IVDD in Dogs: Symptoms, Grades, Causes & Treatment

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your dog shows signs of significant pain or any neurological signs, as these could indicate more severe IVDD that needs urgent intervention. Neurological signs include an inability to stand or walk, weak or unsteady movement, knuckling/dragging feet. Until your dog is assessed, prevent running, jumping, stairs and play. Keep them confined in a crate, pen or small area, carry them carefully, supporting their bodies for toileting and transport where practical, and restrain them safely in the car.

Veterinarians use neurological grading to describe how severely the spinal cord is affected and to guide urgency, treatment and prognosis. The exact terminology can vary between hospitals, and a dog’s grade can change quickly. The table below is a general guide only; an examination is needed to determine an individual dog’s status.

Grade alone does not determine the outcome. The site and number of compressed discs, duration of compression, the speed of deterioration, and response to treatment, all affect prognosis. Rarely, severe spinal cord injury can progress to ascending or descending myelomalacia (a rapid, progressive softening and necrosis of the spinal cord), a typically fatal condition.

IVDD develops when spinal discs lose their normal flexibility and shock-absorbing function. There are many factors that can contribute to IVDD development. In some dogs this is largely age-related degeneration. In others, particularly certain breeds of dog, genetics are a critical factor, with inherited changes in cartilage development causing discs to degenerate at much faster rates. This can lead to development of IVDD in young to middle aged dogs.

Once weakened, a disc may bulge gradually or rupture suddenly. A physical event is sometimes a trigger, such as occurring after jumping, rough play or another abrupt movement. However, unless there was significant trauma, these activities more commonly trigger a problem in an already abnormal disc, rather than being the underlying sole cause.

Excess body weight increases the load on the spine and may add avoidable strain. There are some factors that are controllable, such as weight management and exercise, however, owners should understand that IVDD cannot always be prevented: genetics, disc biology, age and the location of the affected disc all contribute.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

IVDD can occur in any dog, but chondrodystrophic breeds are at highest risk. Chondrodystrophy is the genetic mutation associated with abnormal growth and cartilage development, which is responsible for the characteristic short legs of some breeds (+/- an elongated body shape).  This same genetic mutation also causes the cartilaginous discs between the vertebrae to degenerate earlier than they do in many other breeds. Dachshunds are particularly predisposed. French Bulldogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Basset Hounds, Maltese, Lhaso Apsos, Cocker Spaniels, Pekingese, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Beagles are also at a higher risk compared to other breeds. Type I disc disease (Acute disc extrusion) is the type most often seen in these breeds. Type II disc disease (Chronic disc protrusion) is more often seen in larger breed, older dogs.

For breed-specific prevention and warning signs, see the IVDD in Dachshunds page.

Diagnosis begins with a review of the dog’s history, followed by physical and neurological examinations. The veterinarian assesses pain, posture, walking ability, coordination, reflexes and limb strength to determine whether the problem is neurological and identify the likely area of the spine involved. Deep pain sensation and bladder function may also be checked, as these findings help grade severity, guide urgency and inform prognosis.

Imaging is then used to investigate further. Plain X-rays may show narrowed disc spaces, mineralised discs or other spinal abnormalities and can help rule out fractures, tumours or infection, but they cannot reliably confirm spinal cord compression. CT or MRI is usually required for a definitive diagnosis, particularly when neurological signs are significant or surgery is being considered. These scans identify the affected disc, location and degree of compression, helping the veterinary team recommend conservative management or surgical treatment.

Treatment is tailored to the dog’s neurological grade, pain, mobility, imaging findings, general health and whether signs are stable or worsening. Not every dog needs surgery: some mild cases can be managed conservatively, while dogs with significant neurological deficits generally benefit from prompt specialist assessment and surgery.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is generally recommended for dogs that cannot walk, have progressive neurological signs, experience severe pain that cannot be controlled, or have substantial spinal cord compression on CT or MRI. Its purpose is to decompress the spinal cord and remove herniated or compressive disc material. A hemilaminectomy is the most common procedure, although the specific surgical approach depends on the location and extent of the affected disc. Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia by a specialist veterinary surgeon and followed by hospital monitoring, pain relief, nursing care, activity restriction and rehabilitation.

