Dog spondylosis is categorized as a chronic disorder resulting in the formation of bone spur on the spine which is caused due to continuous degeneration of the vertebral disk. The rate at which degeneration occurs determines the type and severity of the deformities formed in the dog. The true cause which gives rise to dog spondylosis is still unknown. There are several controversies over the issue as whether spondylosis deformans passes genetically from one dog to another. It is believed that dog spondylosis start with breakdown of the fiber known as Sharpey’s fibers which are surrounding the outer part of inter vertebral disk.

Over a period of time the material of the inner disk protrudes out causing the longitudinal ligament to stretch and give the appearance of osteophytes growth from the vertebral body. After looking at this growth, it is difficult to tell where the original bone ends and from where the growth of osteophytes begins. Several ossification centers are seen formed just a little away from the vertebral body which at the later stage fuse together and grow towards the nearby vertebral segment. The space between the vertebral disks slowly bridges up and its rate is determined by the breed of the dog and its family history.