What is Lumbosacral Disease

Rosie Jackson
Apr 10
3 min read

Lumbosacral disease (LSD) is an orthopaedic condition commonly seen in middle aged, larger breeds of dog. It is a chronic degenerative disease of the lumbosacral junction.

Within research sporting and working dogs seem to have a predisposition to this degenerative disorder. To understand how the disease affects your dog, it is important to first understand what is normal.

Image of a dogs spine — The Normal Canine Spine

The lumbosacral junction is between the lumbar vertebrae and the sacral vertebrae.

The lumbosacral junction consists of several vertebral bodies (L6- S3) within the lower aspect of the spinal column. This junction is formed from the last 2 Lumbar Vertebrae and the Sacrum. The Sacrum is created of 3 fused vertebrae, this bone is located in the lower back and attaches the hindlimb to the spinal column via the pelvis. This junction is where in most dogs the end of the spinal cord is located, associated nerve roots which control sensory and motor function to the hindlimb and also toileting function.

The lumbosacral junction is a highly mobile joint of the back. During movement this joint is put under great stress created due to the sudden change in mobility and energy transfer through this junction, thus causing vulnerability to wear and tear during daily activities.

When this joint becomes diseased, we can see bony, intervertebral disc and soft tissue changes. This causes pain and often compression to the nerve roots leaving the spinal canal, thus inactivating their function. LSD can be caused for a variety of reasons, including:

Abnormal movement of the joint
Instability or subluxation of the lumbosacral junction
Congenital abnormalities including abnormal or extra vertebrae
Intervertebral disc herniation causing compression of nerves
Poor blood supply
Sacral osteochondrosis
Spondylosis
Obesity

Advanced diagnostic imaging is required for clinical diagnosis. Many cases commonly require corrective surgery is required; however, this is not always the case and some dogs can be conservatively managed.

X Ray image of a normal Lumbosacral Junction — Normal X-Ray of the Lumbosacral Junction Area

X Ray photo of an abnormal Lumbosacral junction — Abnormal narrowing of the Lumbosacral Junction

Clinical Signs

Back Pain
Hindlimb Lameness
Hindlimb weakness
Muscle atrophy
Hindlimb ataxia (Loss of co- ordination)
Changes in gait
Neurological deficits
Urinary and/ or faecal incontinence
Reluctance to be groomed or petted
Behavioural changes such as, sleeping more or reactiveness to others

A black dog showing an example of weakness and atrophy resulting from LD — An Example of weakness and atrophy resulting from Lumbosacral disease

How can Canine Massage and Physiotherapy help my dog?

Clinical massage received from a guild member can provide great relief of symptoms experienced by you dog. In cases of lumbosacral disease, the degeneration in the spine causes on orthopaedic weakness.

In response the surrounding musculature greatly increases tone to splint the spinal column, this can directly affect how the hindlimbs move alongside with nerve pain and loss of function. The aim of treatment is to address these areas and manage symptoms displayed.

This can be achieved by:

Pain relief by the release of natural endorphins
Release of hypertonic tissues protective muscle splinting
Release of painful trigger points and myofascial pain
Stimulation of the affected peripheral nerves
Strengthening of the musculature surrounding the spine and hindlimbs
Improves posture
Improve gait
Improves and maintains range of motion of the limbs
Addresses areas of overcompensation, especially within the Neck and Thoracic limb

Other considerations when supporting your dog

Joint supplementation
Environmental factors: Use of ramps, mats to prevent slipping on flooring, Comfortable and non - restricting sleeping areas
Good quality nutrition
Weight management
Exercise management
Acupuncture
Medications prescribed by your vet where appropriate