A dog’s body works wonders. It’s the mechanism that enables our best friends to run, jump, and play. A big chunk of their personality is driven by their explosive behavior and physical capabilities.
However, there will be some instances in which they can slow down. Most of the time, it’s due to fatigue and lethargy, which is usually normal. In others, it can be something else entirely. One of these conditions is lumbosacral disease in dogs.
Essentially, it’s a condition that affects the lower spine and the bunch of other nerves that run through it. This means that your dog’s mobility and activity will be significantly reduced, especially because of the pain and discomfort.
With that, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about what it is, what causes it, and how we can help.
What Is Lumbosacral Disease in Dogs?
Canine lumbosacral disease is a condition in which the nerves along the lower spine become compressed. This compression can cause immense back pain and weakness in the hind legs. It’s also called cauda equina syndrome.
So how does it happen? First, we have to understand the dog’s anatomy. Lumbosacral refers to the junction found between the lumbar spine (lower back) and the sacrum (the bone that connects the spine to the pelvis).
Along this area, the last lumbar vertebra, which is L7, meets the sacrum, or S1. This acts as a hinge for the dog's body, which helps them achieve a wide range of motion and mobility.
Along this region is the cauda equina, which is essentially a bundle of nerves. These nerves are responsible for movement in the hind legs, tail function, and urinary and bowel control. So when something happens that affects these areas and structures, this is when lumbosacral disease happens.
In short, the lumbosacral area is a high-stress part as it's always active. When it gets compromised, this will have a big impact on your dog’s comfort and mobility.
What Causes Lumbosacral Disease in Dogs?
Next, we’ll discuss what could compromise your dog’s lumbosacral area.
Degenerative Changes
As dogs age, so do the structures in their spine, especially the intervertebral discs and joints. The area around the spinal nerves can narrow down, applying pressure on the nerves. This process is often called degenerative lumbosacral stenosis, a common type of lumbosacral disease in dogs.
Additionally, arthritis in dogs is also a common factor, as the degeneration of the joints in the spine results in extra bone growth. This also causes a painful compression of the nerves.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
IVDD can also cause lumbosacral disease in dogs when it occurs in the lumbosacral region. Here, the discs between L7 and S1 can rupture or push out of place. When this happens, the part of the disc material bulges into the spinal canal. This will press directly on the cauda equina nerves.
Because of this, affected dogs can experience severe pain as well as nerve-related problems.
Bone Spurs and Spinal Canal Narrowing
In some cases, the growth of new bones can develop around the vertebrae. This is often due to arthritis or long-term strain. When this happens, these bony growths can intrude into the spinal canal or the foramina, which are the openings where the nerves exit the spine. This leads to compression.
Additionally, dogs with naturally much narrower spinal canals can be more prone to these conditions. Some dogs can also have congenital malformations in the spine, which can increase the stress on the joints and discs, increasing the risk of this disease.
In the end, the nerves will have less space and will become pinched.
Trauma or Repetitive Strain
Heavy falls, strong blows, car accidents, and even excessive strain can also slowly lead to lumbosacral disease in dogs. Even if the injury seems minor at first, long-term instability can be experienced at the lower spine.
Over time, this can result in degenerative changes or arthritis. Working dogs and those with high-intensity training are at risk because of the impact on their spines.
Tumors and Growths
While less common compared to other causes, tumors and other growths along the spinal canal can apply direct pressure on the nerves. Because this develops gradually, the symptoms of weakness and pain may slowly worsen as well.
Infections and Inflammatory Diseases
Diseases such as discospondylitis and vertebral osteomyelitis can also cause lumbosacral disease in dogs. Here, the bacterial or fungal infections enter the bloodstream and spread to the lower spine area.
Once they reach it, they can cause inflammation and swelling, which increases compression on the cauda equina nerves.
What Dogs Are at Risk of Lumbosacral Disease?
Usually, the main dogs affected by this disease are large and active breeds. These include dogs such as Irish Setters, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Great Danes. Their risk mostly comes from their size and weight.
Because just like with other structural issues, size and weight can place extra strain on the spine. This is why obese dogs are at a higher risk.
Plus, dogs with an increased risk of IVDD can also be prone to developing lumbosacral disease. These are chondrodystrophic breeds, which include Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis.
Active dogs, especially working and sporting dogs, are also at risk. They usually acquire the disease through repetitive stress and strain on their lumbosacral regions.
