Acupets

🐕 Spondylosis Deformans in Dogs — Understanding Spinal Changes

Spondylosis deformans is a degenerative condition of the canine spine characterized by the formation of new bone (osteophytes) along the vertebral endplates. These changes are often associated with chronic degeneration and can be seen incidentally on spinal radiographs.

The condition may occur with aging, although some dogs can develop radiographic changes earlier. Many affected dogs show few or no clinical signs, while others may experience spinal stiffness, reduced mobility, discomfort, or difficulty with exercise.

🔬 In the affected spine, degeneration around the intervertebral disc and vertebral endplates can be accompanied by progressive osteophyte formation. The bony projections may eventually bridge adjacent vertebrae, reducing normal spinal flexibility.

📚 Veterinary student tip: Don't assume that radiographic spondylosis automatically means severe pain. Clinical signs should always be interpreted together with the physical and neurological examination and imaging findings.

🐾 Save this infographic for your canine orthopedics & veterinary anatomy revision!

Dr Paws 🐾 | Veterinary Education

Acupuncture has been widely incorporated into rehabilitation protocols for dogs and cats because of its potential analgesic efficacy. A study undertaken by Italian researchers aimed to evaluate the potential positive effect of integrating acupuncture and electroacupuncture techniques on the recovery of ambulation capacity in non-ambulating paraparetic canine patients undergoing physiotherapy in the postoperative period following mini-/hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar spinal cord decompression due to acute disc extrusion. Forty-one patients were included and underwent descriptive and analytical statistical analysis. The dogs were divided into two groups: dogs that received a physiotherapy protocol with acupuncture, and dogs that received physiotherapy only. The results showed that the dogs in the acupuncture group had a higher likelihood of regaining ambulation.

Veterinary technicians are the backbone of modern animal healthcare, working tirelessly across exam rooms, laboratories, operating rooms, and beyond to ensure the health and welfare of the animals we love. These highly skilled professionals bring invaluable expertise to every aspect of veterinary medicine, enabling veterinarians to focus on critical diagnosis and treatment while ensuring practices operate with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Before National Veterinary Technician Week comes to a close, we would again like to to recognize the many contributions veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession, animal welfare, and their communities. https://bit.ly/3VYINJJ

ICYMI: Big news for veterinary technicians! The AVMA, in partnership with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), Merck Animal Health, Royal Canin, and MentorVet, announced a groundbreaking collaboration to support the wellbeing and professional growth of veterinary technicians.

This new partnership will provide 300 fully funded scholarships for MentorVet Tech, an evidence-based mentorship and professional development program designed to help veterinary technicians thrive in their careers. Applications are now open! Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/3Y31exz

No dire shortage of veterinarians anticipated in coming years A recent analysis of the drivers of supply and demand for veterinary services in the U.S. shows that the number of graduates from existing U.S. veterinary colleges is likely enough to meet demand to 2035.