Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common spinal disorder in dogs and can also affect cats. IVDD can cause pain, decreased limb function and, in severe cases, paralysis. If your pet has spinal compression, they need emergency veterinary care to help prevent permanent damage. Our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team provides valuable information about this serious spinal condition. 

Normal pet spinal anatomy

To understand IVDD, you must first understand normal spinal anatomy. Your pet’s spine is composed of numerous small bones called vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and allow back flexibility. Between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs that act as cushions between the bones. These discs have a fibrous outer shell called the annulus fibrosus and a jelly-like center called the nucleus pulposus. Your pet’s spine contains:

  • Seven cervical (i.e., neck) vertebrae
  • Thirteen thoracic (i.e., chest) vertebrae
  • Seven lumbar (i.e., lower back) vertebrae
  • Three fused sacral (i.e., pelvic) vertebrae
  • A varying number of tail vertebrae

Intervertebral disc disease in pets

IVDD occurs when changes to an intervertebral disc cause spinal cord compression or impingement of the sensitive nerves branching from the spinal cord. The two IVDD types include:

  • Type 1 — Type 1 is most common in dogs, such as dachshunds and beagles, who have a long back and short legs. The soft inner nucleus pulposus calcifies, and sudden movements such as jumping can cause the hardened disc to break through the annulus fibrosus, putting pressure on the spinal cord.
  • Type 2 — Type 2 is a slow degenerative process that is more common in older, large-breed dogs such as German shepherds. The annulus fibrosus collapses over months or years, impinging on the spinal cord and causing chronic pain.

Intervertebral disc disease signs in pets

IVDD can occur in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar vertebrae. Signs depend on the location, but the pet typically feels pain over the affected disc. Other potential signs include:

Cervical IVDD signs:

  • Holding the head and neck low
  • Reluctance to move
  • Difficulty turning the head
  • Arching back
  • Incoordination in all four limbs
  • Knuckling on all four paws
  • Inability to stand

Thoracic IVDD signs:

  • Weakness or incoordination in the hind limbs
  • Crossing hind limbs when walking
  • Knuckling of back paws
  • Dragging hind limbs
  • Muscle spasms over the back

Lumbar IVDD signs:

  • Limp tail
  • Urinary or fecal incontinence
  • Pain or difficulty jumping

Intervertebral disc disease diagnosis in pets

If your pet has back pain or is showing other signs that could indicate IVDD, our team may perform the following diagnostics:

  • History — A thorough history is important, so we know how long your pet has shown signs, if they experienced trauma, and if they have any underlying health conditions.
  • Neurologic examination — Our team assesses your pet’s reflexes and coordination to try to localize the affected area. 
  • X-rays — X-rays, which may involve contrast dye material, can help identify the affected disc space. 
  • Advanced imaging — In some cases, advanced imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), are needed to find the lesion.

Intervertebral disc disease medical treatment in pets

Medical treatment is indicated for pets who have back pain and/or only mild loss of limb function and for those where imaging shows no spinal cord compression. Medical IVDD treatment involves:

  • Strict confinement, usually for several weeks, with strict leash control for potty breaks
  • Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, to help alleviate pain
  • Muscle relaxants, if muscle spasms are present
  • Steroids to help resolve spinal cord inflammation
  • Bladder expression at least three times a day, if the pet can’t urinate
  • Physical therapy 

Intervertebral disc disease surgical treatment in pets

Surgery is necessary if the spinal cord is compressed or the pet has uncontrolled pain associated with IVDD. In these cases, prompt action is important to relieve the pressure and help prevent permanent spinal cord damage. Surgery involves removing a piece of the bony vertebrae to evacuate the herniated disc material and relieve spinal cord pressure. After surgery, pets typically must be confined to cage rest for four to six weeks to allow the spine to heal and prevent further injury.

Pets experiencing an IVDD episode need emergency veterinary care. If your pet has back pain or incoordination, contact our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team, so we can determine the cause and devise an appropriate treatment plan as soon as possible.