Age also seems to be a contributing factor, as this disease is often linked to age-related degeneration. By their older years, a dog’s joints, discs, and supportive tissues can deteriorate and show signs of wear and tear.
What Are the Symptoms of Lumbosacral Disease in Dogs?
The signs of dog lumbosacral disease usually develop slowly and gradually. However, they can be difficult to manage in the later stages of the disease.
Difficulty Moving. Affected dogs may struggle to get up, jump, or even move around the house. They might take a longer time doing so compared to how they did it before.
Reduced Activity Levels. Because of the constant pain and discomfort, dogs will prefer to lie down and avoid physical activity.
Weakness and Stiffness. Dogs with lumbosacral disease can have hind limb weakness or a staggering gait. They will be limping constantly.
Reduced Tail Movement. The tail may hang lower or look rigid instead of wagging normally.
Muscle Wasting. The dog’s muscles on the hindquarters can shrink because of underuse. It’s caused by neurogenic atrophy, which is when the nerve signals don’t reach the muscles properly.
Severe Pain. Dogs may cry out, whine, or refuse to move when called. This is because their lower back hurts badly. In some cases, they may assume a hunched posture.
Incontinence. Some dogs will lose control of their bladders and bowels.
How Do Vets Diagnose Lumbosacral Disease in Dogs?
Because the symptoms of lumbosacral disease in dogs can overlap with other conditions, our pet orthopedics will have to rule out other conditions carefully.
At the heart of it all will be our very own Dr. Sarabjit Singh, our resident expert on orthopedic rehabilitation, repair, and surgery. We start with a physical and neurological examination to assess your dog’s mobility, reflexes, muscle strength, and tail function.
Next, we’ll proceed to much more detailed tests. X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans will be the primary tools used to diagnose lumbosacral disease in dogs.
X-rays are often used first because they’re quick and widely available. They can give us an initial view of the lumbosacral region and show arthritis, bone spurs, disc space narrowing, or abnormal vertebral shapes.
MRIs and CT scans are the most effective tools. MRIs provide a detailed view of the discs, spinal cord, cauda equina nerves, and other surrounding tissues. Using this tool, we can determine if the discs have ruptured, if the spinal canal has narrowed, or if inflammation is present.
CT scans can provide us with detailed images of the bone and soft tissues along the lower back.
How Do You Treat Lumbosacral Disease in Dogs?
Once a diagnosis of lumbosacral disease in dogs is made, the next step is treatment. The main approach will depend on your dog’s case. Mild issues can have conservative treatment options, while severe cases will usually require orthopedic surgery.
Conservative Treatment and Management
Rest and Restricted Activity. Strict rest is often the first step in managing lumbosacral disease in dogs. In many cases, gentle exercises will be recommended, which means jumping, running, and climbing stairs are to be avoided.
Medication. Dogs will be given anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and corticosteroids to help reduce and alleviate the pain. For dogs with significant pain, we may inject corticosteroids near the compressed nerves for direct relief.
Physical Therapy. Physiotherapy is often used for the rehabilitation and management of dog lumbosacral disease. We can recommend hydrotherapy, laser therapy, massage, acupuncture, and stretching exercises.
Weight Management. We’ll also provide you with diet plans to help you manage your dog’s weight, which helps with recovery. These are foods that have good amounts of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fats.
Surgical Correction
Dorsal Laminectomy. This process involves removing the part of the bone that’s covering the spinal canal. By doing so, it decompresses the nerves and relieves the pressure. Dorsal Laminectomy is the most common surgery for dog lumbosacral disease.
Foraminotomy. Here, the foramina will be widened to enlarge the spaces where the nerves exit. This relieves nerve compression.
Stabilization Surgery. For dogs with severe instability in the lumbosacral region, titanium implants will be used to fuse the vertebrae together.
Recovery and Prognosis for Dogs With Lumbosacral Disease
The recovery period can take a few months. Consistent therapy, rest, and activity management will be required.
For dogs with more advanced cases, successful surgery provides the best chance for long-term relief. Most dogs improve significantly, regaining mobility and strength. The success rate is high for dogs that receive treatment before nerve damage happens.
In severe cases, especially those with nerve damage, dogs will still continue to struggle with weakness and incontinence. Here, dogs will require more intensive care and management.
“A little bit of care helps your dog run, jump, and play every day.”
- Dr. Sarabjit Singh
Final Thoughts
While lumbosacral disease in dogs can be concerning, the important thing to remember is that it can be managed. The earlier you notice the signs, the earlier you can provide the care your dog needs to recover and live a happy life.
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