Thoracic Spondylosis Deformans in Search and Rescue Dogs Powers

Introduction: Spondylosis deformans is a common finding in the dog and is often considered an incidental finding. The prevalence increases with age, and large-breed dogs are at an increased risk. This study examines the incidence of skeletal pathology reported in thoracic radiographs from a lifetime medical surveillance of search dogs deployed to the World Trade Center and Pentagon in 2001 and a control cohort.

Materials and Methods: Starting in 2002, canine handlers enrolled in the medical surveillance program and annually completed health surveys, bloodwork, and radiographs. Thoracic radiographs were scored for pulmonary, cardiac, and musculoskeletal abnormalities by a board-certified radiologist.

Results: Thoracic spondylosis deformans was found in 79 of the 150 dogs, including 24 of 40 Labrador retrievers and 28 of 55 German shepherd dogs in the study. Labradors had a 60% prevalence, and German shepherds had a 51% prevalence of spondylosis. The mean age of onset was 8.7 years (range 2.0 years to 15.75 years). The final spondylosis score represented the greatest severity exhibited (none, mild, moderate, or severe) compared across all represented breeds.

Discussion/Conclusion: Working German shepherds and Labrador retrievers may be at more risk for spondylosis than their non-working dogs. In this retrospective review of serial thoracic radiographs, not all images were adequate for complete musculoskeletal evaluation, and the lumbar spine was not included. Therefore, lumbar spondylosis was not evaluated. Furthermore, not all dogs had radiographs performed at all time points. Future prospective studies are warranted to determine if thoracic spondylosis impacts performance in search and rescue dogs.

Acknowledgments:

This study was funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
09. April 2024