Is your pet suddenly unable to walk?
Go to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency hospital now if your pet:
- can’t stand or walk, or is dragging its legs
- seems to be in severe pain
- can’t urinate or is leaking urine
- is getting worse over minutes or hours
Some spinal cord injuries are time-sensitive, and early treatment can make a real difference.
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IVDD
What is intervertebral disc disease?
The discs between the bones of the spine (vertebrae) act as cushions. In intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a disc degenerates and bulges or bursts, pressing on the spinal cord or nerves.
IVDD is the most common cause of spinal cord problems in dogs. Breeds with short legs and long backs, such as Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Beagles, Shih Tzus, Corgis and Cocker Spaniels, are at particular risk, often between 3 and 7 years of age. Larger, older dogs can develop a slower form. IVDD is less common in cats.
Disc extrusion (Hansen type I)
The disc’s inner material bursts out suddenly. It’s common in short-legged breeds and often causes sudden pain, weakness or paralysis.
Disc protrusion (Hansen type II)
The disc bulges gradually. It’s more common in older, larger dogs and usually causes slowly worsening signs.
Signs to look for
Signs of IVDD
The signs depend on where the affected disc is and how much it presses on the spinal cord.
A disc in the neck
What you may see
- Neck pain and not wanting to lower or turn the head
- Crying out when touched or picked up
- Trembling or a hunched posture
- Wobbliness or weakness in all four legs
A disc in the back
What you may see
- Back pain and a hunched back
- Not wanting to jump or use stairs
- Wobbly or weak back legs, or knuckling of the paws
- Dragging the back legs or paralysis
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Signs can range from mild pain to complete paralysis and can change quickly. If your pet’s signs are getting worse, contact your veterinarian straight away.
Diagnosis
How IVDD is diagnosed
- Neurological examinationShows where in the spine the problem is and how severe it is, including whether your pet can still feel its toes (deep pain sensation).
- X-raysCan rule out other problems such as fractures, but they don’t show the spinal cord or the discs clearly.
- MRI or CTShows which disc is affected and how much it presses on the spinal cord. It’s needed to plan surgery and is done under general anesthesia.
- Other testsBlood tests check general health before an anesthetic, and spinal fluid analysis can help rule out inflammation.
Treatment
Treatment options
The best option depends on how severe the signs are, how quickly they developed and your pet’s general health. Your veterinarian will discuss the options with you.
Treatment without surgery
Often suited to pets with pain or mild weakness that can still walk.
It involves strict rest in a crate or small pen for several weeks, pain relief and other medication, then a gradual return to activity, often with rehabilitation.
Surgery
Recommended when pets can’t walk, have severe or repeated pain, or get worse despite rest.
The surgeon removes the disc material pressing on the spinal cord. Pets that have lost deep pain sensation need surgery urgently.
For pet owners
Recovery and care at home
Recovery takes weeks to months. Many dogs recover well, especially when they can still feel their toes when treatment starts. Your veterinary team will guide you through each stage.
At home, it helps to
- keep to strict rest exactly as your veterinarian advises
- use a harness instead of a collar, and carry your pet on stairs
- help with toileting if your pet can’t empty its bladder
- follow the rehabilitation or physiotherapy plan
- keep your pet at a healthy weight
- use ramps and non-slip rugs, and stop jumping on and off furniture
Other spinal conditions
Other conditions affecting the spine
Not every spinal problem is IVDD. These conditions can cause similar signs.
Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE)
Sometimes called a spinal stroke. A small piece of disc material blocks a blood vessel in the spinal cord. It starts suddenly, often during exercise, usually isn’t painful after the first few hours and often affects one side more than the other.
Degenerative myelopathy
A slowly worsening, non-painful disease of the spinal cord in older dogs, starting with wobbly back legs. It’s more common in breeds such as German Shepherds, Boxers and Corgis.
Wobbler syndrome
Compression of the spinal cord in the neck, most often in large and giant breeds such as Dobermans and Great Danes. It causes a wobbly walk, especially in the back legs.
Spinal injury and infection
Trauma, such as a fall or a car accident, and infection of the discs and vertebrae (discospondylitis) can also damage the spinal cord or cause back pain.
Questions owners ask
Common questions
If your question is about your own pet, your veterinarian is the best person to ask.
Can IVDD be prevented?
Not entirely, because the disc changes are largely inherited in at-risk breeds. Keeping your dog lean, using a harness and limiting jumping on and off furniture may reduce strain on the spine.
Will my dog walk again?
Many dogs do, but it depends on how severe the injury is and how quickly it’s treated. Your veterinarian is the best person to discuss your dog’s outlook.
Can IVDD happen again?
Yes. Another disc can be affected later, so the habits that protect the spine remain important.
Can my veterinarian get a neurologist’s opinion?
Yes. Your veterinarian can book an online case consultation with Dr. Dillon to discuss the findings and the options.