Discospondylitis is defined as an infection of the intervertebral disc or associated vertebrae. The infection can be caused by bacteria or fungal organisms, with bacteria being the most common. Staph organisms are most commonly isolated from these infections; however, gram-negative bacteria and Brucellosis canis can occasionally be offenders. The organisms come to arrive at the disc space usually by spread through the blood (septicemia) via a urinary tract infection, tooth root abscess, etc.

Young, large breed, intact male dogs are affected most often. Clinical symptoms can range from recurrent fever to neurologic impairment. Intense back pain seems to be the most common symptom, resulting from meningitis because of the infections proximity to the spinal cord. As the inflammation and instability of the lesion worsens so can the patient's neurological status. Most of the infections take place in the thoracolumbar or lumbosacral spine, so usually the neurological signs are seen in the rear limbs. Weakness or unstable gaits are the first things noted. This can progress to inability to consciously move the rear legs in severe cases.

Diagnosis is usually achieved from characteristic lesions noted on x-ray examination. The disc and ends of the vertebrae have characteristic bony lysis or spots where the bone looks to be eaten away. The infection can be confirmed with a sample taken for culture from a urine, blood or direct sample taken from the lesion. A blood test will confirm or deny the presence of a Brucellosis infection.

Treatment usually consists of long- term antibiotic therapy aimed at the bacteria cultured. Long -term therapy usually means at least 6-8 weeks. Effectiveness of the treatment is followed with x-ray examinations and neurological assessments. Anti-inflammatory or pain medication can be prescribed for the back pain. Occasionally, the antibiotics are ineffective or the instability of the spine due to the infection may result in pursuing surgical decompression and possibly stabilization. Surgery is reserved for the severe cases most of the time.

Recovery is dependent on the severity of the neurological signs and the responsiveness to the antibiotic therapy and/or surgery. Recurrent and concurrent bouts of discospondylitis in other disc spaces are possible.

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