Spinal Deformity in Dogs & Cats: Pain, Diagnosis & Care Guide [2025]
Vertebral spondylosis with bone spurs — common in senior dogs, often asymptomatic
When to See a Vet
Seek emergency care immediately
- •Sudden complete inability to bear weight on hind limbs
- •Rapid or noticeably labored breathing
- •Sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, or loss of consciousness
Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)
- •Persistent, obvious change in gait that limits activity
- •Ongoing hind-limb incoordination accompanied by signs of pain
- •Marked and sustained decrease in appetite or alertness
01What symptoms indicate a problem?
Spinal deformity most often presents as back or neck pain, reduced activity, and gait changes that affect jumping and daily movement.
- Localised spinal tenderness — flinching or vocalising when touched along the back
- Reduced activity level; reluctance to jump or climb to elevated surfaces
- Changes in posture or gait, such as a hunched back or abnormal walking pattern
- Hind-limb incoordination or abnormal tail movement
- Changes in appetite or alertness accompanied by signs of pain
Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
- ⚠️ Sudden complete inability to bear weight on the hind limbs
- ⚠️ Rapid or noticeably laboured breathing
- ⚠️ Sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, or loss of consciousness
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02How to assess the situation at home and decide when to act
Home observations give the vet important clues: record timing, frequency, and triggering movements, and bring videos of activity to the appointment.
- Note when symptoms first appeared and when they noticeably worsened
- Track trends in appetite and water intake
- Monitor urination and defecation for changes in frequency or normalcy
- Weigh your pet and record any recent weight changes
- Record short video clips of your pet walking or attempting to jump from the side and front
- Note which movements trigger pain or obvious reluctance
03How will the vet diagnose this condition?
Your vet will combine a physical examination with imaging to assess spinal alignment, bone quality, and nerve compression, and may arrange specialist evaluation when needed.
Physical examination
palpation, pain-point localisation, and neurological reflex assessment
X-ray
evaluate spinal alignment, bone changes, and degenerative findings
CT scan
detailed bone structure and assessment of complex anatomical areas
MRI
evaluate intervertebral disc, spinal cord, and soft-tissue compression
Blood and biochemistry panel
assess overall health and surgical risk
Referral to a neurology or orthopaedic specialist when indicated
04Treatment and home care after diagnosis: medications, diet, and management
Treatment is tailored to the severity of the condition and typically includes pain control, activity restriction, weight management, and regular imaging follow-up, with rehabilitation or specialist care added when needed.
- Conservative management or surgical options selected based on severity
- Pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed according to veterinary guidance
- Weight management to reduce spinal load and support recovery
- Restrict jumping and strenuous activity during home care
- Regular recheck appointments to monitor neurological function and pain levels
- Follow-up imaging to track disease progression or post-surgical healing
- Specialist referral or rehabilitation therapy arranged when necessary
05What to prepare before the vet visit: helping the vet identify the problem quickly
This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.