Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs
Intervertebral disc disease, often called IVDD, happens when the discs between the vertebrae degenerate, bulge, or rupture and press on the spinal cord or nerves. It is especially common in chondrodystrophic breeds like Dachshunds, but dogs of many breeds can be affected.
IVDD can become an emergency quickly
Call your vet promptly if your dog has back or neck pain, wobbliness, weakness, trouble standing, dragging limbs, or loss of bladder control. Seek emergency care immediately if your dog cannot walk, has rapidly worsening weakness, or loses deep pain sensation.
Symptoms to Watch For
Wobbly walking
A staggering or uncoordinated gait, especially in the rear limbs, can be an early neurologic sign.
Back or neck pain
Dogs may cry out, tense up, resist movement, or avoid turning their head or jumping.
Weakness or dragging limbs
Pressure on the spinal cord can cause weakness, scuffing of the paws, or partial paralysis.
Trouble standing or walking
Some dogs progress from pain to inability to stand or walk over hours to days.
Urinary or fecal accidents
Incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder may happen in more severe cases.
Not wanting to lower the head
Dogs with neck involvement may seem interested in food or water but avoid bending down.
What Causes Intervertebral Disc Disease
IVDD is usually caused by degeneration of the discs that sit between the vertebrae. As discs age or degenerate, they can protrude or rupture, allowing disc material to press on the spinal cord and nearby nerves. In chondrodystrophic dogs, disc degeneration can start very early in life, which helps explain why some small, long-backed breeds develop signs at a young age.
- Disc degeneration is the underlying problem in most cases, and a rupture may happen after a minor jump, fall, or normal activity rather than major trauma.
- Chondrodystrophic breeds are at increased risk, including Dachshunds, Beagles, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, and Corgis.
- Dachshunds are especially overrepresented and account for a large share of IVDD cases.
- Type I IVDD is more common in chondrodystrophic breeds and tends to cause sudden disc extrusion; Type II disease is more often linked to slower protrusion in older, nonchondrodystrophic dogs.
- Middle-aged dogs are commonly affected, but predisposed breeds may show signs younger.
- Excess body weight and repeated jumping may worsen stress on the spine, so weight management and activity modification are often part of long-term care.
How It's Diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a hands-on exam and a neurologic exam to figure out where the spinal cord or nerve problem is located and how severe it is. Your veterinarian will assess pain, walking ability, paw placement, reflexes, bladder function, and whether deep pain sensation is still present. Mild cases may be suspected based on history and exam, but advanced imaging is usually needed for a definitive diagnosis and surgical planning.
- Physical and neurologic exam to evaluate spinal pain, limb weakness, coordination, and neurologic grade.
- Survey X-rays may be used to look for other spinal problems, but they do not confirm every disc rupture.
- MRI is commonly used to confirm disc compression and identify the exact site; myelography or CT may also be used in some cases.
- Bloodwork may be recommended before anesthesia, imaging, or surgery.
- Your vet may also rule out other causes of sudden paralysis or weakness, including spinal trauma, tumors, and fibrocartilaginous embolism.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how severe the neurologic signs are, how quickly they are progressing, and whether your dog can still walk and feel deep pain. Mild cases may be managed conservatively, while dogs with severe weakness or paralysis often need urgent referral for advanced imaging and surgical decompression.
- Conservative care may include strict exercise restriction or crate rest, pain control, anti-inflammatory treatment, and close veterinary rechecks.
- Dogs with persistent pain, worsening neurologic signs, inability to walk, or loss of bladder control often need specialist evaluation.
- Surgery is usually recommended for many non-ambulatory dogs and is especially time-sensitive when deep pain sensation is lost.
- Post-treatment care may include bladder management, physical rehabilitation, use of a harness instead of neck pressure, weight control, and prevention of jumping on and off furniture.
- Some dogs recover well with medical management alone, but recurrence is possible.
- If your dog suddenly becomes unable to walk or rapidly worsens, call your vet or an emergency hospital right away.
Roughly two-thirds of disc ruptures affect the thoracolumbar back region.
A smaller but important share of cases occur in the neck.
Chondrodystrophoid breeds often develop signs earlier than nonchondrodystrophic dogs.
Conservative care may cost hundreds, while emergency imaging, hospitalization, surgery, and rehab commonly cost several thousand dollars depending on region and severity.
Living with Intervertebral Disc Disease
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IVDD always an emergency in dogs?
Which dog breeds are most at risk for IVDD?
Can a dog recover from IVDD without surgery?
What is the prognosis for dogs with IVDD?
Can IVDD happen again after treatment?
What should I do if I think my dog has IVDD?
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Degenerative Diseases of the Spinal Column and Cord in Animals
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Degenerative Disc Disease in Dogs
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Intervertebral Disc Disease
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs — SpectrumCare
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.