What is Discospondylitis?
Discospondylitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the intervertebral disks and the adjacent vertebral bones. Intervertebral disks lie between vertebrae in the vertebral column (spine or backbone). Discospondylitis may occur at one particular location within the spinal column, or it may occur at multiple sites.
How is Discospondylitis treated?
The treatment of discospondylitis consists of antibiotics, pain medications, and cage rest. Long-term antimicrobial drug therapy must be instituted, ideally for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks. In some cases, treatment may need to be extended by many months.
Is Discospondylitis contagious?
Brucellosis is also contagious to humans. Affected dogs are often systemically ill and may have neurologic abnormalities. Signs of systemic illness include fever, decreased appetite, lethargy, weight loss, and depression. Other signs may be present, depending on the source of the infection.
How did my dog get Discospondylitis?
It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection; however, fungal discospondylitis can occur. It occurs most frequently in young to middle-aged male large-breed dogs, such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers. Dogs that are not neutered and develop infection of the prostate are predisposed to discospondylitis.
Is Discospondylitis contagious to humans?
Staphylococcus species (Staph bacteria) are commonly respon- sible. Brucellosis causes the infection in a small percentage of dogs, especially breeding dogs. Brucellosis is also contagious to humans. Affected dogs are often systemically ill and may have neurologic abnormalities.
How long do dogs live with spondylosis?
What is the prognosis for spondylosis deformans? If there are no symptoms, spondylosis deformans may go undetected for years, or even for the entire lifetime of the dog. Many affected dogs live satisfactory lives, even though they may be somewhat limited in flexibility and range of motion.
What’s the difference between spondylitis and sponylosis?
Causes of Spondylitis vs. Spondylosis Spondylitis is caused by inflammation related to an overactive immune system, whereas spondylosis is caused by normal wear and tear that may be exacerbated by previous injuries. Read more details about spondylitis causes and risk factors. Diagnosis of Spondylitis vs. Spondylosis
Where does discospondylitis occur in the spinal column?
Discospondylitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the intervertebral disks and the adjacent vertebral bones. Intervertebral disks lie between vertebrae in the vertebral column (spine or backbone). Discospondylitis may occur at one particular location within the spinal column, or it may occur at multiple sites.
How is surgery used to treat discospondylitis?
Additionally, surgery can allow sample collection for cultures, helping veterinarians appropriately identify the source of the infection and optimal drug treatments. In addition to these targeted treatments, the treatment of discospondylitis typically includes pain medications.
What are the symptons of spondylosis and back pain?
Both spondylosis and spondylitis are diseases that cause chronic, degenerative back and hip pain and stiffness that can diminish range of motion and cause trouble walking. Spondylitis and spondylosis may share other symptoms, including bowel or bladder problems and neuropathy (numbness and tingling sensation) in the extremities.