CONDITION

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Why this matters now

IVDD is extremely common in certain breeds, particularly Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Beagles, Corgis, and Cocker Spaniels. These breeds often have disc changes occurring earlier in life, sometimes affecting dogs as young as two to four years old. Other breeds more typically develop disc problems in middle to older age. Episodes may occur suddenly or develop gradually.

The condition ranges from mild back pain to complete paralysis depending on severity and location. Type I disc disease involves sudden disc rupture with acute onset of signs. Type II involves gradual disc bulging with more slowly progressive symptoms. Some dogs experience single episodes that resolve, whilst others have recurrent problems or progressive deterioration. The location of the affected disc determines which body regions are affected.

Signals & patterns

Early signals

Reluctance to move or change position

Dogs may be unwilling to jump, climb stairs, or move their head and neck normally.

Crying out when touched or moved

Pain may cause vocalisation, particularly when the spine is manipulated or pressure is applied.

Hunched or tense posture

Dogs often arch their back or hold their neck stiffly when experiencing spinal pain.

Shaking or trembling

Pain and muscle tension may manifest as visible trembling.

Later signals

Weakness or wobbliness in the hind legs

Compression of the spinal cord affects nerve function, causing coordination problems or weakness.

Dragging one or both back feet

More severe compression causes loss of ability to consciously control limb placement.

Inability to walk

Significant spinal cord damage can result in paralysis of the affected limbs.

Loss of bladder or bowel control

Severe compression may affect the nerves controlling urination and defecation.

Click to read about the biological mechanisms

How this is usually investigated

Assessment of suspected IVDD combines neurological examination with advanced imaging to localise the problem and guide treatment decisions.

Neurological examination

Purpose: To assess spinal cord function, localise the lesion, and grade severity
Considerations: Testing reflexes, limb position sense, and pain perception helps determine which spinal region is affected and how severe the compression is.

Radiographs

Purpose: To visualise the spine and identify obvious abnormalities
Considerations: May show narrowed disc spaces or calcified disc material. Cannot visualise the spinal cord directly but can rule out other problems.

MRI scan

Purpose: To provide detailed images of the spinal cord, discs, and surrounding structures
Considerations: The gold standard for visualising disc herniations and assessing spinal cord compression. Requires general anaesthesia.

CT scan or myelography

Purpose: To visualise the spinal canal when MRI is not available
Considerations: CT provides good bone detail. Myelography involves injecting contrast around the spinal cord to outline compression areas.

Blood tests

Purpose: To assess overall health and check for concurrent conditions
Considerations: Important before anaesthesia for imaging or surgery. May help rule out other causes of similar signs.

Options & trade-offs

Treatment approach depends on severity of signs, which specific disc is affected, and how quickly the condition has progressed. Options range from conservative management to surgical intervention.

Conservative management

Strict rest, pain management, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Trade-offs: May be appropriate for first-time episodes with pain only or mild neurological signs. Requires several weeks of strict cage rest. Does not address the underlying disc problem.

Surgical decompression

Removal of disc material compressing the spinal cord.

Trade-offs: Typically recommended for more severe signs or cases not responding to conservative treatment. Success rates vary depending on presenting severity. Requires specialist surgical facilities.

Physical rehabilitation

Structured exercises, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy.

Trade-offs: Important adjunct to both surgical and conservative treatment. Helps maintain muscle mass and can assist neurological recovery.

Mobility support

Carts, slings, and assistive devices for dogs with significant deficits.

Trade-offs: Can maintain quality of life for dogs with permanent weakness. Requires owner commitment to daily management. Some dogs adapt remarkably well.

Common misconceptions

Misconception:

"IVDD only affects Dachshunds"

Reality:

Whilst Dachshunds are particularly predisposed, IVDD is common in many breeds including French Bulldogs, Beagles, and Corgis. Any breed can be affected.

Misconception:

"Back pain means the dog will become paralysed"

Reality:

Many dogs experience only pain without progressing to weakness. The spectrum of severity is wide, and many cases resolve with appropriate management.

Misconception:

"Paralysed dogs should be euthanised"

Reality:

Whilst severe IVDD is serious, many paralysed dogs recover function with appropriate treatment. Even those with permanent deficits can often maintain good quality of life with supportive care.

Noting the timeline of symptom development and any triggers may provide useful information. Observing whether the dog can walk, stand unaided, and feel when their toes are touched helps assess severity. Keeping at-risk breeds in good body condition and avoiding activities that stress the spine may help reduce risk.

Last reviewed: 24 April 2026 · Dr Alastair Greenway MRCVS