Spinal Pain in Dogs: Recognition and Management

Spinal pain is common in dogs and frequently underdiagnosed, arising from conditions including disc disease, spondylosis, and meningitis, causing significant impact on mobility and quality of life.

Key Facts

Spinal pain can arise at any level of the vertebral column and from many underlying causes
Spondylosis deformans is a degenerative condition causing bony bridging between vertebrae, often in older dogs
Meningitis and myelitis from infectious or immune-mediated causes cause severe pain and neurological signs
Radiography, MRI, and CT are used to localise and characterise spinal lesions
Appropriate pain management is critical and should be tailored to the underlying diagnosis

Welfare Considerations

Spinal pain causes significant suffering that ranges from mild stiffness limiting normal activity to severe pain preventing any comfortable movement. Dogs with undiagnosed spinal pain may be labelled as slow, lazy, or difficult, with the underlying condition unrecognised and untreated for extended periods. The chronic nature of degenerative spinal conditions means welfare harm accumulates over time. Multi-modal pain management including NSAIDs, gabapentin, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture can dramatically improve quality of life for dogs with chronic spinal pain.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment for any dog showing reluctance to move, climb stairs, or jump
Request advanced imaging if spinal pain is suspected but not explained by radiography alone
Work with a veterinary physiotherapist for rehabilitation support alongside pain medication
Adapt the home environment to reduce spinal loading, using ramps and restricting jumping from furniture