Lumbosacral Stenosis

Lumbosacral stenosis describes a narrowing of the spinal canal where the lower back meets the pelvis — the junction between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum. This narrowing can put pressure on the nerve roots that emerge at this level, affecting the signals that travel between the spinal cord and the hind limbs, tail, and pelvic organs. It tends to develop gradually and is seen more often in larger breed dogs, particularly German Shepherds, though it can occur in any dog. Owners often notice changes in how their dog moves or behaves during activity: reluctance to jump, difficulty rising after rest, a stiff or altered gait in the hind limbs, or discomfort when the lower back or tail base is touched. Some dogs may lick or chew at the tail or hindquarters, and in some cases there can be changes in tail carriage or, less commonly, bladder or bowel control. This page explores what an owner may observe in a dog with lumbosacral stenosis, what is happening at the affected site, how the condition is investigated through examination and imaging, and the range of approaches — both medical and surgical — that exist to manage pressure on the nerve roots.