Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) – a guide for UK pet owners

Note: This page is for information only and is not a veterinary diagnosis or treatment plan. If you are worried about your pet please contact a veterinary professional.

What is intervertebral disc disease?

Between the bones of the spine are discs that cushion movement and protect the spinal cord. Over time, or because of inherited changes in the disc, these structures can weaken or alter in shape. When this happens the disc material can press on or damage the spinal cord and nearby nerves. The consequence can be pain, difficulty moving and in severe situations loss of sensation or paralysis.

Types of disc problems (simple overview)

• Sudden extrusion: Internal disc material forcibly escapes into the spinal canal, often causing abrupt and intense signs.
• Gradual protrusion: The outer part of the disc bulges over time and slowly compresses the spinal cord, producing more gradual signs.
• High‑velocity, low‑volume injury: A sudden tear in a disc can injure the spinal cord even when little material remains to press on it; recovery may occur without surgery in some cases.

Which pets are more likely to be affected?

Disc disease can affect dogs of many breeds and occasional cats. However, certain breeds that have short, heavy-set limbs and distinctive body shapes may develop disc changes earlier in life. Examples include Dachshunds and Basset Hounds, along with some other breeds and crossbreeds. Medium to large breeds and non‑chondrodystrophic animals more commonly show the slower, protrusive form of the condition, often in middle age.

Common signs owners may notice

• Pain in the neck or back: vocalising, flinching when touched, a hunched posture or reluctance to be handled.
• Changes in mobility: weakness in the legs, wobbliness, stumbling or difficulty getting up, jumping or climbing stairs.
• Altered toileting: difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function, or straining when trying to urinate or defecate.
• Reduced activity and behavioural changes: hiding, low energy, reluctance to play or exercise.
• In severe cases: partial or complete paralysis of limbs; inability to feel or respond to touch in affected areas.

Why you should act promptly

Early assessment is important. Pain or mild signs may be manageable, but if the spinal cord is being compressed or damaged, signs can progress quickly and may become permanent. Timely veterinary assessment gives the best chance of identifying the cause, protecting the spinal cord from further injury and discussing appropriate options for your pet.

What to do next

1. Contact your vet to describe the problem, including when the first signs were noticed and whether signs have changed.
2. A veterinarian will usually recommend an examination to check pain, limb movement, reflexes and sensation. They may advise stabilising your pet for safe transport.
3. If your own vet thinks advanced imaging or specialist input is needed they may refer you to a veterinary neurology or orthopaedic centre.

When to contact a vet urgently

• Immediate contact is essential if your pet cannot walk or is dragging limbs, is unable to feel part of a limb, is unable to pass urine, or is in severe, uncontrollable pain.
• If there is any sudden worsening of signs—for example walking normally one moment and paralysed the next—seek urgent veterinary attention.

What a vet or specialist may discuss with you

• Clinical assessment: Results of the neurological and physical examination and what they suggest about location and severity of the problem.
• Diagnostic options: Imaging such as X‑rays, CT or MRI to look at the discs and spinal cord. Your vet will explain the benefits, limitations and costs of each.
• Management choices: Conservative (medical) management versus referral for surgery, including likely outcomes and recovery expectations. This will depend on the type and severity of the disc problem.
• Pain relief and supportive care: How pain will be assessed and managed in hospital, and what support your pet may need during recovery.
• Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and safe handling strategies to support recovery, and whether formal rehab is recommended.
• Prognosis: Honest discussion of likely recovery, possible complications and what to expect in the weeks to months ahead.
• Referrals and costs: If specialist care is advised, they will explain referral pathways, likely fees and payment options.

Practical questions to ask your vet or a referral centre

• What do you think is causing my pet’s signs?
• Do you recommend imaging, and which type is most appropriate?
• What are the treatment options and the likely benefits and risks of each?
• If surgery is advised, what does recovery typically involve and how long might it take?
• What pain relief and nursing care will my pet receive?
• Will my pet need physiotherapy, and how soon should it start?
• Are there lifestyle changes needed at home to protect the spine in future?
• What are the estimated costs and are there options for staged diagnostics or treatment?

Red flags to watch for

Contact a vet urgently if your pet shows any of the following: sudden inability to walk, complete loss of movement in a limb, loss of feeling (no response to touch) in a limb, inability to pass or control urine, or escalating severe pain. These signs may indicate significant spinal cord injury and require immediate assessment.

Recovery and long‑term outlook

Outcomes vary with the type of disc problem, how long signs have been present and how severe the neurological deficit is at presentation. Many pets improve with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, but some will have ongoing mobility or bladder‑control issues. Your veterinary team can help you understand realistic expectations and plan ongoing care.

Frequently asked questions

• Can IVDD be prevented?Some risk factors are inherited and not fully preventable. Gentle handling, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding repetitive high‑impact activities may reduce strain on the spine, but they do not guarantee prevention.
• How is IVDD diagnosed?Diagnosis usually starts with a clinical and neurological examination. Imaging such as X‑rays, CT or MRI is often needed to confirm the location and nature of the disc problem and to guide treatment decisions.
• Is surgery always required?Not always. Some cases are managed medically with rest and supportive care, while others—especially with significant spinal cord compression—are referred for surgery. The best option depends on severity, duration of signs and imaging findings.
• Can pets recover full function after IVDD?Many pets regain good mobility with timely treatment, but recovery varies. Some may have residual weakness or bladder changes. Rehabilitation helps improve outcomes in many cases.
• Will my pet be in pain?Disc problems are commonly painful, particularly in the early phase. Veterinary teams assess and manage pain with suitable medications and supportive care while determining the underlying cause.

If you are concerned about your pet’s spine, mobility or behaviour, please seek veterinary advice promptly.