Spondylosis is the formation of osteophytes (bony spurs) that bridge or connect one vertebra to another to re-establish joint(s) stability. This happens when there has been degeneration of the intervertebral discs. It is a degenerative joint disease but without inflammation.

Causes:

Spondylosis usually affects older dogs but may also happen as a response to injury/ trauma or as a secondary problem related to intervertebral disc disease or spinal surgery.

Symptoms:

• Stiffness

• Altered gait

• Hopping or the back end being thrown out

• Reduced range of motion

• Lameness

• Back pain

• Neck pain (this is due to some of the muscles which stabilise the spine actually attach or insert onto the neck)

• Character change e.g. not wanting contact with other dogs, guarding their back from other dogs

• Resistant to touch along the back

• Numbness and weakness in the limbs

• Ataxia (loss of co-ordination)

How massage can help:

• Is a viable, natural form of pain management

• Addresses areas of protective muscle splinting

• Reduces areas of overcompensation

• Addresses and relieves areas of chronic pain

• Relieves stiffness

• Promotes flexibility

• Maintains or increases joint movement

• Restores strength to the spine by addressing areas of myofascial pain and trigger points which are commonly known to mimic symptoms of the disease

• Helps to improve posture and gait