Presentation
Acute onset of ambulatory pain and lethargy, and difficulty sitting.
Patient Data
There is production of smoothly marginated new bone on the ventral vertebral column at T5-6, T13-L1, and L2-3. At L2-3, there is extension of the new bone dorsally to the intervertebral foramen and surrounding the caudal L2 vertebral endplate. There is also mineralized intervertebral disc in situ at this site.
Impression:
Spondylosis deformans and degenerative intervertebral disc.
Case Discussion
The changes surrounding the vertebrae are non-aggressive in nature. They are smooth and proliferative, and there is no evidence of vertebral endplate lysis. This smooth new bone ventrally is spondylosis deformans, and is a frequent incidental finding. In this case, the largest area of spondylosis at L2-3 is accompanied by signs of intervertebral disc degeneration. The new bone helps to stabilize the affected disc space. The lateral and dorsal components of the spondylosis may be causing pain at the level of the intervertebral foramen. An orthogonal x-ray would confirm the lateral bone production, and MRI would help to identify any nerve impingement. The dog had no neurologic deficits, and so was treated with pain medication and rested for 4-6 weeks.
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