Understanding Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in Dogs (DISH): A Comprehensive Guide

If your dog has been diagnosed with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in dogs, you’re likely seeking answers. This condition, commonly known as DISH, leads to unusual bone growth along your dog’s spine, which may result in pain and mobility issues.

While it may sound alarming, understanding DISH is the first step towards managing your dog’s health. This article dives into what DISH is, why it happens, and how it can affect your canine companion’s life, shedding light on diagnosis and management options available to support your pet’s well-being.

Exploring Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in Dogs (DISH)

We begin by elucidating the nature of this condition. DISH, or Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis, is a common non-inflammatory disorder affecting the canine spine. It’s like a skeleton party that got out of hand, with new bone showing up uninvited all over the place. This can lead to spinal cord compression, causing pain and potentially leading to neurological issues.

You may wonder if all dogs are equally susceptible to this condition. Well, some breeds are more prone to DISH than others. For instance, if you’re a proud parent of a Boxer, you might want to pay special attention as this breed is the most likely to develop DISH. DISH tends to be a bit of a boys’ club too, occurring more frequently in male dogs.

DISH manifests through a variety of clinical signs. These can include:

• Mild back pain
• Stiffness
• Reduction in spinal range of motion
• Spinal pain
• Ataxia
• Lameness
• Joint problems
• Decreased joint mobility

Recognizing these signs early can make a big difference in managing the condition and supporting your pet’s quality of life.

Defining DISH in Dogs

Having established that DISH is a disorder marked by excessive bone growth, let’s ascertain its impact on your dog’s spine. You see, DISH brings about new bone formation along the spine, particularly in the thoracolumbar region. This additional bone growth can lead to spinal cord compression, causing discomfort, and in some cases, neurological issues.

DISH, however, does not occur abruptly but progresses through various stages. In the early phases, your dog may not show any symptoms. It’s only as the disease progresses that dogs may start experiencing stiffness and mild pain, mostly in the thoracic region of the spine. Think of it like an unwelcome houseguest; initially, they’re not much of a bother, but as they overstay their welcome, they start causing problems.

Prevalence and Spinal Distribution in Dog Breeds

While DISH is not commonly found, it does affect a specific group. About 3.8% of dogs develop DISH, with the Boxer breed leading the pack at a whopping 40.6%. If you’re a Boxer owner, don’t panic just yet; remember, knowledge is power. Understanding the prevalence of DISH can help you stay vigilant for any signs and symptoms in your pet.

Concerning the areas DISH affects, it primarily targets the thoracolumbar spine in dogs. However, like a party crasher, it can also show up uninvited in other locations, such as the cervical spine, ribs, and pelvis. So, while it’s more common in certain areas, it’s important to be aware that DISH can potentially affect multiple regions of your dog’s body.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Early detection and management of DISH are reliant on recognizing its signs and symptoms in your dog. One of the key signs is a change in your dog’s mobility. DISH can make it challenging for your dog to move around freely due to spinal hyperesthesia and reduced mobility. Think of your dog’s spine as a highway – with DISH, it’s like a roadblock has been set up, slowing down the traffic and causing issues.

You might notice changes like spine pain, stiffness, and unusual postures such as a hunched back. Additionally, your dog may also exhibit joint problems, difficulty moving, and neurological issues. These signs can be caused by the periosteum and ossification affecting the surrounding soft tissues, leading to different pain patterns and impacting your dog’s quality of life. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to get in touch with your vet.

Canine vs. Human Spine

Interestingly, DISH does not exclusively affect dogs. In fact, it affects humans as well, giving us a unique opportunity to draw some comparisons. By studying DISH in dogs, we can gain valuable insights into how the condition manifests in humans, and vice versa. So, let’s delve into the anatomy of DISH in both species.

Both dogs and humans experience new bone formation along the ventral longitudinal ligament due to DISH, leading to moderate involvement of vertebral muscles. It’s like a construction project that got out of hand, with new structures showing up all over the place. This excessive bone growth is typically found in the same spots in both species, particularly affecting the caudal thoracic vertebrae.

What happens to the intervertebral discs?

• As dogs and humans age, their intervertebral discs may become calcified and lose water, leading to less flexibility.
• This can result in disc herniation, especially following an injury, and is part of the degenerative process linked to DISH.
• So, whether you’re a human or a pooch, DISH has a similar impact on your spine.

Vertebral Body Unaffected

Despite DISH causing significant alterations in the spine, the vertebral body remains unaltered in both dogs and humans, interestingly. It’s like a house renovation where the architect has decided to leave one room untouched. Despite all the chaos caused by the excessive bone growth, the original structure of the vertebral body remains the same.

