Prevalence of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) Assessed With Whole-spine Radiography in Belgian Sheep Dog

Introduction: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a condition affecting the musculoskeletal system, characterized by the gradual ossification of ligaments. It leads to reduced mobility and pain in affected subjects. This study aimed to understand the demographic characteristics and clinical symptoms of Belgian Sheep breed dogs with DISH and establish potential relationships between them. Materials & Methods: The study was conducted from the summer of ۲۰۲۱ to the summer of ۲۰۲۳, lateral radiographs of the entire vertebral column were obtained for all Belgian Sheep breed dogs kept at the FARAJA (Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran) narcotic dog center in Iran. Dogs that were diagnosed with DISH were selected as the statistical population. Demographic characteristics, activity types, clinical symptoms, and the location of the disease on spines were documented for each selected dog.Results: The investigation showed that ۹.۹۱% (۴۵) of the dogs exhibited signs of DISH. Male dogs (۵۵.۶%) experienced a higher prevalence compared to female dogs (۴۴.۴%). Dogs weighing ۱۵-۲۰ kg (۴۰%) showed a higher prevalence, although this was not statistically significant. Furthermore, dogs aged over five years (۵۳.۳%) were significantly more affected compared to those in the ۲-۵ years old range (۳۷.۸%), and less than dogs in the two years old and younger range (۸.۹%) with DISH. ۷۱.۱% of dogs showed no clinical symptoms, ۲۰% demonstrated lameness and ۸.۹% demonstrated a reluctance to move. This difference was statistically significant. Drug detection dogs (۶۵.۶%) were notably more affected by this disease compared to guard dogs (۲۴.۴%). The frequency of DISH in cervical, cervical-thoracic, thoracic, thoracic-lumbar, lumbar-sacral, and sacral vertebrae was ۸.۵%, ۲۶.۷%, ۳۳.۳%, ۴۰.۳%, ۳۱.۱%, ۱۷.۸%, and ۴.۴%, respectively. Conclusion: The research findings suggest that while the incidence of DISH in Belgian Sheepdogs is relatively low, periodic radiographs are crucial, especially as dogs age and in detection dogs, where most sufferers may not exhibit clinical symptoms. This preventive measure can help mitigate the risk of disease contraction. Additionally, the study highlighted that thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are more susceptible to damage in this disease, emphasizing the need for special attention to these areas.

کلیدواژه ها:

DISH ، Prevalance ، Radiograph ، Vertebral Column ، Belgian Sheep Dog