[Discospondylitis and immune-mediated polyarthritis in a Bernese mountain-dog]

In this case report we describe the clinical picture and treatment of a Bernese mountain dog with discospondylitis and a presumably reactive immune-mediated polyarthritis. The clinical signs consisted of apathy, fever, anorexia, and a stiff gait. The diagnosis was based on the typical radiographic signs of discospondylitis and the cytology of the synovial fluid. The dog was treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic for 6 weeks and thereafter with a synthetic glucocorticoid for the polyarthritis. Five months after cessation of therapy, the dog was free from the initial signs.