Four Cases of Canine Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

Recently, the prevalence and the association with age, gender and breed of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and spondylosis deformans (spondylosis) in dogs were reported in a retrospective radiographic cross-sectional study. The prevalence of DISH and spondylosis in the whole group of 2041 purebred dogs was 3.8% (78/2041) and 18.0% (367/2041), respectively. The prevalence of DISH and spondylosis in the Boxer was 40.6% (28/69) and 55.1% (38/69), respectively. In previous publications (which publications?), DISH may have been mistaken for severe spondylosis and thus under-diagnosed. Here we report on four cases of DISH to provide more information about the appearance of canine DISH. Radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or (histo)pathology were described in four dogs with DISH. All four dogs showed signs of stiffness and lameness. Two dogs also showed comorbidity of DISH and spondylosis that may have resulted in their orthopaedic signs. The diagnosis of DISH can be made using radiography, CT or MRI. On histology, DISH can be distinguished from spondylosis by the location (ventral longitudinal ligament) and extent of new bone formation. More prospective research is needed to evaluate the clinical impact of DISH and of possible therapeutic options.