Treatment of intervertebral disc disease in dogs

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common and painful spinal condition that results in intervertebral discs putting pressure on the spinal cord. A herniated disc, or “slipped disc,” is when disc material presses against the spinal cord. Dogs with a herniated disc can manifest sudden, severe pain and even paralysis. In some cases, IVDD can also be chronic, insidious, and even intermittent, especially in older dogs. If you have a dog, read on to learn about:

• Signs of intervertebral disc disease in dogs
• How a herniated disc in dogs is treated
• How to help your dog with IVDD

Symptoms of IVDD vary depending on the severity and onset of the condition and what part of the spine is affected. In severe cases, treatment often involves surgery. Some mild cases may be managed nonsurgically with exercise restriction and pain management. IVDD is most common in dogs with long torsos and short legs, such as dachshunds, corgis, shih tzus, bulldogs, and basset hounds, but can occur in dogs of any breed.

The spine is made up of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body, allowing them to communicate with each other. Vertebrae are bones that protect the spinal cord. These numerous bones allow the back to be flexible while still protecting the spinal cord. Spinal discs are cushioning pads of tissue between the vertebrae to provide shock absorption and added protection for the spinal cord. Discs are made of a fibrous outer shell that surrounds a jellylike core.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) describes a spinal condition where the spinal cord becomes compressed due to damaged intervertebral discs. IVDD can develop due to trauma or an underlying degenerative spinal condition.

There are two types of IVDD in dogs:

• Type 1: Discs can become calcified and acutely dislodged, pressing against the spinal cord. This type is most common in smaller breed dogs.
• Type 2: The fibrous material of the discs protrudes, slowly causing disc material to impinge on the spinal cord. This type is most common in larger breeds.

In both types of IVDD, disc herniation — called a herniated disc or “slipped disc” —  is the end result of disc material pressing against the spinal cord.

Clinical signs of disc herniation in dogs

Symptoms of intervertebral disc herniation can vary depending on what part of the spine is affected and how severe the herniation is. Clinical signs may include:

• Back and neck pain
• Wobbly limbs when walking
• Weakness
• Dragging the limbs
• Limping (lameness)
• Partial or complete paralysis of any or all of the limbs
• Loss of feeling or pain sensation in the toes

Signs of spinal pain in dogs may include:

• Hunched posture (kyphosis)
• Reluctance to move the head and neck
• Signs of pain or yelping when being picked up or touched
• Inability or hesitation to jump on or off furniture
• Trouble navigating stairs

Back and neck pain can be sudden and severe with a slipped disc. Severe, acute symptoms of IVDD are considered an emergency.

“A common clinical sign of IVDD is the loss of awareness of where the feet are — or conscious proprioception — and the ability to orient them properly,” explains Dr. Jamie Lecky, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “This can result in difficulty walking, knuckling, or walking on the tops of the feet. Depending on the severity of the spinal cord damage, an affected dog may become paralyzed.”

Breeds of dog at risk for intervertebral disc disease

Any dog can develop IVDD, but dogs with long torsos and short legs (chondrodystrophic breeds) are at a higher risk, especially for type 1 intervertebral disc disease. IVDD can affect dogs at any age, even as young as a year old. Predisposed breeds include:

• Dachshunds
• Basset hounds
• Shih tzus
• French bulldogs
• Corgis
• Beagles
• Poodles

Over 70% of IVDD cases occur in chondrodystrophic breeds, with dachshunds having the highest prevalence. Large-breed dogs, such as German shepherds and Dobermans, are most at risk of being affected by type 2 IVDD. It’s more often seen in large-breed dogs who are middle-aged or older.

IVDD is diagnosed using a combination of a physical examination, including a thorough neurologic examination, and diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI. A definitive diagnosis of IVDD is needed before a treatment plan can be recommended, as symptoms may be similar to other medical conditions requiring different treatment methods.

Treatment for IVDD varies depending on the severity of the spinal cord compression. Some cases can be treated medically, while others require surgical intervention.

Surgical treatment

Severe cases of IVDD often require a referral to a veterinary neurologist for an MRI and spinal surgery. Surgical correction involves relieving the herniated disc and decompressing the spinal cord. Surgical decompression of the spinal cord is performed by specialists who have advanced training in surgery and neurology. Severe cases of IVDD usually present with partial or complete paralysis. Any acute paralysis is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

Dogs who have retained their ability to feel deep pain sensation typically recover from surgery in eight to twelve weeks and have an overall good prognosis. The prognosis is generally more favorable the sooner surgery is performed. Dogs who have lost their ability to feel deep pain sensation prior to surgery have a poor prognosis, and less than half regain the ability to walk.

Nonsurgical treatment

Dogs with mild IVDD who still have the ability to walk may be able to be treated with conservative management. Nonsurgical treatment methods may involve:

• Strict crate rest and exercise restriction
• Pain medication
• Muscle relaxers
• Anti-inflammatories

Weight management, exercise modification, and changes to the dog’s environment, such as ramps to minimize jumping and limiting access to stairs, may be recommended for long-term management to prevent or minimize the severity of recurrence. Surgery may still be recommended for some dogs with mild IVDD to prevent it from becoming worse and risking paralysis. Dogs who still have the ability to walk prior to conservative treatment have a good prognosis.

It’s important to seek veterinary care immediately if your dog collapses or suddenly loses the ability to walk. This is considered a medical emergency and can occur in severe, acute cases of IVDD as well as in other medical conditions. Talk to a veterinarian right away if you notice neurologic symptoms in your dog, such as:

• Knuckling or walking on the wrists
• Change in gait
• Weakness

If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD, work closely with a veterinarian to manage the condition and monitor after surgery. Follow your veterinarian’s directions closely as your dog recovers. It’s important not to allow a dog recovering from spinal surgery to exercise until a veterinarian deems it safe to do so, even if they seem to be feeling better after surgery. An online vet is an excellent tool for regular checkups for dogs being treated nonsurgically and for monitoring dogs who have had surgery for IVDD.

How do you treat intervertebral disc disease in dogs?

Intervertebral disc disease can be treated surgically or nonsurgically, depending on the severity of the disease. Affected dogs may need spinal surgery or medical management involving restricted activity, pain relief, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy.

Can dogs recover from intervertebral disc disease?

A dog may be treated with surgery or medical treatment for intervertebral disc disease. Recovery may involve activity restriction, medication, and physical therapy as directed by a veterinarian.

Can herniated discs heal on their own in dogs?

After a thorough assessment by a veterinarian, mild herniated discs may be treated with nonsurgical medical treatment methods. Some dogs may heal with medical management alone, but surgery may be recommended even in mild cases of IVDD to prevent it from getting worse and risking paralysis.