Lumbosacral Stenosis in Dogs: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
As a pet owner, you try to be as knowledgeable as possible about the many potential issues that can affect your dog. Having an understanding of the common health issues and diseases that may impact your pet helps you monitor their condition and reach out for help when something seems wrong.
With that said, you probably aren’t a veterinarian, and you can’t be expected to know everything. Some conditions aren’t as well-known as others, and that’s the case with lumbosacral stenosis. This post will bring you up to speed so you can take the appropriate next steps to care for your dog properly.
What is Lumbosacral Stenosis in Dogs?
Lumbosacral stenosis is a condition where the space at the end of the spinal canal becomes too narrow. (1) This region is where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum, and it is a key hub for nerves that control the hind legs and the tail.
As a result of this narrowing, the spinal nerves are placed under pressure and pain and weakness can be the outcome. Dogs with this condition will also commonly experience mobility issues. That might mean subtle changes in the way the dog moves, or it could even be significant difficulty with standing and walking.
Common Causes of Lumbosacral Stenosis
There are certain causes that can lead to this condition, although not every case can be traced to a specific cause. The four points below can all play a role in a dog winding up facing lumbosacral stenosis.
Genetic Predisposition
Certain breeds are more likely to develop this condition than others. Specifically, large breeds of dogs like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are some of the most commonly affected. (2) While it’s true that large dogs face lumbosacral stenosis more than small dogs, every dog has the potential to experience this condition.
Age-related Degeneration
Spinal structures naturally wear down over time. Therefore, older dogs are at greater risk than young dogs. This comes down to the fact that the intervertebral discs gradually lose flexibility over the years and can cause pressure on the spinal canal.
Injury or Trauma
A traumatic event like an accident, fall, or repetitive stress on the spine can cause narrowing in this region. Even if an injury seems to heal properly, damage may have been done in terms of spinal alignment that increases a dog’s risk of stenosis later in life.
Arthritis and Disc Degeneration
Arthritis in the lower spine can cause bone spurs and tissue thickening. These changes will reduce the space available in the spinal canal, and pressure on the nerves will be the result.
Symptoms to Watch For
It’s always important to monitor the condition of your dog to note any changes that could point to an underlying issue. This is true not only for lumbosacral stenosis, but also for any condition that your dog could face during their life.
Difficulty rising from a sitting position is one early sign of stenosis. You may also notice weakness in the hind legs, pain when touched near the lower back, or a reluctance to jump or climb the stairs. If you notice that your dog is struggling with any of these issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your veterinarian to schedule an appointment.
How is Lumbosacral Stenosis Diagnosed?
If you do schedule an appointment to see your vet about this concern, a specific process will be followed to see if a diagnosis of lumbosacral stenosis is warranted. (3)
Veterinary Exam Basics
The vet will put your dog through a physical exam to check for pain responses, mobility issues, and any changes in reflexes. As part of the exam, the vet may also manipulate the spine to find the precise source of discomfort.
Imaging Tools
Advanced imaging is often needed to confirm this diagnosis. This imaging may be done through X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. Of those options, MRI is generally considered the most effective for evaluating spinal stenosis and providing a confident diagnosis that can lead to a treatment plan.
Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis
Since it’s possible for symptoms of this condition to overlap with other issues that dogs face, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified vet. Knowing the true cause of your dog’s issues will make it more likely that the problem will be treated correctly.
Treatment Options for Dogs with Lumbosacral Stenosis
A number of treatment options exist for this condition. (4) Work together with your vet to chart a course of action that everyone supports.
Conservative Management
Mild cases will usually be met first with conservative techniques like weight management and activity modification. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be suggested to alleviate pain.
Surgical Intervention
If this condition becomes severe, it may be necessary to operate. A surgery will be able to decompress the spinal nerves through the removal of excess bone or disc material.
The Role of Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is critical after surgery, and can also be used in less-severe cases when surgery isn’t performed. Rehab sessions can improve the dog’s strength, mobility, and balance, and your dog should start to gradually improve and feel more comfortable going through daily activities.
Tips for Supporting Your Dog at Home
You spend more time with your dog than anyone else, so knowing how to care for the dog at home is an important piece of the puzzle. (5) While at home, consider taking some of the following steps to make life on your pet a little easier –
Provide non-slip flooring and ramps to reduce strain
Encourage controlled, gentle exercise
Keep your dog at a healthy weight
Stay consistent with follow-up appointments and rehab exercises
When to See a Professional
If your pet is showing serious symptoms of lumbosacral stenosis, like severe back pain or sudden paralysis in the hind legs, it’s important to contact your vet right away. (6) Your dog can be examined and a formal diagnosis can be provided.
Once any urgent care has been provided and your dog is comfortable, a longer-term plan can be established. If you would like to explore canine rehabilitation as part of that plan, contact us at Austin Canine today to learn more about what we have to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Lumbosacral stenosis is a condition that develops when the space around the spinal nerves where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum becomes too narrow. When this happens, the spinal nerves are compressed and weakness, back pain, and loss of mobility can occur.
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Large breeds are most vulnerable to being affected by this condition. Specifically, German Shepherds are known for developing this condition, as well as Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers. With that said, it is possible for any dog to develop this condition, especially as they enter their older years.
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The appropriate treatment approach will depend on the severity of the symptoms that your dog is experiencing. In mild cases, it may be enough to use anti-inflammatory medications along with weight control and activity modification. For more advanced cases, surgery will be considered. In either case, using canine rehab is an excellent way to strengthen muscles and improve overall mobility.
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This is a condition that requires ongoing management, as there isn’t a single, one-time cure available. With that said, it is possible for dogs to live happy, full lives after this diagnosis. Whether it is treated with surgery or more conservative measures, it’s possible to keep your dog moving comfortably for years to come.
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Canine rehab focuses on improving function and reducing pain. In the case of lumbosacral stenosis, rehab will likely focus on land-based exercises to build strength in the hind legs. It may also be appropriate to use gentle manual therapy to ease stiffness. Working together with a rehab therapist is an excellent approach that can lead to noticeable improvements in your dog’s mobility.
