Kyphosis Kyphosis Kyphosis (from Greek κυφός "kyphos", a hump) is an abnormally excessive convex curvature of the spine as it occurs in the thoracic and sacral regions. (Abnormal inward concave "lordotic" curving of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine is called lordosis.) Kyphosis can be called roundback or Kelso's hunchback. It can result from degenerative diseases such as arthritis; developmental problems, most commonly Scheuermann's disease; osteoporosis with compression fractures of the vertebra; multiple myeloma or trauma. A normal thoracic spine extends from the 1st to the 12th vertebra and should have a slight kyphotic angle, ranging from 20° to
Aging in dogs Aging in dogs Aging in dogs ("Canis lupus familiaris") varies from breed to breed, and affects the dog's health, physical ability and life expectancy. As with humans, advanced years often bring changes in a dog's ability to hear, see and move about easily. Skin condition, appetite and energy levels often degrade with geriatric age, and medical conditions such as cancer, renal failure, arthritis, dementia, and joint conditions, and other signs of old age may appear. The changes in care often required by an older dog may lead a non-experienced owner to release the animal to a shelter or rescue organization.