🧠 Diskospondylitis in Pets: Vet-Approved 2025 Guide to Spinal Infections in Dogs and Cats 🦴

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🔬 What Is Diskospondylitis?

Diskospondylitis is a serious infection of the intervertebral disks—the soft cushions between each vertebra in the spine. It occurs when bacteria or fungi invade these disks, often spreading from elsewhere in the body 🧫. The infection can affect one site or multiple levels along the spine.

While cats can develop this condition, it’s seen far more commonly in dogs—especially large-breed or working dogs, and older males 🐶.

🦠 How Does the Infection Reach the Spine?

The most common routes of infection include:

• 🩸 Through the bloodstream – from chronic infections in the skin, urinary tract, or elsewhere
• 🗡️ Direct contamination – bite wounds, punctures, or spinal surgery
• 🧹 Migration of foreign material – such as plant material or debris near the spinal canal

📉 Clinical Signs of Diskospondylitis

The signs can be subtle at first and often progress gradually. Watch for:

• 🦴 Spinal pain or stiffness
• 🚶 Wobbly or unsteady walking
• 🐾 Mild paresis (weakness)
• 🛌 Reluctance to rise or climb stairs
• 🔥 Fever (in some cases)

In severe cases, untreated infection can cause spinal fractures, paralysis, or even meningitis 😞.

🧪 Diagnosing Diskospondylitis

Your veterinarian may use several tools to identify the infection and assess its severity:

📷 Radiographs (X-rays)

These often show characteristic bone damage at the infected disk site—but may take 3–6 weeks to appear. Full spine X-rays are recommended to look for multiple lesions.

🧲 Advanced Imaging (MRI/CT)

MRI or CT scans are more sensitive and help detect early changes, spinal cord compression, and surgical planning details.

🔬 Laboratory Testing

• 🧪 Urinalysis – may reveal bacteria or pus if the urinary tract is infected
• 🧫 Cultures – taken from urine, blood, spinal fluid, or ideally the infected disk space
• 🧠 CSF analysis – to assess inflammation or infectious spread to the nervous system

Brucellosis testing is important as Brucella can cause diskospondylitis and poses a zoonotic (human health) risk.

🦠 Common Infectious Causes

🔬 Bacteria

The usual bacterial suspects include:

• 🦠 Staphylococcus
• 🦠 Streptococcus
• 🦠 Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• 🦠 Brucella spp. (especially in intact male dogs)

🍄 Fungi

Fungal infections are rarer but harder to treat. Culprits include:

• 🍄 Aspergillus
• 🍄 Blastomyces
• 🍄 Coccidioides
• 🍄 Histoplasma

🧬 Other

Protozoal and algal infections (e.g., Protothecosis) have also been linked to rare cases of spinal infection.

💊 Treatment and Management

1️⃣ Long-Term Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment and are chosen based on culture and sensitivity testing. If cultures are unavailable, broad-spectrum antibiotics may be started empirically 🩺.

Duration: 8–12+ weeks of antibiotics are typically required.

2️⃣ Antifungal Therapy

If a fungal cause is diagnosed, antifungal drugs like itraconazole may be used. Fungal diskospondylitis often requires a longer and more cautious treatment course 🧪.

3️⃣ Pain Management

• 💊 Anti-inflammatories
• 💤 Rest and activity restriction
• 📋 Monitoring for response to medications

4️⃣ Surgical Intervention

Surgery may be needed if:

• 🧠 Spinal cord compression occurs
• 🧱 Fractures or instability develop
• 💉 Persistent abscesses or foreign bodies are present

Surgical options include decompression or stabilization of the affected vertebrae 🦴.

📆 Monitoring & Follow-Up

Your veterinarian will monitor your pet with:

• 🧪 Bloodwork and urinalysis
• 📸 Follow-up X-rays every 4–6 weeks
• 🧠 Neurologic checks for signs of recovery or progression

Even with good response, X-rays may lag behind clinical improvement. Full healing may take months 📆.

⚠️ Important Notes on Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease and can be transmitted to humans. Dogs with Brucella infections are often considered incurable. Treatment may control symptoms, but recurrence is common. Neutering is recommended for safety and infection control 🧬.

📲 Get Support from Ask A Vet

Concerned about spinal pain or weakness in your dog or cat? Reach out today at AskAVet.com.

• 🧠 Neurology consultations and second opinions
• 📋 Treatment planning for bacterial or fungal infections
• ⚖️ Medication questions and follow-up care
• 💊 Managing Brucellosis or chronic back pain

📱 Download the Ask A Vet App to connect with trusted veterinarians like Dr Duncan Houston and manage your pet’s recovery from spinal infections anytime 🐶🐱.

💚 Final Thoughts

Diskospondylitis is a painful and sometimes life-threatening condition—but with early diagnosis, long-term treatment, and proper monitoring, most dogs recover well 🐾.

If your pet is showing signs of spinal pain, reluctance to move, or lameness, don’t delay. Visit AskAVet.com today or download the app for expert support when your pet needs it most 🩺.