IVDD in Dogs: A Complete Guide to Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs — and one of the most terrifying to witness. A dog that was fine at breakfast can be dragging its hind legs by dinner. Speed of response and access to specialist care are the most important factors in outcome.

What Is IVDD?

The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. In IVDD, disc material herniates or protrudes into the spinal canal and compresses the spinal cord. Depending on the location and severity of compression, the resulting neurological deficits range from pain and stiffness to complete paralysis.

Two Types

• Hansen Type I (acute herniation): calcified disc nucleus explodes into the spinal canal. Classic in chondrodystrophic breeds — Dachshunds, Beagles, Basset Hounds, French Bulldogs, Corgis. Rapid onset, often catastrophic.
• Hansen Type II (chronic protrusion): fibrous disc bulges slowly over months. More common in large breeds — Labradors, German Shepherds. Slower progression.

Grading System

1. Grade 1: pain only, no neurological deficits — back stiffness, reluctance to move, yelping
2. Grade 2: ambulatory paraparesis — walks but is wobbly, ataxic
3. Grade 3: non-ambulatory paraparesis — cannot stand or walk, but pain sensation intact
4. Grade 4: paraplegia — no voluntary movement, pain sensation intact
5. Grade 5: paraplegia — no deep pain sensation. Worst prognosis.

Diagnosis

MRI is the gold standard — showing the exact disc, degree of compression, and spinal cord signal change. CT myelography is an alternative where MRI is unavailable. Plain radiographs show only calcified discs, not spinal cord compression — they are not sufficient for diagnosis or treatment planning.

Treatment

• Conservative management (Grade 1, some Grade 2): strict cage rest for 4–8 weeks, anti-inflammatories, pain relief. No stairs, no jumping, no off-lead exercise.
• Surgery (Grade 2 not responding, Grade 3–5): hemilaminectomy or fenestration to relieve cord compression. Ideally within 24–48 hours of paralysis onset for best results.
• Physiotherapy: critical for recovery, whether surgical or conservative. Hydrotherapy, passive range of motion, laser therapy.

Recovery and Prognosis

• Grade 1–2, treated appropriately: excellent (85–95 % back to normal)
• Grade 3, surgery within 48 h: good (70–85 %)
• Grade 4, surgery: 60–80 % walk again
• Grade 5 (no deep pain), surgery: 30–60 % — timing critically matters

Document every episode in Purzi — grade, date, duration, what preceded it (jumping, playing, rough handling). For Dachshund owners especially, this pattern helps predict and prevent future episodes, and gives neurologists invaluable baseline data.