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Canine Spondylosis (Dogs) – Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy in Darlington

Canine Spondylosis (Dogs) – Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy in Darlington

If your dog has been diagnosed with canine spondylosis (sometimes written as spondylosis deformans), it’s completely normal to feel worried especially if you’ve been told it’s a ‘spinal condition’ or you’ve noticed stiffness, reluctance to jump, or a change in their usual spark. The good news: for many dogs, spondylosis is a manageable long-term condition. Symptoms can vary wildly from dog to dog, and they can change over time — but with the right rehab plan, we make a significant difference to comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Call the clinic and get your dog back to enjoying life.

Serving Darlington, Northallerton, Stockton, Durham, Hartlepool, Richmond, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, and everywhere in between.

What is canine Spondylosis?

Spondylosis deformans is a degenerative condition that affects the bones of the spine (the vertebrae). It’s best described as the gradual development of bony spurs (osteophytes) along the edges of the vertebrae that slowly grow larger.
 
These bony spurs can appear in one area, but more commonly they develop in multiple places along the spine. Over time, some spurs can become large enough to form partial or complete “bridges” between neighbouring vertebrae, which may reduce flexibility through the back.
Spondylosis changes are often seen in the mid-to-lower back, including the thoracic spine (chest area), the lumbar spine (lower back), and the lumbosacral area (around the hips and back legs).
 
Whilst they are growing they can be quite painful but when the vertebrae fully fuse there is usually no pain at that point in the spine. It also means a gradual reduction in natural flexibility and range of motion. 
 
A key point: the X‑ray findings don’t always match how a dog feels. Some dogs have clear spondylosis on imaging and stay comfortable, while others become stiff, sore, or guarded which is why we focus on how your dog is moving day-to-day, not just what the image shows.
X-ray of dog. Butterwick Animal Rehab Clinic

Diagnostic representation of vertebral alignment

Signs your dog might be struggling

Owners often tell us:

  • “He’s slowed down on walks.”
  • “She’s not jumping in the car anymore.”
  • “He seems fine once he warms up… but stiff first thing.”
  • “She’s more grumpy when we touch her back.”
  • “Subtle changes started to build up and now he's really struggling"

What causes Spondylosis?

Canine spondylosis is usually linked to long term mechanical stress on the spine combined with normal age related change. Over time, the spine experiences repeated strain through everyday movement. The body responds by laying down extra bone along the edges of the vertebrae to help stabilise the area. This is what creates the bony spurs, sometimes called osteophytes, and in some cases bony bridging between vertebrae.

Common contributors include:

  1. Age related degeneration
    As dogs get older, the discs, joints, and supporting ligaments of the spine can become less resilient. The body may form bony spurs as a stabilising response.
  2. Repeated loading over time
    Years of running, jumping, twisting, and general activity can increase stress through certain parts of the back, especially if a dog has stiffness or weakness elsewhere.
  3. Previous injury or spinal instability
    A past back injury, trauma, or disc related episode can change how forces travel through the spine. The body may then build extra bone to protect and stabilise that segment.
  4. Breed and body shape tendencies
    Some dogs are more predisposed because of their build, spinal shape, and genetic tendency toward spinal and joint degeneration.
  5. Weight and conditioning
    Extra body weight increases load through the spine. Reduced core and hind limb strength can also reduce support for the back. These factors do not always cause spondylosis by themselves, but they can make symptoms more likely to appear and flare.

A key point for owners: X ray changes do not always match how a dog feels. Some dogs have clear spondylosis on imaging and stay comfortable, while others become stiff or sore. That is why we focus on how your dog is moving and coping day to day, then build a plan that improves comfort, strength, and confidence.

What to Expect

With many dogs, owners notice positive changes within the first few weeks. Standard feedback from other owners is “my dog is happier, brighter, wanting to do more, able to do more and with less issues”. Because spondylosis can progress differently over time, we plan for both short-term relief and long-term management.

  • Weeks 1-2: Comfort & Mood Lift
  • Weeks 3-4: Easier Movement
  • Month 2+: Long-term Vitality

What a rehab plan at Butterwick looks like

We provide physiotherapy and hydrotherapy under one roof, so we can build a plan that fits your dog’s symptoms, fitness, and personality. A typical spondylosis rehab plan may include:
  • Physiotherapy assessment to identify pain points, weakness, compensations, and movement restrictions
  • Hydrotherapy (pool or aquatic treadmill) to build strength and fitness work with reduced impact
  • Targeted strengthening for core, glutes, and hindlimbs to better support the spine
  • Mobility and flexibility work to reduce stiffness and improve comfort
  • Laser therapy to support pain relief and tissue comfort (where appropriate)
  • Pulse magnetic field therapy as part of a comfort-focused plan (where appropriate)
  • Massage and hands-on therapy to reduce muscle tension and guarding
  • Home exercise plan that’s realistic and easy to follow

Just as importantly, we’ll help you understand:

  • What to do on a good day vs a bad day
  • How to spot early signs of a flare-up
  • How to pace exercise so your dog improves without overdoing it

Rehab supports comfort and mobility. Your vet remains responsible for diagnosis and medication.

What to expect long-term (progression, flare-ups, and lifespan)

Owners often ask whether spondylosis will get worse. The honest answer is: it depends. For some dogs, spondylosis changes progress slowly.
For others, symptoms can come and go — often linked to activity levels, cold weather, slipping on floors, or doing too much on a good day. Many dogs live a normal lifespan with spondylosis.

