 So what do we need to do?

 Certainly, if your dog starts to refuse jumps, either to run past them or to falter a little on take off then we should have their back checked. Or if we start to see some bars come down a little more often. There are other reasons, but the first step is to rule out pain and a check up by your vet is certainly advocated. Even if your dog is not having problems, if he does a lot of agility, it is a good idea to monitor his back with a radiograph when he is 8 or 9 years old.  

 If you find a problem, it does not mean the end of agility for you and your dog. With careful pain management, appropriate exercise and conditioning you and your dog can still continue to compete, although perhaps not in as many classes. Discuss it with your vet, and also a vet who has experience with the sport of agility.

 Lastly, remember that keeping your dog fit, and warming up those muscles before you have your run on course are very important to minimize the chances of these problems occurring.

 Le Hammer BVSc