IVDD – RVO Vet Corner Files

IVDD Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in dogs is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae bulge or burst, putting pressure on the spinal cord. Often called a “slipped” or “herniated” disc, it causes severe pain, nerve damage, and potentially paralysis. It is most common in breeds with long backs and short legs, like Dachshunds and Corgis. If you think your pet might be experiencing signs of IVDD, like hesitation to move, sudden yelps of pain, or dragging limbs, don’t wait- see a veterinarian right away. Acting quickly makes all the difference.

⚠️ The 5 Stages of IVDD

Stage 1 (Mild): The dog experiences neck or back pain and muscle spasms, but shows no nerve damage. They will walk normally but may cry out, shiver, or resist moving.
Stage 2 (Moderate): The dog is still able to walk, but shows signs of nerve deficits. Symptoms include a wobbly (ataxic) gait, walking on the knuckles of their paws, or general weakness in the limbs.
Stage 3 (Severe): The dog can no longer walk unassisted but is still able to move their legs. They may stand for a moment but quickly fall, and frequently lose bladder control.
Stage 4 (Paralysis with Pain): The dog is fully paralyzed in the affected limbs and cannot stand. However, the ability to feel deep pain (tested by gently pinching the toe) is still intact. Bladder control is typically lost.
Stage 5 (Paralysis without Pain): The most severe and time-sensitive stage. The dog is completely paralyzed and has lost all deep pain perception in their limbs.

Emergency Warning Signs

If your dog shows any of the following, seek veterinary attention immediately:

Sudden inability to walk or stand
Dragging the hind legs
Uncontrollable trembling or shivering (often a sign of severe pain)
Yelping or crying out when touched or moved
Loss of bowel or bladder control

Common Breeds Affected While any dog can develop IVDD, it is heavily prevalent in chondrodystrophic (short-legged, long-backed) breeds, including: Poodles Dachshunds French Bulldogs Corgis Beagles Shih Tzus Pekingese Lhasa Apsos

Large breeds German Shepherds Labrador Retrievers Doberman Pinschers

Diagnosis

To confirm IVDD, veterinarians will typically perform a neurological exam. Advanced imaging like an MRI or CT scan is usually required to locate the exact herniated disc and determine the severity of the spinal cord compression.

Treatment Options

Treatment largely depends on the severity of the disc herniation:

Conservative Management: For mild pain and mobility, this includes strict crate rest for 4 to 6 weeks, combined with anti-inflammatory medications and pain management.
Surgical Intervention: For severe cases (paralysis, loss of deep pain sensation), surgery (such as a hemilaminectomy) is often required to remove the disc material pressing on the spinal cord.

IVDD can be successfully managed, and many dogs go on to live happy, pain-free lives. Management falls into two primary categories depending on the severity of the spinal cord compression: conservative management (non-surgical) for mild cases and surgical management for severe cases.

Non-Surgical Management (Conservative Care)

For mild cases where the dog can still walk and retains deep pain sensation, non-surgical treatment has a high success rate.

Strict Crate Rest: This is the most critical step. Your dog must be confined to a small crate or pen for 4 to 6 weeks to allow the torn disc to heal and prevent further herniation. They should only leave the crate on a leash to eliminate.
Medications: Veterinarians will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or corticosteroids) to reduce spinal cord swelling, alongside muscle relaxants and pain relievers like gabapentin.
Pain Monitoring: Continuous reassessment is required. If your dog’s neurological signs worsen during rest, it may mean conservative management is failing.

Surgical Management

Surgery is required for severe cases, such as when a dog is paralyzed, cannot stand, or is losing deep pain perception.

Decompression Surgery: A veterinary neurosurgeon performs a hemilaminectomy to remove the hardened disc material that is actively bruising and compressing the spinal cord.
Success Rates: Surgery has an excellent success rate (often above 90%) if performed quickly after the dog loses the ability to walk, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Success drops significantly if the dog has lost deep pain sensation for more than 24 to 48 hours.

Integrative & Long-Term Management

Regardless of whether your dog has surgery or crate rest, long-term care helps prevent future flare-ups.

Physical Rehabilitation: Controlled underwater treadmill therapy, laser therapy, and targeted stretches drastically speed up recovery and rebuild lost muscle.
Acupuncture: Many veterinary neurologists recommend electro-acupuncture to stimulate nerve regeneration and manage chronic back pain.
Weight Control: Keeping your dog thin reduces the mechanical stress placed on their spinal column.
Home Modifications: Use ramps instead of stairs, block access to couches, and switch from a neck collar to a supportive body harness.

By understanding the specific stages and associated clinical signs of IVDD in dogs, veterinarians and pet owners can make informed decisions about the best course of treatment for their beloved pet to maximise the best chances of a successful recovery.

For more information on recognizing symptoms and determining the best course of action, you can visit the American College of Veterinary Surgeons for detailed guidance. If you suspect your dog is experiencing back pain or mobility issues, contact your nearest local veterinary clinic or emergency animal hospital right away.

Q & A From The PVC Vets

My Beagle/basset mix was diagnosed with IVDD of neck

Dr. L …. IVDD can respond to medical management and strict exercise restriction for 4 weeks. I typically send my patients home with an NSAID, gabapentin, methocarbamol, and trazodone for sedation. She needs to be in a kennel that is large enough for her to stand, lay down, and turn around but not big enough where she can stand on her hind legs, jump, or use one side as a potty.

2. Take her outside every 6 hours for just long enough to go potty, then she should be promptly returned to the kennel. You can put the kennel near a door to make it easier. No collar or harness.

My vet suspects my dog to have IVDD what should I do ?

Dr. H …I would ask for referral to neuro for more advanced imaging (MRI) to confirm, as radiographs really can’t diagnose IVDD. Definitely follow up with your vet and let them know what you are seeing at home.

Is there a correlation between neutering/spaying and an increased risk of IVDD in dachshunds?

Dr. S ….Genetics and obesity are the 2 biggest factors in IVDD. Some studies have shown waiting a year can be protective but not as much as keeping a lean weight and having good genetics

When it comes to crate rest for suspected IVDD, does confining a dog to a room work or not?

He goes absolutely crazy in the crate and I am afraid he will hurt himself even more in it.

Dr. R … It depends on how big the room is. The goal is to keep them calm, quiet, and activity-restricted to reduce inflammation in the spine and prevent further injury. Some dogs do better with a playpen or a small baby-gated area. You may want to ask your vet about prescribing an anti-anxiety medication to help during his recovery.