Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

What is it?

Discs are rubbery cushions between the vertebrae, with a tough outer ring and a soft, toothpaste-like center. In degenerative disc disease, the outer ring weakens and can tear, letting disc material push up against the spinal cord, which cannot move out of the way. A minor jump or fall is often blamed, but the disc was already degenerating. Most affected dogs are three to seven years old, and dachshunds, French bulldogs, beagles, cocker spaniels, poodles, Pekingese, Lhasa apsos, German shepherds, and Dobermans are at high risk.

What signs should I watch for?

Signs range from neck or back pain and reluctance to move, to wobbly, uncoordinated walking, to paralysis with or without loss of feeling. Neck discs usually cause severe pain, while back discs more often cause weakness or paralysis of the hind legs. A rupture can develop over days or happen suddenly; some dogs go from walking to fully paralyzed in under an hour. Paralyzed dogs may also lose bladder and bowel control.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Your veterinarian will assess pain, walking, and reflexes and stage the disease. MRI or a myelogram confirms which disc is involved. Mild to moderate cases are treated with strict rest, anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. Surgery to remove the disc material is recommended if signs persist or worsen, and dogs that are paralyzed, especially with loss of feeling, need surgery as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, often at a specialty hospital. Recovery can take days to weeks and often includes physical therapy at home.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• Disc degeneration cannot be fully prevented, and a dog can rupture another disc later.
• The outlook depends on how severe the damage was and how quickly pressure on the cord was relieved.
• Seek care right away for any sudden weakness, wobbliness, or paralysis.