Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a painful spinal condition that involves the rupture (herniation) of an intervertebral disc. It often affects breeds such as Dachshunds, Corgis, and French Bulldogs. IVDD can cause incontinence, nerve issues, and even lead to paralysis. This guide looks at the main symptoms of IVDD and what you can do to support your dog if they develop the condition.

Overview

• IVDD is a spinal disease that’s more common in certain breeds with short legs and long bodies – like the Dachshund – though larger breeds can also be affected.
• There are two types of disc disease – Hansen type 1 and Hansen type 2.
• The herniated disc presses on the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, incontinence, and paralysis in severe cases.
• Treatment options range from rest, physiotherapy, and pain relief to surgery.

Intervertebral discs are cushions that sit between your dog’s backbones, acting as shock absorbers and helping support movement.  

Hansen type 1 disease involves severe rupture of a disc, usually from a forceful impact. Hansen type 2 disease happens when the discs harden and turn brittle over time, losing their shock-absorbing ability. They can also slip out and compress the spine, leading to restricted movement, pain, and even paralysis. 

Smaller breeds with certain back lengths and/or back shapes are more at risk of developing Hansen type 1 disc disease and having sudden disc ruptures. This includes:

• Dachshunds
• Beagles
• Corgis
• French Bulldogs
• Cocker Spaniels
• Pugs

Some larger breeds are more likely to see Hansen type 2 disc disease (which has a slower onset), such as:

• German Shepherds
• Dobermans
• Labrador Retrievers

IVDD can develop very quickly, so it’s important to look out for early signs of the disease.

Milder symptoms include:

• problems weeing or pooing
• back or neck pain
• wobbling or stumbling
• knuckling on paws
• tensed or arched back
• panting, shaking, or shivering
• refusing to move (walking or jumping)
• complete inability to walk
• weakness

Diagnosis

If you think your dog is showing early signs of IVDD, contact your vet. Diagnosis usually involves assessing the history, clinical signs, and physical exam findings, along with images from x-rays and advanced imaging such as MRI.

Finding IVDD early enough means your vet may recommend taking a less invasive approach to treatment. They can recommend:

• anti-inflammatory and pain medication, including tablets and injections
• crate rest for a strict amount of time with on-lead toilet breaks
• helping your dog relieve themselves if needed (you’ll also need to give them regular baths if they have accidents)
• carefully reintroducing exercise when your vet says it’s safe to do so
• covering hard floors and other slippery surfaces so your dog has a good grip and doesn’t risk falling as they walk

Prognosis

Carefully following your vet’s treatment advice means that your dog can recover from mild IVDD. It may take weeks or months so patience and consistency are key. You’ll also want to be mindful of your dog’s movements (such as jumping and skidding) to help prevent the symptoms from reappearing.

Dogs with severe IVDD can have symptoms such as:

• a total inability to wee or poo
• loss of feeling
• no response to pain
• partial to complete paralysis

Immediately contact your vet if your dog shows any signs of paralysis or is rapidly declining.

Diagnosis

In addition to physical exam findings, MRI scans and x-rays, your vet may run other tests to see how badly your dog’s spine, nerves, and bones have been affected by the condition. This can include CT scans and blood tests.

If your dog’s IVDD is so severe that they’re becoming paralysed or in extreme pain, your vet will talk to you about disc surgery.

Spinal surgery can be risky and involves making a window in the bone to remove the slipped disc or discs. This then takes the pressure off the spinal cord.

Post-surgery recovery can take months or even years and physical therapy is often needed to help carefully build your dog’s strength back up.

Prognosis

The outlook for a dog with severe IVDD depends on how much permanent damage was done before surgery.

Some dogs who have had back surgery may still be in pain, paralysed, and need lifelong help going to the toilet.

We’ll certainly see if we can cover your dog’s IVDD. You’ll need to tell us all about the condition (and others they’ve had in the last two years) when getting a quote. 

Find out more about our dog insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.