An Overview of Common Canine Pathologies

An Overview of Common Canine Pathologies: Clinical Features, Treatment Approaches, and the Role of Osteopathy

Here, we explore prevalent canine pathologies, highlighting clinical signs, conventional treatment modalities, and the potential role of osteopathy in canine care. Emphasis is placed on the scope and limitations of osteopathic intervention within evidence-based veterinary frameworks.

Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Definition: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, non-inflammatory joint disease characterised by cartilage degradation, synovial membrane changes, and subchondral bone remodeling (Johnston, 1997).

Clinical Signs:

• Lameness, stiffness, particularly after rest
• Reluctance to exercise or jump
• Joint swelling or heat
  

Conventional Treatment:

• NSAIDs (e.g., carprofen)
• Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs)
• Weight management
• Physical rehabilitation
  

Osteopathy and OA:
Canine osteopathy can aid in reducing secondary muscular tension, enhancing joint range of motion, and improving lymphatic and vascular flow. However, osteopathy is not curative and should complement, not replace, veterinary treatment.

When osteopathy may not help: In cases of advanced OA with significant joint degradation, osteopathy has limited mechanical impact and may be contraindicated if pain is severe or if neurological deficits are present.

2. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Definition: IVDD is primarily a neurological condition characterised by the degeneration and/or herniation of the intervertebral discs, leading to compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. It more commonly affects chondrodystrophic breeds and is typically classified into two types (Brisson, 2010).

Hansen Type I: Acute disc extrusion due to degeneration of the nucleus pulposus, commonly seen in younger chondrodystrophic breeds (e.g., Dachshunds).

Hansen Type II: Chronic disc protrusion due to annular fibrosus degeneration, more common in older, non-chondrodystrophic breeds (e.g., German Shepherds).

The severity of clinical signs ranges from mild pain to complete paralysis, depending on the location and extent of disc material impinging on the spinal cord (Jeffery et al., 2013).

Clinical Signs:

• Neck/back pain
• Ataxia or paresis
• Loss of bladder/bowel control
• Paralysis in severe cases
  

Conventional Treatment:

• Corticosteroids or NSAIDs
• Crate rest
• Surgery (hemilaminectomy)
• Rehabilitation
  

Osteopathy and IVDD:
Osteopathy is contraindicated in acute or severe disc extrusion due to the risk of worsening compression. However, in chronic or post-surgical stages, gentle osteopathic techniques may assist recovery by addressing compensatory musculoskeletal patterns.

Osteopathy should never be used as a first-line treatment in acute disc herniation without prior diagnostic imaging and a clear veterinary referral.

3. Hip Dysplasia

Definition: A hereditary condition where the hip joint is malformed, resulting in joint laxity and osteoarthritic changes (Smith et al., 1995).

Clinical Signs:

• Bunny hopping gait
• Difficulty rising
• Hindlimb lameness
• Pain on hip extension
  

Conventional Treatment:

• Surgical options (e.g., total hip replacement, femoral head ostectomy)
• Physiotherapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Anti-inflammatories
  

Osteopathy and Hip Dysplasia:
Osteopathy may offer adjunct support in managing compensatory strain patterns and improving quality of life, especially in mild-to-moderate cases. In severe cases, structural abnormalities limit the efficacy of manual therapy.

Limitations: Osteopathy cannot correct bony malformations; it is supportive rather than corrective.

4. Cruciate Ligament Disease

Definition: Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is a leading cause of hindlimb lameness in dogs, akin to the ACL injury in humans (Wilke et al., 2006).

Clinical Signs:

• Sudden or chronic lameness
• Stifle joint swelling
• Positive cranial drawer sign
  

Conventional Treatment:

• Surgical intervention (e.g., TPLO, TTA)
• Rehabilitation therapy
• Weight management
  

Osteopathy and CCL Injuries:
Post-surgical or conservative management can benefit from osteopathy to support gait normalisation and reduce muscular compensation. Osteopathy should not be used in acute rupture without stabilisation.

Not suitable during acute instability: Any manual work on an unstable joint risks further damage and must be delayed until stability is achieved.

5. Spondylosis Deformans

Definition: A chronic spinal condition characterised by bony spur formation along vertebrae, often incidental but occasionally causing discomfort or reduced mobility (Morgan et al., 1989).

Clinical Signs:

• Stiffness in the spine
• Reluctance to jump
• Reduced flexibility
  

Conventional Treatment:

• Analgesics
• Anti-inflammatories
• Physiotherapy
  

Osteopathy and Spondylosis:
Osteopathy may help reduce muscular compensation and improve comfort. Care must be taken to avoid direct force over the affected vertebrae.

Caution: Overly aggressive manipulation could exacerbate bony irritation or lead to secondary complications in spinal stability.

6. Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Definition: A chronic pain condition involving hypersensitive trigger points within muscle and fascia (Sharkey, 2013).

Clinical Signs:

• Palpable taut bands or knots
• Muscle spasms
• Referred pain patterns
• Behavioral changes
  

Conventional Treatment:

• Trigger point therapy
• Stretching and massage
• Acupuncture
• Laser therapy
• NSAIDs
  

Osteopathy and Myofascial Pain:
Osteopathy is particularly effective here. Techniques such as myofascial release, balanced ligamentous tension, and strain-counterstrain can directly target dysfunctional muscle patterns.

Osteopathy is often highly effective when integrated with other modalities and a clear diagnosis.

Veterinary Oversight and Ethical Considerations

While osteopathy can play a valuable role in canine care, it must operate within a veterinary led framework. Conditions involving:

• Neurological compromise
• Infectious disease
• Neoplasia
• Acute trauma
  

...require immediate veterinary intervention and may contraindicate osteopathic treatment. Practitioners must work under veterinary referral and never assume a diagnostic role.

Conclusion

Canine osteopathy offers valuable adjunctive care for a range of musculoskeletal and myofascial conditions. However, its role must remain supportive and never substitute appropriate veterinary diagnostics or medical/surgical interventions. The key lies in integrative, collaborative care grounded in evidence and clinical reasoning.

References

Brisson, B. A. (2010). Intervertebral disc disease in dogs. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 40(5), 829–858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.05.001

Johnston, S. A. (1997). Osteoarthritis. Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 27(4), 699–723. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0195-5616(97)50073-3

Morgan, J. P., Bahr, A., & Franti, C. E. (1989). Spondylosis deformans in the dog: A radiographic study of the incidence and development of spondylosis deformans in the dog. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 30(3), 133–138. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.1989.tb00782.x

Sharkey, M. (2013). The challenges of assessing osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain in dogs. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 4, 151–160. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S40849

Smith, G. K., Gregor, T. P., Rhodes, W. H., Biery, D. N., & Lawler, D. F. (1995). Evaluation of risk factors for degenerative joint disease associated with hip dysplasia in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 206(5), 642–647.

Wilke, V. L., Conzemius, M. G., Besancon, M. F., Evans, R. B., Ritter, M. J., & Heiderscheit, B. C. (2006). Comparison of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and tibial tuberosity advancement for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. Veterinary Surgery, 35(6), 486–494. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2006.00184.x

Jeffery, N. D., Levine, J. M., Olby, N. J., & Stein, V. M. (2013). Intervertebral disc degeneration in dogs: Consequences, diagnosis, treatment, and future directions. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 27(6), 1318–1333. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12183

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