Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Spinal Cord Compression
IVDD is a common cause of back pain and paralysis in dogs. Knowing the signs can mean the difference between recovery and permanent damage.
Intervertebral disc disease occurs when the cushioning discs between spinal vertebrae herniate or bulge, compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. It's one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs, especially in chondrodystrophic (long-backed, short-legged) breeds.
Key Points
- IVDD is classified as Hansen Type I (extrusion) or Type II (protrusion)
- Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Beagles, and French Bulldogs have the highest risk
- Signs range from mild back pain to complete paralysis
- Surgery within 24 hours offers the best chance for recovery in severe cases
- Conservative management may be appropriate for mild, pain-only cases
- Paralyzed dogs that retain deep pain sensation have a 90%+ chance of recovery with surgery
How Discs Herniate
In Type I IVDD, the disc's gelatinous nucleus pulposus extrudes through a tear in the outer annulus, compressing the spinal cord suddenly. This is common in chondrodystrophic breeds and can happen after normal activity like jumping off furniture. Type II IVDD involves gradual protrusion of the annulus itself, seen in larger breeds like German Shepherds and Labradors. Both types cause compression, inflammation, and sometimes spinal cord ischemia.
Recognizing the Grades
Grade 1: Pain only — reluctance to move, arched back, crying when picked up. Grade 2: Ambulatory paraparesis — weak, wobbly rear legs but can still walk. Grade 3: Non-ambulatory paraparesis — cannot stand or walk but still has voluntary movement. Grade 4: Paraplegia with deep pain — no voluntary movement but still feels deep pain when toes are pinched. Grade 5: Paraplegia without deep pain — no movement and no deep pain. This is the most critical grade.
Emergency Treatment
For Grades 4-5, MRI or CT myelography is needed to localize the lesion, followed by immediate surgical decompression (hemilaminectomy). The prognosis without surgery is poor for Grade 5. For Grades 1-3, conservative management includes strict crate rest for 4-6 weeks, pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants. Surgery is considered if neurological function worsens or doesn't improve within days.
Long-Term Recovery
Dogs that undergo surgery typically show improvement within days to weeks. Physical therapy — including underwater treadmill, passive range of motion, and laser therapy — accelerates recovery. Bladder expression is needed until voluntary control returns. Many dogs regain ambulatory function within 2-3 months. Dogs that lose deep pain sensation have a guarded prognosis even with surgery. Preventive measures include weight control, avoiding stairs, using ramps, and no jumping on/off furniture.
When to See a Vet Immediately
- Your dog cries out in pain or refuses to move
- The back is arched and the belly is tense
- Rear legs are weak, wobbly, or completely paralyzed
- Your dog cannot urinate voluntarily
- Deep pain sensation is absent when you pinch the toes
How RVC Can Help
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is showing any symptoms, please contact Royal Veterinary Center immediately at +853 6677 6611.