This radiograph is from a 4 year old FS great dane who presented for evaluation of persistent stiff gait and lethargy.  Interpret the radiograph below.

This is a lateral cervicothoracic radiograph.  There is evidence of end plate lysis at C5-6, T1-2, T3-4, T4-5, T7-8, and possible slight change at T9-10 as well.  There is also disc space collapse affecting most of the thoracic spine between T1 and T9.  Ventral vertebral spondylosis is also appreciated from T4-5 (most significant) to T7-8 (slight).  These changes are most consistent with discospondylitis. The following series of radiographs are from the same patient.  Aspiration of the L1-2 disc space produced Phialosimplex fungal organism on culture.  The dog’s signs have been controlled on Voriconazole.

Note the multifocal distribution including sternal involvement which may be more likely seen with fungal disease.