Defining and Understanding Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs

What Is It?

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs when the cushioning discs between vertebrae degenerate and either acutely herniate (type I) or chronically bulge/protrude (type II) into the spinal canal. Disc material compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD can affect the neck (cervical), mid-back (thoracolumbar), or low back (lumbar) regions.

Who Gets It?

  • Chondrodystrophic breeds (e.g., Dachshund, Corgi, French Bulldog, Beagle) are predisposed to type I (acute extrusion).
  • Medium to large breeds may develop type II (chronic protrusion) as they age, especially in the lumbosacral region.
  • Risk increases with age, body weight, and prior disc episodes; multiple discs may be affected over a lifetime.

Signs Owners May Notice

  • Back or neck pain: tense back, guarded posture, yelping, reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
  • Weakness, wobbliness (ataxia), toe dragging, scuffing nails, or crossing limbs.
  • Sitting or standing with a hunched back; low head carriage (cervical cases).
  • Loss of limb function or inability to walk in severe cases; changes in urination/defecation control.

How Is It Diagnosed?

A neurological exam localizes the lesion and helps grade severity. Advanced imaging is needed to confirm and plan treatment: MRI (preferred) shows disc material and spinal cord changes; CT (with or without myelography) is useful for mineralized discs; myelography outlines compression when MRI is unavailable. Routine radiographs can suggest disc space changes but do not diagnose cord compression.

Why Consider Treatment and What Are the Options?

The goals are pain relief, protection of the spinal cord, and recovery of function. Choice depends on neurological grade, pain level, imaging findings, and response to initial care.

  • Conservative management: Strict crate rest (usually 4–6 weeks), anti-inflammatories/analgesics, muscle relaxants as indicated, and bladder assistance if needed. Appropriate for pain-only or mild, improving deficits.
  • Surgery (when indicated): Recommended for non-ambulatory dogs, recurrent/severe pain, failure of conservative care, or compressive lesions on imaging.
    • Cervical: Ventral slot decompression to remove disc material and relieve spinal cord compression.
    • Thoracolumbar: Hemilaminectomy (most common), mini-hemilaminectomy, or pediculectomy to decompress affected segments.
    • Fenestration (adjunct): Opening at-risk discs to reduce future extrusions (surgeon- and case-dependent).
  • Neurological grading (guides expectations): From painful but ambulatory (mild) to non-ambulatory with or without deep pain perception (severe). Lack of deep pain sensation is an emergency—prognosis improves with rapid decompression.

Why You Should See a Veterinary Neurologist/Surgeon

IVDD presentation and prognosis vary by location, severity, and timing. A board-certified neurologist or surgeon can interpret imaging, discuss realistic outcomes, and tailor medical or surgical care to your dog’s needs—including bladder care, pain control, and rehabilitation.

What Does Surgery Involve? (High Level)

Under general anesthesia, the surgeon approaches the compressed region (neck or back) and removes disc material and bone to decompress the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Hospitalization provides intensive pain control, nursing care, and assistance with urination if needed. Many dogs begin supported standing and assisted walking early post-op per the neurologist’s plan.

Risks and Recovery Expectations

Potential risks include anesthetic complications, infection, bleeding, recurrent disc extrusion, or persistent neurological deficits. A small subset can develop progressive spinal cord softening (myelomalacia), a rare but life-threatening complication after severe thoracolumbar injury. With timely surgery, many non-ambulatory dogs regain the ability to walk; recovery of continence varies with severity and duration before decompression.

What Is Post-Op Like?

  • First 2 weeks: Strict rest, incision protection (E-collar), pain meds, and bladder care if indicated. Short, assisted leash trips for toileting only.
  • Weeks 3–6: Gradual increases in controlled activity per surgeon. Rechecks may include neuro exams and, if needed, imaging.
  • Home care: Non-slip surfaces, blocked stairs/furniture, harness support, and skin care to prevent sores if mobility is limited.

Benefits of Physical Rehabilitation

  • Pain and swelling control: Modalities as prescribed, gentle massage away from the incision, and paced activity.
  • Mobility and strength: Assisted standing, weight-shifting, and controlled gait work; underwater treadmill or swimming may be introduced when cleared.
  • Neuromotor retraining: Proprioceptive exercises and safe transitions to rebuild coordination and confidence.

How to Help Your Dog at Home

  • Follow rest and activity instructions precisely; early over-activity risks relapse.
  • Use a harness, not a neck collar, for cervical cases; support hindquarters with a sling if needed.
  • Keep nails trimmed and use rugs/runners for traction; add ramps and block stairs.
  • Maintain a lean body weight and consistent medication schedule; do not combine NSAIDs and steroids unless directed by your veterinarian.
  • Monitor urination and defecation; contact your team if you notice straining, retention, or urine scald.

Tips for Success

  • Seek urgent care for sudden paralysis, loss of deep pain, or rapidly worsening signs.
  • Use a written schedule for meds, rest periods, and rehab exercises to keep progress on track.
  • Ask about preventive fenestration (when appropriate) and lifestyle changes to reduce future risk.

Prognosis

Dogs with pain only or mild deficits often do well with conservative care. With timely surgery, many non-ambulatory dogs recover functional walking, though recovery time varies. Prognosis is guarded when deep pain sensation is absent pre-op or has been lost for more than 24–48 hours. Long-term success improves with careful aftercare, weight control, and a structured rehabilitation plan guided by your veterinary team.