Our goals for long-term comfort:

  • Reduce discomfort and stiffness
  • Improve strength and movement quality
  • Help you pace exercise so your dog builds resilience without flare-ups
  • Give you a clear plan for good days vs bad days

What matters most is comfort and function — and with the right mix of veterinary support, rehab, and home management, many dogs stay active and happy for years.

Why trust Butterwick?

  • Founded in 2004 — thousands of dogs helped across the North East
  • Led by Mark Harding, a leading UK veterinary physiotherapist
  • Featured on BBC Look North
  • 180+ five-star Google reviews
  • Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy under one roof (pool + aquatic treadmill)

We treat the dog, not just the X-ray

Spondylosis is often found on X-rays, sometimes even when a dog isn’t showing obvious pain. Other dogs do feel it — and may become stiff, sore, or guarded through their back. At Butterwick, we focus on what matters most:
  • How your dog is moving day-to-day
  • What they can and can’t do comfortably
  • What triggers flare-ups
  • What will help them stay active, confident, and pain-managed

Ready to help your dog live their best life?

If you’re worried your dog is in pain, or you’re unsure what a spondylosis diagnosis means for their future, call the clinic. We’ll listen to what you’re seeing at home, explain what rehab can (and can’t) do, and help you choose the right next step.
Call the clinic

Get a clear rehab plan today that works — friendly, no-jargon guidance that actually helps your dog

Easy to get to clinic, all the team are under one roof — no bouncing between clinics, no conflicting advice, and no repeating your dog’s story. IRVAP registered and results-focused.

  • Joined-up care: physiotherapy + hydrotherapy working together as they should to maximise the best effect.
  • Clear next steps: simple home plan and check-ins, Great Vet Physio and hydrotherapy.
  • Friendly & honest: no jargon, no hard sell — just what’s best for you and your dog.
Call 01325 802738 Book a Free Meet & Greet session to answer your questions

Conditions We Treat

At Butterwick Animal Rehab Clinic, we specialise in helping dogs with:

See the other conditions we treat

Not sure if your dog qualifies? Get in touch for expert advice or a free discovery visit.

Canine Spondylosis - Frequently asked questions

Is spondylosis in dogs painful?

It can be. Some dogs have spondylosis changes on X-ray but show very little discomfort, while others become stiff, sore, or guarded through their back. If you’re seeing changes in movement, mood, or willingness to do normal activities, it’s worth getting help because pain in dogs often shows up as “they’re just slowing down” long before they yelp.

What are the first signs of spondylosis in dogs?

Often it’s subtle: stiffness after rest, slowing down on walks, reluctance to jump into the car, difficulty with stairs, or a tighter back. Many dogs warm up as they move which can make it easy to miss early on. If you’re noticing small changes that keep repeating, trust your instincts.

What is the best treatment for canine spondylosis?

Usually it’s a combination: Your vet for diagnosis and medication if needed Rehabilitation to improve strength, mobility, and movement quality A realistic home plan (so you know what to do on good days vs bad days) There isn’t one “magic” treatment the best plan is the one that fits your dog’s symptoms, fitness, and lifestyle.

Will hydrotherapy/Physiotherapy help spondylosis?

For the vast majority dogs, yes. Hydrotherapy/Physiotherapy can be very helpful because it allows strengthening and fitness work with reduced impact on sore joints and a stiff spine. The right setup depends on your dog’s symptoms and confidence in water and we progress carefully.

Can Physiotherapy/hydrotherapy make spondylosis worse?

If a dog is pushed too hard or progressed too quickly, any exercise can trigger a flare-up. We've been doing this for over 20 years so quite experienced to know how to gauge if for best results. Done properly, hydrotherapy is usually a safe, controlled way to build strength and confidence. We tailor intensity to your dog and adjust based on how they respond.

Should my dog avoid stairs, jumping, or the sofa?

Often, yes , at least while you’re getting symptoms under control and building strength. Repeated jumping and twisting can trigger flare-ups in some dogs. We can suggest practical alternatives (ramps, step-ups, floor time) that still let your dog enjoy life.

Is spondylosis the same as IVDD?

No , spondylosis and IVDD are different conditions, but they can look similar at home because both can cause back pain, stiffness, and changes in movement. Spondylosis (often called spondylosis deformans) is a degenerative change where the body forms bony spurs/bridges along the edges of the vertebrae over time. IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is a disc problem. A disc can bulge or rupture and may press on the spinal cord or nerves — which is why IVDD can sometimes come on suddenly and cause more dramatic symptoms. It’s also possible for a dog to have spondylosis on X-ray and still have disc-related pain. The goal is to work out what’s driving your dog’s symptoms right now, then build the right plan. If your dog has back pain plus sudden weakness, wobbliness, dragging paws/knuckling, or any loss of bladder/bowel control, treat it as urgent and contact your vet.

Speak to a Human Today

Worried about your dog? Call us now and we’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you take the next step for your dog’s quality of life.
No question too small—our team has helped thousands of dogs move from ‘Eeyore to Tigger’.

📞 Call 01325 802738
Office hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm

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The sooner we start helping, the sooner your dog can feel better. Every week makes a difference when it comes to recovery — and you don’t have to face this alone.

Let’s create a plan that eases their pain, strengthens their leg, and gives them the best chance of getting back to the happy, active life they love.

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