Although Buddy’s previous owner described him as a healthy and active dog, his veterinary records show a history of back pain and spinal problems.

X-rays in January 2026 and a CT scan in April 2026 identified degenerative changes in his spine, including spondylosis, disc degeneration, a disc extrusion and narrowing around some of the spinal nerves.

The CT scan did not identify spinal cord compression, but the specialist noted that these changes could contribute to his back pain. A full neurological examination was recommended, with an MRI suggested as a possible further investigation.

Buddy continues to take Rheumocam and gabapentin, as prescribed following his investigations earlier this year. He has not undergone any further veterinary assessment since his April CT scan.

His previous owner reported that he remained active and enjoyed his walks, but we cannot say with certainty how much discomfort he may be experiencing or whether his condition will progress.

Anyone considering offering Buddy a home must understand that he has an existing spinal condition requiring pain management. He may need ongoing medication, veterinary monitoring, adjustments to his exercise and potentially further investigations or treatment.

We will make his veterinary records available to serious prospective adopters so they can fully understand his medical history before making a commitment.

* Living with spondylosis – what does it mean for Buddy?

We understand that Buddy’s spinal diagnosis may initially sound worrying, particularly when considering the potential cost of ongoing treatment. However, spondylosis does not automatically mean expensive treatment, surgery or a poor quality of life.

According to Veterinary Healthcare Associates, many dogs with spondylosis show no obvious symptoms, while others can be managed successfully through pain relief, controlled exercise, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Most cases are managed without surgery, and many dogs continue to enjoy active, comfortable lives.

Buddy is currently prescribed Rheumocam (an anti-inflammatory) and gabapentin (for pain management). Although medication costs vary depending on dosage and individual requirements, these medications can often be purchased significantly more cheaply through reputable online veterinary pharmacies using a prescription from your vet.

As a rough guide:

• Rheumocam: approximately £21.98 online with a veterinary prescription.

• Gabapentin: available online from approximately 10p per capsule.

• Hydrotherapy: may be a useful additional treatment to help maintain mobility and muscle strength, if recommended by his vet.

These are indicative prices only, not estimates of Buddy’s monthly treatment costs. Veterinary practices charge different amounts for written prescriptions, and ongoing veterinary monitoring may also be necessary.

It is important to stress that Buddy has additional spinal changes beyond spondylosis, including disc degeneration and a disc extrusion. His individual prognosis and future treatment requirements cannot be guaranteed.

However, we don’t want potential adopters to be put off simply because they see the words “spinal condition”. There are established, often affordable ways to manage pain and maintain a dog’s quality of life.

For anyone wishing to understand more, Veterinary Healthcare Associates has published a helpful article explaining spondylosis, its symptoms and the different treatment options available:

Spondylosis in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & More – Veterinary Healthcare Associates

We would encourage anyone interested in Buddy to read the article alongside his veterinary history before deciding whether they could offer him a home.