Outcome depends strongly on the severity of spinal cord injury. Reported successful surgical outcomes for dogs with intact deep pain sensation range from 72–100%. For dogs that have lost deep pain sensation, surgery may provide a 43–62% chance of walking again. These figures are guides rather than guarantees. 

Dogs that recover deep pain sensation within two weeks of surgery may have a more favourable outlook, but the individual prognosis should be discussed with the treating specialist.

Australian costs vary according to the hospital, CT or MRI requirements, procedure, emergency or after-hours care, hospital stay, complications and rehabilitation. Ask for a written estimate covering assessment, imaging, surgery, medicines, hospitalisation and follow-up.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management

Conservative care may be appropriate for dogs with pain only or mild, stable neurological deficits, including some dogs with minimal compression on imaging or mild signs despite visible compression. The cornerstone is strict confinement, not simply reduced exercise, to allow the damaged outer disc to heal. The veterinarian should set the rest period and monitor for deterioration.

Treatment may include prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, pain relief and, where appropriate, muscle relaxants. Assistance with toileting may be needed. Physical rehabilitation can help maintain muscle mass, strength and range of motion, but it should be introduced under veterinary guidance and must not replace strict rest. 

Corticosteroid use is controversial and is not routinely recommended for medical management because serious adverse effects can occur. Never give human pain medicines unless directed by a veterinarian.

Can a dog recover from IVDD?

Yes. Many dogs recover well, particularly when signs are recognised early and treatment begins promptly. Outcome is multifactorial, and depends on the neurological grade, how long the spinal cord has been compressed, whether deep pain sensation remains, the location of the disc injury and the treatment selected. Recovery may take weeks to months and can include strict rest, medication, surgery and rehabilitation.

What is the life expectancy of a dog with IVDD?

IVDD does not automatically shorten a dog’s life. Many dogs return to good function or live comfortably with appropriate long-term management. Life expectancy depends on the severity of spinal cord damage, recurrence, bladder and bowel management, mobility, other health conditions and the owner’s capacity to provide ongoing care.

Is IVDD in dogs fatal?

Most IVDD cases are not fatal, but severe spinal cord injury can cause permanent paralysis, significant pain and loss of bladder or bowel function. Treatment and life-long management are required to manage this condition. 

Some dogs with severe IVDD sadly will become permanently paralysed regardless of treatment, or surgery may not be an option, in which case euthanasia is an unfortunate outcome in many cases. Some dogs with permanent paralysis can still have an acceptable quality of life with careful nursing and mobility support but do require a lot of intensive nursing care at home to maintain a good quality of life.

Rarely, a dog can develop a secondary medical condition, because of IVDD. Ascending or descending myelomalacia, is the condition in which spinal cord damage progresses to degeneration and necrosis, and this condition is typically fatal.

What are the first signs of IVDD in dogs?

Early signs may include reluctance to jump or use stairs, reduced activity, hiding, stiff movement, a tense or hunched posture, an arched back, holding the head low, trembling, yelping when moved or discomfort when picked up. Some dogs begin to scuff their nails or walk unsteadily. Because mild signs can progress quickly, restrict activity and contact a veterinarian immediately if you are concerned.

IVDD severity is graded from one to five, ranging from pain alone to paralysis without deep pain sensation. This grading helps veterinarians determine urgency, prognosis and the most appropriate treatment. Mild, stable cases may respond to conservative treatment, including strict rest, prescribed medication and guided rehabilitation. More severe or worsening cases, particularly when a dog cannot walk, may need urgent imaging and surgery to relieve spinal cord compression. Early assessment matters because signs can progress quickly. If you suspect IVDD, keep your dog still, avoid stairs and jumping, and contact AREN promptly for expert veterinary advice and urgent assessment if required without delay.

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