Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 3

Overview

Extensive new bone can form along the spine in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, often shortened to DISH. This growth can bridge neighboring backbones and, in severe cases, fuse sections of the spine. Many dogs have no obvious signs, while some develop stiffness or pain. The condition becomes more common as dogs age. Severe spinal fusion can be associated with problems in neighboring discs.

Signs to watch for

Stiffness through the back or joints
Back or joint pain
Walking problems when associated spinal cord disease occurs

More often detected as dogs get older.

When to get help Book a vet visit if your dog develops stiffness or signs of pain.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets identify DISH on spinal X-rays by assessing the pattern of extensive new bone growth. They compare the findings with other causes of bony bridging, including a different form of spinal bone growth called spondylosis deformans. When walking problems suggest spinal cord disease, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be used to investigate the spinal cord and neighboring discs.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Large

BoxerLarge · Working Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.