IVDD

What is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)?

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when one or more discs between the vertebrae of the spine become damaged, degenerate, bulge, or rupture. This can place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain, weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis.

Common neurological condition in dogs
Can occur suddenly or gradually
Most commonly affects the neck or back
Severity ranges from mild pain to complete paralysis
Can affect dogs of any breed, but is particularly common in chondrodystrophic breeds

Severities

Grade 1

Pain only
No neurological deficits
Walking normally

Grade 2

Mild weakness and incoordination
Able to walk independently

Grade 3

Significant weakness
Unable to walk normally
May still move limbs voluntarily

Grade 4

Paralysed but deep pain sensation remains present

Grade 5

Paralysed with loss of deep pain sensation
Most severe presentation
Requires urgent veterinary intervention

Symptoms

Signs vary depending on severity and location of the lesion.

Common symptoms include:

Neck or back pain
Reluctance to move
Hunched posture
Muscle spasms
Weakness
Wobbliness (ataxia)
Knuckling of paws
Scuffing or dragging feet
Difficulty standing
Collapse
Paralysis
Loss of bladder or bowel control

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may involve:

Veterinary neurological examination
Assessment of reflexes
Gait analysis
MRI scan
CT scan
Myelography
X-rays (limited diagnostic value for IVDD)

MRI is generally considered the gold standard for diagnosing IVDD.

Treatment

Treatment depends on severity and neurological status.

Options may include:

Strict rest
Pain relief medication
Anti-inflammatory medication
Physiotherapy
Hydrotherapy
Laser therapy
Surgical decompression
Assisted mobility aids
Long-term neurological rehabilitation

Early intervention often improves outcomes.

How Physiotherapy Helps

Physiotherapy is one of the most important components of recovery and long-term management for dogs with IVDD.

Whether managed conservatively or surgically, rehabilitation helps restore function, maximise neurological recovery, and improve quality of life.

Managing Pain & Muscle Tension

Following a spinal injury, many dogs develop muscle spasms, tension, and compensatory discomfort. Manual therapies can help improve comfort and reduce secondary pain.

Maintaining Joint Mobility

Dogs on prolonged rest may develop stiffness and reduced range of motion. Physiotherapy helps maintain flexibility throughout recovery.

Preventing Muscle Loss

Neurological patients can lose muscle mass rapidly. Targeted rehabilitation exercises help maintain and rebuild muscle strength as recovery progresses.

Improving Proprioception

Many dogs with IVDD lose awareness of where their feet are positioned.

Specific neurological exercises help retrain the nervous system and improve limb placement.

Re-Educating Movement Patterns

As neurological function returns, physiotherapy helps encourage more normal gait patterns and movement quality

Improving Balance & Coordination

Balance and coordination are often affected following spinal cord injury. Rehabilitation programmes focus on rebuilding confidence and stability.

Supporting Long-Term Mobility

Even dogs with permanent deficits can benefit significantly from ongoing physiotherapy to maintain strength, mobility, and independence.

Benefits of physiotherapy may include:

Reduced pain and muscle tension
Improved neurological function
Better coordination
Enhanced balance
Improved mobility
Increased muscle strength
Greater independence
Improved quality of life

How Hydrotherapy Helps

Hydrotherapy is particularly valuable for neurological patients because the water environment provides support whilst encouraging movement.

The underwater treadmill allows safe, controlled rehabilitation that can be difficult to achieve on land.

Reduced Weight Bearing

Water buoyancy supports the body and reduces the effort required to stand and move.

This allows many neurological dogs to begin walking movements earlier than they can on land.

Encouraging Limb Movement

The water provides sensory feedback and resistance, helping encourage active movement of the limbs.

Many dogs demonstrate improved limb use in the underwater treadmill.

Improving Muscle Strength

Water resistance allows strengthening without excessive impact on joints or the spine.

Improving Range of Motion

The supportive environment allows dogs to practise balance and coordination whilst reducing the risk of falls.

Supporting Balance

Many dogs develop altered movement patterns following injury. Hydrotherapy can help promote more symmetrical weight bearing and stride length.

Improving Gait Quality

Hydrotherapy encourages repetitive stepping patterns, which can help reinforce neurological pathways involved in walking.

Building Confidence

Many neurological dogs lose confidence in their movement. Hydrotherapy provides a safe environment to rebuild mobility and confidence.

Benefits of hydrotherapy may include:

Improved limb movement
Better gait quality
Increased muscle strength
Enhanced balance
Improved coordination
Reduced loading through the spine
Increased confidence
Improved quality of life

Further Information

Certain Breeds Are More Commonly Affected

Breeds predisposed to IVDD include:

Dachshunds
French Bulldogs
Cocker Spaniels
Beagles
Shih Tzus
Pekingese
Basset Hounds
Pembroke Welsh Corgis

However, any breed can develop IVDD.

Not Every Dog Requires Surgery

Some dogs recover successfully with conservative management, whilst others require surgical intervention.

The most appropriate treatment depends on neurological severity and diagnostic findings.

Time Matters

Dogs showing sudden weakness, inability to walk, or loss of bladder function should receive immediate veterinary attention.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Recovery Can Take Time

Neurological recovery often occurs over weeks to months.

Some dogs make rapid progress, whilst others improve gradually over a longer period.

Consistent rehabilitation and owner commitment are often key factors in recovery success.

Many Dogs Can Enjoy Excellent Quality of Life

Even dogs with significant neurological deficits can often regain mobility, independence, and a good quality of life through appropriate veterinary care and rehabilitation.

We Can Help

At Paws & Claws Veterinary Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy Clinic, we provide tailored neurological rehabilitation programmes for dogs with IVDD, helping support recovery after surgery or conservative management, improve mobility, rebuild strength, and maximise quality of life throughout every stage of recovery.