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🧠 IVDD in Dogs (Mid to Lower Spine): Vet-Approved 2025 Guide to Diagnosis, Surgery & Recovery 🐶
By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc
🔍 What Is Thoracolumbar IVDD?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a painful and often urgent spinal condition in dogs. In thoracolumbar and lumbosacral IVDD, the affected discs are located between the mid-back and the base of the tail. When disc material herniates (ruptures), it compresses the spinal cord or nerves—causing weakness, pain, or even paralysis 🧠.
🐶 Recognizing the Signs
IVDD in this region usually begins with:
- 🚶 Rear limb weakness or wobbliness (ataxia)
- 🚫 Sudden inability to walk (paresis or paralysis)
- 🧊 Reluctance to move, climb stairs, or jump
- 🔈 Yelping when touched or lifted
- 💩 Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
Emergency Tip: If your dog suddenly can’t walk, go to the vet immediately. Delayed care can reduce the chance of full recovery ⏳.
🧪 Diagnostic Steps
1️⃣ Initial Veterinary Exam
Often begins with a neurological exam to determine where the problem lies. This involves checking reflexes, spinal responses, and your dog’s ability to walk or feel pain 🩺.
2️⃣ Standard X-rays
Useful for detecting fractures, tumors, or disc calcification. But they cannot confirm disc herniation or show the spinal cord—so more advanced imaging is needed if surgery is planned 📸.
3️⃣ Advanced Imaging
- 💉 Myelogram: Dye outlines spinal cord shape (older method)
- 🧲 MRI: Gold standard—detailed view of discs and cord
- 💻 CT scan: Quick, widely available—may be combined with myelogram
These tests help localize the herniation and determine whether surgery is needed 🎯.
💊 Conservative Treatment
Dogs with mild signs or pain only may recover with medical management and rest:
- 🛌 Strict crate rest for 2–4 weeks
- 💊 Pain medications, NSAIDs, corticosteroids
- 💤 Muscle relaxants or sedatives
Important: Improvement on meds does not mean your dog is healed. Rest is still critical, even if your dog seems better 🚫.
🛠️ When Surgery Is Needed
Surgery is typically advised if your dog:
- 📉 Can’t walk (non-ambulatory)
- 💥 Shows worsening signs or paralysis
- 🔁 Relapses or fails to improve with rest
Severity Scale for Surgical Consideration:
- 📍 Back pain only
- 🚶 Mild ataxia (wobbliness)
- 🐕 Can walk with weakness (ambulatory paresis)
- 🛏️ Can’t walk, but can move legs (non-ambulatory paresis)
- 🔒 Paralyzed, no superficial pain
- ⚠️ Paralyzed, no deep pain (worst prognosis)
Dogs that can’t feel pain in their hind limbs have a 50% or less success rate with surgery if treatment is delayed more than 48 hours.
🔧 Surgical Treatment Options
The goal is to decompress the spinal cord and restore nerve function. Your surgeon will choose the best method depending on the location and severity.
- 🛠️ Hemilaminectomy: Removes bone to access herniated disc (most common)
- ⚙️ Pediculectomy: Preserves stability, used for side-positioned discs
- 🧱 Dorsal laminectomy: Used for dorsal compressions (invasive)
- 🪓 Fenestration: Preventive surgery to release nearby disc material
Many dogs go directly from diagnostic imaging to surgery while still under anesthesia 🩺.
📈 Recovery Timeline After Surgery
Week 1–2: Rest, pain management, and possible in-hospital care
Week 3–4: Begin rehab—standing support, gentle leash walks
Week 5–6+: Strength building, balance exercises, and potty control return
Return of Function Follows This Order:
- 💥 Pain perception
- 🦵 Voluntary limb movement
- 🚽 Bladder and bowel control
- 🏃 Coordination and walking
🤸♂️ Rehab & Physical Therapy
Post-op rehab is a game-changer for many dogs:
- 💧 Underwater treadmill
- 🖐️ Massage and muscle stimulation
- 🏋️ Balance and mobility drills
Rehab plans are customized for each dog and may be guided by a certified veterinary rehab therapist 📋.
📲 Ask A Vet for IVDD Help
If your dog is limping, paralyzed, or diagnosed with IVDD, get professional guidance at AskAVet.com 🐾.
- 📋 Second opinions on surgery or imaging
- 🧠 Pain management & crate rest plans
- 💬 Post-op recovery and rehab support
📱 Download the Ask A Vet App to speak with Dr Duncan Houston and other licensed vets from your phone—day or night 💬🐶.
💚 Final Thoughts
IVDD can look devastating, but with prompt care and proper recovery, many dogs walk again and live full, happy lives. Know the signs, act fast, and trust your veterinary team 🐾🧠.
Need help deciding next steps? Visit AskAVet.com today or download the app for 24/7 support 🩺.
