Species: Dog
Condition: Spinal Osteochondrosis
Organ System: Respiratory
Spinal osteochondrosis is a hereditary cartilage disorder affecting joints between the bones in the spine. Cartilage covering the touching surfaces of the joint should be very smooth in order to enable optimal motility. In affected dogs small cracks form on the surface of the cartilage. Small fragments can break and cause further damage to the joint with pain and discomfort. Spinal osteochondrosis affects dogs of large breeds; lumbosacral joint is commonly affected. The vet confirms the diagnosis with X-ray images of the spine and proposes treatment consisting of pain management, dietary supplements, exercise restriction and weight control.
Breeds exposed to Spinal Osteochondrosis – Research Reference
Alsatian Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
German Shepherd Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Alsatian – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
German Shepherd – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Spinal Osteochondrosis or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