This holds true whether we’re talking about a human or a dog’s spine. DISH causes extra bone growth in certain parts of a dog’s spine, like:

• the thoracolumbar spine
• cervical spine
• ribs
• bones of the pelvis

But it doesn’t alter the actual structure of the vertebral body. Similarly, in humans, the ligament along the front of the vertebral bodies fuses, making it hard to straighten the spine. However, the vertebral body itself doesn’t actually change due to DISH or vertebral fusion.

Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Both dogs and humans commonly experience intervertebral disc degeneration as a feature of DISH. As they age, the intervertebral discs may calcify and lose water, leading to reduced flexibility. This can result in disc herniation, especially following some form of injury, and is part of the degenerative process associated with DISH.

Degenerative disc disease in dogs is a type of degenerative disease that impacts their spinal cord and hampers their mobility. This degeneration is similar to what is observed in humans in terms of changes like glycosaminoglycan content and metalloproteinase 2 activity.

In the case of dogs, certain breeds like Dachshunds, Poodles, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, and Cocker Spaniels are more prone to disc problems.

Diagnostic Approaches for Canine DISH

Effective management of DISH begins with obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Early detection of the condition allows for a more specific treatment plan and can even lower the risk of spinal fractures and other related conditions. So how do we diagnose DISH in dogs?

DISH is most commonly diagnosed using:

• Radiography: This imaging technique is crucial in diagnosing DISH as it helps identify the characteristic feature of the condition – the presence of flowing ossification along the vertebrae.
• CT: Computed tomography provides detailed cross-sectional images of the spine, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging can help evaluate the extent of the disease and identify any associated complications.

These imaging techniques are essential in diagnosing DISH and determining the appropriate treatment plan.

While radiography is often sufficient for a diagnosis, in some cases, additional imaging may be required. Dogs exhibiting neurological signs or when there is a need to identify osseous lesions and accompanying abnormalities, which might not be as clearly visible on radiographs, may require MRI or CT scans.

Importance of Early Detection

For effective management of DISH, early detection is indispensable. Discovering DISH in its early stages enables a more targeted treatment plan and can even minimize the risk of spinal fractures and other related conditions. It also helps in understanding the early bone changes associated with the condition and its link to metabolic syndrome.

Early detection of DISH is particularly important in breeds known to be more susceptible to the condition. For instance, Boxer dogs should be monitored for signs of DISH from the fifth to seventh weeks of their life, from 29 to 49 days. The sooner DISH is identified, the better the prospects for managing the condition and preserving the dog’s quality of life.

Treatment and Management Strategies

Following the diagnosis of DISH, attention then shifts to its treatment and management. While there is currently no cure for DISH, the symptoms can be effectively managed with appropriate care. The mainstay of treatment is typically pain relief, with the goal being to improve the dog’s quality of life.

In addition to pain relief, it’s also important to address any neurological issues that may arise such as:

• twitching
• jaw chewing
• seizures
• loss of motor control
• paralysis

All require symptomatic treatment and supportive care. In cases of severe canine spondylosis, where bone spurs are pressing on the spinal cord or compress spinal nerve roots, or where fractures are present, surgery may be necessary.

The decision to proceed with surgery will depend on the severity of the condition, the dog’s overall health, and the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Orthopedic and Neurological Abnormalities

DISH can lead to a variety of orthopedic and neurological problems in dogs. From a orthopedic standpoint, DISH can lead to lameness, with the condition sometimes being so severe that euthanasia is considered. Neurologically, dogs with DISH may experience spinal pain, stiffness, joint issues, difficulty walking, and in more severe cases, loss of motor control, paralysis, and incontinence.

Given the potential for these complications, it’s important that a tailored treatment plan is developed to address these issues. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, this may involve physiotherapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention. The goal is always to improve the dog’s quality of life and ensure they can continue to enjoy their day-to-day activities.

Conservative vs. Surgical Options

Management of DISH encompasses both conservative and surgical treatment options. Conservative treatments such as pain relief, chiropractic care, and dietary changes can often be effective in managing the symptoms of DISH. However, in some cases, these treatments may not be enough.

If the symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, or if there are serious complications such as difficulty swallowing or spinal fractures, surgery may be necessary. The most common surgical procedure is the anterior cervical osteophytectomy, which involves the removal of bone growths in the neck.

As always, the decision to proceed with surgery should be made in consultation with a veterinary professional, taking into account the dog’s overall health and quality of life.

Role of Genetics and Environment

Ongoing research significantly contributes to our ever-evolving knowledge about DISH and its impact on our canine companions. Studies have shed light on the role of both genetic and environmental factors in the development of DISH, offering valuable insights into how we can better manage this condition.

