What is IVDD in dogs?
The intervertebral disc is a ring of fibrous tissue with a jelly-like inner substance that plays an important role as part of your dog's spine. Intervertebral discs give the spine flexibility and help cushion the vertebrae whenever your dog is actively moving, running or jumping.
Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a ruptured, slipped, bulging or herniated disk in your dog's back or neck. While this condition can happen in any breed of dog, it is most commonly seen in dogs with longer bodies such as Dachshunds, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Basset Hounds and Beagles.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published May 2025 | Review date May 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Dog IVDD symptoms
Limping
Poor balance
Dragging or stumbling over back feet
Hunched back or neck with tense muscles
Weakness
Pain
Unwillingness to jump
Anxious behaviour (shivering, panting)
Less active
Reduced eating
Loss of bladder and/or bowel control (urinary and/or fecal incontinence)
Difficulty posturing to pass urine or faeces
Paralysis (complete loss of function in front or hind limbs)
When to contact your vet
At the first sign of back discomfort, contact your veterinarian. Dogs with back problems can be in severe pain, so it’s important to be patient when their discomfort manifests in behavioural changes. Even a sweet dog may snap or growl. Be careful when moving your dog, especially if they are struggling to walk or get up.
Diagnosis
IVDD treatment for dogs
In mild cases of IVDD, medical management
Rest for several weeks in a small place to allow healing of spinal cord and prevent further injury
Medications such as pain killers, anti-inflammatories and muscles relaxants
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy once your dog is stable to regain strength, mobility and improve function
In more severe cases of IVDD, surgical intervention
Laminectomy is the removal of a portion of the bone over the affected spinal cord to relieve pressure and have access to the slipped disc.
Decompression is the removal of the slipped disc material that compresses the spinal cord. After surgery, the same activity restrictions apply, focusing on medical management to allow the spinal cord to heal.
After surgery the same activities restrictions apply, focusing on medical management to allow the spinal cord to heal.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent intervertebral disc disease in dogs. However, you can do things to help minimise stress on the spine, especially if you have a high-risk breed. Maintaining a good healthy weight puts less stress on the back, body and joints.
Weight maintenance can be achieved via daily exercise and nutritional management.
Limiting jumping, especially up or down from significant heights, in short-legged dogs is also recommended as this puts extra stress on their spine.
Use a harness instead of a neck collar.
Outlook
The outlook for dogs with IVDD varies widely and depends on several factors, including the location of the disc issue, the severity of clinical signs, the extent of spinal cord damage, and how long the damage has been present. Recovery from a slipped disc in dogs can take weeks to months. With proper treatment, most dogs with mild symptoms recover well and can lead a normal life. Unfortunately, dogs with severe symptoms may face a poorer outlook, including permanent issues like paralysis, pain, or incontinence. In cases where recovery is unlikely, euthanasia may be the kindest option to prevent suffering.