Thoracic spondylosis deformans in search-and-rescue dogs

To describe the prevalence, age at first radiographic detection, severity, and progression of thoracic spondylosis deformans (SD) in search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs enrolled in a long-term medical surveillance program.

This retrospective case series analyzed thoracic radiographs from 127 SAR dogs. All dogs participated in a 15-year medical surveillance program beginning in 2001. Thoracic radiographs and health data were submitted annually by handlers when available; however, radiographs were not submitted each year consistently, and some data points were missing. One board-certified radiologist reviewed the radiographs for the presence, severity, and progression of thoracic SD. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize signalment and radiographic findings.

Of the 127 dogs evaluated, 81 (63.8%) had thoracic SD identified on radiographs. The average age at first detection was 8.7 years (range, 2.0 to 15.8 years). Severity was classified as mild in 52.9% of cases, moderate in 32.8%, and severe in 14.2%. Radiographic progression occurred in 40% of affected dogs. The condition was observed across multiple breeds, including German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers.

Thoracic SD, an enthesopathy, is a common and sometimes progressive finding in SAR dogs.

Although historically considered an incidental finding, the identification of thoracic SD may inform long-term musculoskeletal monitoring and clinical management strategies for SAR and other working dogs.