🧠 IVDD in Dogs: Vet-Approved 2025 Guide to Diagnosis, Surgery & Long-Term Care 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🔍 What Is IVDD?

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a common and serious spinal condition in dogs where the discs between the vertebrae degenerate, herniate, or rupture—compressing the spinal cord and causing pain, weakness, or even paralysis 🧠.

There are two major types:

• Type I (extrusion): Sudden rupture of the disc’s inner material—most common in Dachshunds and other short-legged breeds
• Type II (protrusion): Gradual bulging of a degenerated disc—seen in large breeds like German Shepherds

🐶 Symptoms of IVDD

The signs depend on the severity and spinal location:

📍 Cervical (Neck) IVDD

• 🔁 Neck pain or stiffness
• 🐕 Reluctance to move head, eat, or play
• 🐾 Lameness or limping on front limbs
• 🧠 Forelimb “root signature” (appears as leg pain)

📍 Thoracolumbar (Back) IVDD

• 🐾 Rear limb weakness or dragging
• 🪜 Trouble with stairs or jumping
• 🚫 Inability to walk or stand
• 💩 Incontinence in severe cases

Some dogs recover with rest and meds. Others need surgery urgently, especially if they're unable to walk ⏳.

🧪 Diagnosis

Diagnosing IVDD involves:

• 🧠 Neurologic exam – to localize spinal cord damage
• 📸 Radiographs (X-rays) – detect disc space narrowing or calcification
• 🧲 MRI – gold standard to confirm disc herniation and location
• 💉 Myelography or CT – used in surgical planning if MRI isn’t available

If surgery is being considered, advanced imaging is essential to pinpoint the problem before entering the spine surgically.

💊 Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management

This is appropriate for dogs with:

• 🛏️ Pain or mild weakness
• ✅ Normal walking ability

Treatment includes:

• 📦 Strict crate rest (3–4 weeks minimum)
• 💊 Anti-inflammatories and pain meds
• 🧊 Cold compresses for the first few days
• 🦴 Physical therapy and massage, prescribed by your vet

⚠️ Warning:

Dogs with moderate to severe neurologic signs may not respond to conservative care. Relapse is also common without surgical correction.

🛠️ Surgical Treatment

When Is Surgery Recommended?

• 🚷 Non-ambulatory (can’t walk)
• 📉 Worsening neurologic signs
• 🔁 Relapsing or unresponsive to meds

Surgical Goals:

• 🔓 Decompress the spinal cord and nerves
• 🧱 Remove herniated or bulging disc material
• 📈 Allow blood flow and nerve healing

Common Surgeries:

• 🔧 Hemilaminectomy – decompresses from the side (thoracolumbar)
• 🛠️ Ventral slot – decompresses from the front (cervical)
• ⚙️ Dorsal laminectomy – decompresses from above
• 🧪 Fenestration – preventive disc windowing

📈 Post-Surgery Recovery

Recovery Timeline:

• 📅 Week 1–2: Pain improves, rest continues
• 📆 Week 3–4: Gradual rehab and walking practice
• 🧘 Week 5–6+: Walking, muscle strengthening, bladder control returns

In-Hospital or At-Home Support Includes:

• 💧 Bladder expression (if dog can't urinate)
• 🛏️ Soft bedding and turning if immobile
• 🏋️‍♂️ Rehab therapy (e.g. underwater treadmill, massage)
• 🦴 Gradual return to leash walks and core-strengthening exercises

Expect 2–6 months of recovery depending on severity. Most walking dogs regain normal mobility. Paralyzed dogs may improve with intensive care.

📲 Ask A Vet for IVDD Help

If your dog is showing signs of IVDD or has been diagnosed, connect with AskAVet.com for support.

• 📋 Treatment planning and rehab advice
• 💬 Help deciding between surgery and conservative care
• 🧠 Post-op recovery guidance and pain management

📱 Download the Ask A Vet App to speak directly with Dr Duncan Houston or another licensed vet—anytime 🐶💚.

💚 Final Thoughts

IVDD can be life-altering—but with early diagnosis, dedicated care, and the right treatment plan, many dogs make full recoveries. Whether it’s surgery, rehab, or careful rest, you have options to help your dog walk again 🐾.

Need help now? Visit AskAVet.com or download the app to get started today 🧠.