{"id":4439,"date":"2024-07-12T12:45:01","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T12:45:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=4439"},"modified":"2025-11-28T08:34:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T08:34:17","slug":"ivdd-in-dogs-signs-causes-types-treatment-of-intervertebral-disc-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/ivdd-in-dogs-signs-causes-types-treatment-of-intervertebral-disc-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"IVDD in Dogs: What is Intervertebral Disc Disease and Can a Dog Recover from IVDD?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in dogs is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spine bulge, rupture, or wear out, pressing on the spinal cord and nerves. This compression leads to pain, nerve damage, and in severe cases, paralysis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IVDD is also known as herniated, slipped, or bulging discs and can cause symptoms ranging from pain and stiffness to loss of limb function and bladder control.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why does IVDD in Dogs happen?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IVDD occurs because the discs, which act as shock absorbers, harden or degenerate. There are two primary types:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type I (sudden)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The inner disc hardens early, and a small twist or jump can cause it to rupture and press against the spinal cord. This form is common in short-legged breeds like Dachshunds and Beagles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type II (slow)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Discs gradually wear out and bulge over time, often affecting middle-aged to older large breeds like German Shepherds. Genetic factors, such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pnas.org\/doi\/10.1073\/pnas.1709082114\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FGF4 retrogene<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in short-legged breeds, also increase IVDD risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Who is most at risk?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some breeds have much higher risk than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Overall, about 3.5% of dogs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are affected during their lifetime. In <\/span><b>Miniature Dachshunds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, lifetime risk is around <\/span><b>20%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39813820\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">large U.S. study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><b>43,517 pet dogs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Dachshunds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> had the highest <\/span><b>owner\u2011reported<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lifetime prevalence at <\/span><b>15.3%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><b>French Bulldogs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> had the highest <\/span><b>odds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of IVDD among purebreds, and they were often diagnosed younger. Being <\/span><b>male<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>purebred<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>small\/toy size<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><b>overweight<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also raised risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Dachshunds specifically, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dachshund-ivdd.uk\/research\/prevalence-data\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">estimates from UK data<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggest <\/span><b>16\u201324%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will show signs at some point, with the <\/span><b>Smooth\u2011haired<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> variety highest.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Takeaway:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Short\u2011legged breeds (Dachshund, Beagle, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, French Bulldog) and some large breeds (German Shepherd, Doberman) need extra back care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Common signs you&#8217;ll notice<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most dogs show pain first. You might see:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your dog is stiff. They move less. They don\u2019t want to jump.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They yelp or cry when lifted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They walk wobbly. They may drag a paw, (loss of conscious proprioception).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In severe cases, they cannot stand.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They may lose bladder or bowel control.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>When to see a vet urgently: IVDD emergency in dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call your vet or an emergency clinic if you see any of these:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your dog cannot use the back legs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your dog cannot feel their toes (no response to a firm pinch).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your dog cannot urinate or defecate on their own.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain is severe or getting worse.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast care improves the chances of walking again.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>How vets diagnose IVDD in dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians perform neurological exams to localize the problem and use imaging. X-rays can screen for disc changes, but MRI or CT scans provide detailed images for diagnosis and surgical planning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Treatment options for IVDD in dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Conservative Treatment with Rest and Medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For mild to moderate cases where the dog can still walk, strict crate rest for 4\u20136 weeks combined with pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications is often recommended. About <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC2871353\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">55% of medically treated dogs recover<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> long-term, though relapse rates exist.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Surgical Treatment Options for IVDD<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surgery removes the disc material pressing on the spinal cord, commonly via hemilaminectomy (back) or ventral slot (neck). Surgery is often recommended for dogs that cannot walk or have worsening symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation for Mobility Recovery\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rehabilitation, including passive range-of-motion exercises, assisted standing, underwater treadmill, and laser therapy, helps regain strength and safe movement post-treatment. Hydrotherapy timing is guided by the vet to avoid complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What usually works best for the treatment of IVDD in dogs?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recovery success depends mainly on the severity of spinal cord injury and preservation of deep pain sensation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If deep pain is present, 85\u201395% recover well post-surgery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If deep pain was lost for less than 24 hours, surgery offers about a 50% recovery chance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If deep pain was lost for over 24 hours, recovery drops below 50%, with risks of severe complications.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medical treatment alone sees about 55% improvement, but with higher relapse rates.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Recovery timeline for dogs with IVDD<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weeks 1\u20132: Pain control, strict rest, bladder assistance as needed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weeks 3\u20136: Gentle physiotherapy begins<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weeks 6\u201312: Many walking dogs regain strength; those with lost deep pain may take longer to improve<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Home care tips for Dogs with IVDD<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use ramps or steps for furniture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain healthy weight to reduce back strain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prefer harnesses over neck collars<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid stairs and high jumps, especially in high-risk breeds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Can IVDD Be Prevented?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though genetics cannot be changed, risk can be lowered by maintaining healthy weight, gentle exercise, and discussing screening and breeding advice with your veterinarian for high-risk breeds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>1. What is IVDD in dogs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IVDD, or Intervertebral Disc Disease, is a condition in which the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in a dog&#8217;s spine bulge, rupture, or degenerate, pressing on the spinal cord and nerves. This causes pain, nerve damage, and potentially paralysis. It is sometimes called a slipped, herniated, or bulging disc.\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. What are the common signs of IVDD in dogs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common signs include stiffness, reluctance to move or jump, yelping or crying in pain, wobbliness or unsteady walking, dragging paws, weakness, and in severe cases, inability to stand or loss of bladder and bowel control. Some dogs may also show anxious behaviors like shivering or panting.\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Which breeds are most prone to IVDD?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breeds with long backs and short legs, such as Dachshunds, Beagles, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, and Pekingese, have higher susceptibility. Large breeds like German Shepherds and Dobermans can also develop IVDD, especially as they age.\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>4. How is IVDD diagnosed in dogs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis starts with a thorough physical and neurological examination by a vet to locate the affected spinal area. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are used to see disc changes and plan treatment. Neurological exams assess gait, reflexes, pain response, and limb awareness.\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>5. What treatments are available for IVDD in dogs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment depends on severity. Mild cases often improve with strict rest, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physiotherapy can aid recovery. Severe or worsening cases may require surgical spinal decompression to remove herniated disc material. Rehabilitation often accompanies surgery to restore mobility.\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>6. Can IVDD be prevented in dogs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While genetic risk factors cannot be changed, prevention focuses on maintaining a healthy weight, providing controlled gentle exercise instead of sudden jumps or strenuous activity, and following veterinary advice on screening and breeding for high-risk breeds.\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>7. What is the recovery time and prognosis for dogs with IVDD?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recovery varies based on injury severity and treatment choice. Dogs with preserved deep pain sensation often recover well, especially with surgery. Recovery may take several weeks to months, starting with restricted activity and progressing to physiotherapy. Dogs who lose deep pain sensation for longer than 24 hours face lower recovery chances. Many dogs lead normal lives post-recovery with proper care.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>IVDD in dogs is a serious spinal condition causing pain or paralysis. Common in Dachshund and French Bulldog. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve recovery outcomes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":6207,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[8,96,99,122,101,97],"class_list":["post-4439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-health","tag-dog","tag-dog-disease","tag-dog-health","tag-dog-injuries","tag-dog-surgery","tag-dog-treatment"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4439"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6992,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4439\/revisions\/6992"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6207"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}