Connected tools are increasingly used to monitor the well-being and health of animals by collecting data and analyzing specific parameters. Rehabilitation and hydrotherapy are among the many disciplines where these tools can be applied. Paula Teal, director of the Squirrel Lodge Hydrotherapy Center, shares her experience, using a clinical case of discospondylitis and Wobbler syndrome in a dog as an example.
The Squirrel Lodge Hydrotherapy Centre offers hydrotherapy, rehabilitation, and electrotherapy services for dogs. Based in Lincolnshire (England), it accepts referred animals after being seen by a veterinary practitioner to ensure optimal and holistic care¹. Sporting dogs are also treated in preparation for competitions. Paula Teal, the center’s director and a rehabilitation practitioner, has been using connected tools such as Tendiboots™ Canine for almost a year to analyze canine locomotion and improve their care in cases of specific conditions.
What is discospondylitis?
Also known as spondylodiscitis, this disease refers to an infection (most often bacterial) of the intervertebral disc, causing pain. Certain dog breeds, such as the Great Dane, are predisposed².
In most cases, an infectious focus is initially present in another part of the body (such as an ear infection or cystitis) and spreads to an intervertebral disc. Over time, spinal cord compression may occur, leading to neurological signs. In addition to pain, affected dogs may experience difficulty moving or getting up.
Several complementary tests are required to diagnose discospondylitis, including medical imaging examinations such as X-rays and MRI. Treatment involves the administration of antibiotics targeting the bacteria responsible for the infection and pain management. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
What is Wobbler syndrome?
This syndrome is a condition that affects certain vertebrae of the spine, particularly in the cervical region, which is why it is also called caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy. The name comes from the English word wobbling, meaning unsteady or staggering, referring to the abnormal gait often seen in affected dogs. This gait results from spinal cord and/or nerve root compression. Giant dog breeds, such as the Great Dane, are more prone to this condition.
Pain and gait abnormalities, such as ataxia (motor incoordination), are common signs. As with other conditions, medical imaging examinations, particularly MRI³, are essential for diagnosing this disease. Regarding treatment options, a conservative approach may be implemented. This involves adapting the dog’s physical activity, with or without medication. Surgical treatment may also be considered, depending on factors such as the severity of the condition.
Clinical case of discospondylitis and Wobbler syndrome in a dog
