Spondylosis is a condition characterized by deformation of the spine. It involves the formation of bony growths resembling spurs or bridges on the underside, sides, or, rarely, the top of the vertebral bodies. It primarily affects large, heavy dog breeds such as the German Boxer, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, St. Bernard, and Retriever, as well as dogs with long backs, such as the Dachshund. However, the condition can also occur in all other dog breeds.
The spine and its ligaments are constantly subjected to tensile, compressive, and shear forces. It is believed that spondylosis results from this stress and the gradual wear and tear of the bones and ligaments. If the ligaments of the small vertebral joints also ossify, the condition is referred to as spondylarthrosis, which is associated with more pronounced symptoms.
If the changes are located in the lower part of the spine, there are hardly any noticeable symptoms, as the spinal cord is not compressed by the bony growths. The affected dog’s physical ability is not limited at all, or only slightly so. Some stiffness may be observed.
Growths forming in the upper part of the vertebral body can gradually constrict the nerves exiting the neural foramina, which can lead to pain and signs of paralysis. Spondylosis located at the transition from the lumbar to the caudal spine causes the most problems for dogs, as it leads to instability of the sacrum.
Most cases of spondylosis are incidental findings that are noticed during an X-ray examination performed for another reason. On the X-ray, your veterinarian can pinpoint the typical changes and determine the extent of the bone growth.
The ossification that occurs along the spine cannot be stopped. Treatment is therefore focused exclusively on alleviating symptoms. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are used for severe pain. Fractures of the bony bridges cause severe pain and are virtually untreatable. If neurological deficits have already developed, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Since this is a degenerative condition, prevention is only possible to a limited extent. However, certain factors that contribute to the condition should be avoided. These include overexertion and excessive strain on young dogs, as well as obesity. You can use the petsXL Health Record to clearly record and monitor your dog’s weight data.
Dogs with diagnosed, pronounced spondylosis or known hereditary predisposition should be excluded from breeding in order to minimize further transmission.
Just like in humans, the lung tissue of dogs can become inflamed. Medically referred to as pneumonia, this condition is also a serious illness in dogs and can lead to death if left untreated.
Heatstroke occurs when the internal body temperature rises above 41 degrees Celsius, which can cause life-threatening physical damage. Sunstroke, on the other hand, refers to heat accumulation in the area of the meninges caused by intense sunlight on the animal's head, which can also lead to the death of the patient in severe cases. The body temperature does not necessarily have to be elevated in sunstroke.
The air sacs of horses are part of the upper respiratory tract. They develop in foals as a mucous membrane protrusion on both sides of the Eustachian tube (the connection between the middle ear and the nasopharyngeal cavity), each with a capacity of approximately 300 ml. Air sacs are found exclusively in equines and some other odd-toed ungulates, making them a unique feature. There are various theories about the function of the air sacs. The most likely is that they serve to cool the brain. There is a connection between the horse's throat and the air sacs, which is why infections of the upper respiratory tract can also spread to the air sacs. The most important diseases of the air sacs are described below.
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects cats. Humans are considered intermediate hosts, though they usually do not exhibit any clinical symptoms. However, a primary infection during pregnancy is truly dangerous. It can lead to severe fetal malformations and miscarriages.
Neoplasms of the mammary gland account for more than half of all cancers in female dogs. These benign or malignant tumors occur primarily in older, unspayed female dogs and initially appear as small, nodular changes along the entire mammary gland, which can later become very large. Different types of mammary tumors can occur.
Most horse owners are now familiar with Cushing's syndrome and its symptoms in horses. A disease with very similar symptoms is equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). In its early stages, it is therefore often confused with equine Cushing's syndrome. But what is the difference?
The topic of deworming is a recurring discussion among horse owners. For anyone wondering whether it is necessary to deworm their horse, the answer is yes. Anyone who has ever seen how vast numbers of worms can completely block parts of the small or large intestine during colic surgery will no longer ask this question. Without treatment, worm infestation can become life-threatening for horses. Initially, a noticeable increase in tail rubbing may be an indication of this. As the infestation progresses, internal organs can be damaged and colic can occur. The horse loses weight despite being fed adequately. The parasites weaken the horse more and more. Regular deworming is necessary to reduce the infestation to a level that is tolerable for the horse's organism. It is almost impossible to completely rid the horse of worms, as new infections will always occur through the environment. There are two methods of deworming: strategic and selective deworming. You should avoid alternative deworming methods.
Endoscopy is an imaging, minimally invasive procedure in which body cavities and hollow organs can be viewed and examined using an endoscope. Endoscopes are either rigid or flexible and have a light source and a camera at the front that transmits the image directly to a screen.
Imaging diagnostics refers to all diagnostic procedures that use diagnostic devices to generate two- or even three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. These images can be used to detect disease-related changes, among other things.
Having a horse as a partner is something very special. There are many different types of equestrian sports, so everyone can find something that fulfills them and that both humans and horses enjoy. We have listed some of the most well-known disciplines and terms for you below.
Many riders get it at some point: tournament fever—the desire to compete and measure themselves against others who share the same passion. However, it's not quite as simple as just jumping in. In competitive sports, you have to meet a few requirements before you can embark on your adventure as a rider-horse team. Depending on the type of riding or driving, there are various rules and regulations that must be observed. Below you will find the most important information for classic English riding.
The question of finding the right horse is certainly on the minds of many seekers. It is difficult to say right away whether you, as a buyer, will develop a deep connection with a horse you have tried out. Friendship and love grow over time. However, giving it some thought beforehand will certainly help you find your perfect horse in the end.
