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Spondylosis
Spondylosis deformans is the formation of bony spurs (osteophytes) along the edges of vertebral bodies. It is very common in aging dogs and is usually an incidental finding on X-rays.
Key Facts
- Extremely common in older dogs; often incidental finding on X-rays
- Usually NOT painful and does NOT require treatment
- Bony bridges form between adjacent vertebrae, reducing spinal flexibility
- Must be differentiated from diskospondylitis (infection) which IS painful
- Rarely, bone spurs can compress nerves causing pain or neurological signs
- If treatment needed: NSAIDs, pain management
- Species: dogs (primarily); cats (rare)