Genetically, certain breeds like Boxers seem more susceptible to developing DISH. This suggests a genetic link, and ongoing research is focused on identifying potential genetic markers for the condition. This could help in developing targeted therapies, and even preventative strategies, for at-risk breeds.

The development of DISH is also influenced by environmental factors. For instance, a dog’s diet can influence their risk of developing the condition. Research has shown that a diet rich in protein and higher trophic level foods has been linked to the development of DISH. This suggests that dietary adjustments could potentially help in managing the condition.

Genetic Markers and Breeding Patterns

When it comes to the role of genetics, it seems certain breeds have a higher susceptibility to the condition. The Boxer breed, for instance, has a higher prevalence of DISH, suggesting a genetic predisposition. This implies that certain genetic markers may increase a dog’s risk of developing the disease.

In addition to breed-specific predispositions, studies have also found that DISH in dogs is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that if one parent carries the gene for DISH, there’s a chance it can be passed on to the offspring. This understanding of the genetic aspects of DISH can inform breeding decisions and may even contribute to efforts to reduce the prevalence of the condition in the future.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Factors

Beyond genetics, lifestyle and nutritional factors can also contribute to the development of DISH. A dog’s diet, in particular, can play a significant role. Research has shown that a diet loaded with protein and higher trophic level foods has been linked to the development of DISH.

On the brighter side, certain dietary changes have been found to potentially help prevent or manage it. For instance, Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, K, B-complex, calcium, and phosphorus can all contribute positively to a dog’s overall health and may help manage DISH. This highlights the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining your pet’s health.

Implications for Human Medicine

The study of DISH holds significance not only for our canine friends but also has substantial implications for human medicine. By studying DISH in dogs, we can gain valuable insights into the condition in humans, offering potential benefits for both translational research and cross-species disease comparison.

Canine DISH research serves as a unique model for understanding the causes, measurements, and treatments of the condition in humans. This approach has already proven beneficial in other areas of medical research, such as cancer studies, and could potentially lead to new treatment strategies for DISH in humans.

A comparison of DISH manifestation in dogs and humans can highlight similarities and differences, thereby enhancing our understanding of the disease’s underlying mechanisms. This cross-species comparison can potentially help us identify:

• common genetic factors or pathways involved in the development of DISH
• similarities in symptoms and progression of the disease
• differences in treatment options and outcomes

By studying DISH in both dogs and humans, we can gain valuable insights into this condition and potentially improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for both species.

Translational Research Benefits

Translational research effectively bridges the divide between laboratory science and practical treatments, offering novel methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. By studying canine DISH, we can gain valuable insights into the etiology and treatment of the condition in humans.

Studying DISH in dogs can provide us with a model to understand the causes, measurements, and treatments of the condition in humans. For instance, studies comparing DISH in dogs and humans have found that the condition tends to manifest in similar locations, such as the lower chest and upper back. These findings can potentially inform the development of new treatment strategies for DISH in humans.

Cross-Species Disease Comparisons

Apart from its implications for translational research, studying DISH in dogs can also yield valuable insights through cross-species disease comparisons. For instance, DISH in dogs and humans share several similarities, such as a higher prevalence in males and an increasing incidence with age. Recognizing these parallels can help us better understand the underlying mechanisms of the condition.

At the same time, comparing DISH in dogs and humans can also help identify differences in the disorder. For instance, in dogs, DISH often presents alongside other spinal problems like spondyloarthritis. Understanding these differences can provide further insight into the disease’s progression and potential treatment strategies.

Parting Words

DISH is a common condition affecting the canine spine, with certain breeds such as Boxers being more prone. The condition is characterized by excessive bone growth along the spine, which can cause a range of orthopedic and neurological issues.

Early detection through radiographic imaging is crucial for effective management, and treatment options can range from conservative measures to surgical interventions.

Research into the genetic and environmental factors influencing DISH offers valuable insights, with implications not just for our canine companions, but for human medicine as well. Although there is currently no cure for DISH, with the right knowledge and management strategies, we can help our furry friends live comfortable and happy lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you treat DISH in dogs?

If your dog is suffering from painful spinal nerve compression due to DISH, treatment may include NSAIDs, steroids, and other pain medications to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. It's important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What is dog DISH criteria?

Dog DISH criteria involve generalized new bone formation in the thoracolumbar vertebral column, particularly T6-T10 and L2-L6, due to their trabecular pattern.

How can DISH be diagnosed in dogs?

To diagnose DISH in dogs, the most common method is through radiography. In some cases, additional imaging techniques like CT and MRI can also be used.

Is DISH an autoimmune disease?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) induces persistent inflammation primarily targeting the spine but can also impact other joints such as the hips and knees. Over time, there is a possibility of bone fusion. It's important to note that AS is an autoimmune disorder, whereas Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) is not.