Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae of the spine, acting as shock absorbers. IVDD occurs when a disc degenerates and herniates - the inner material protrudes and compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots. In chondrodystrophic breeds (Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Basset Hounds), this degeneration occurs prematurely and often in multiple discs from a young age. In non-chondrodystrophic breeds, disc disease tends to occur in older dogs from gradual degeneration.

There are two main types:

• Hansen Type I: Sudden extrusion of disc material under pressure; acute onset; more common in chondrodystrophic breeds
• Hansen Type II: Gradual protrusion of fibrous disc material; slower onset; more common in larger, older dogs

Signs by severity

IVDD presents across a spectrum. Log where on this spectrum your dog is, and any changes:

Pain only: Back or neck stiffness, reluctance to move, arched or tense spine, yelping when picked up or during sudden movements. No neurological deficits.

Ataxia: Unsteady, wobbly movement in the hind legs (or all four, for cervical IVDD). Legs may cross, toe-drag, or knuckle under.

Paresis: Weakness - legs can move but lack normal strength. The dog may be able to walk but is clearly weak.

Paralysis: Unable to voluntarily move the affected legs. Hind limb paralysis most commonly; forelimb involvement indicates cervical (neck) disc disease.

Loss of deep pain perception: Unable to feel a firm pinch to a digit. This indicates severe spinal cord compression and is a prognostic indicator - the longer this persists before decompressive surgery, the lower the chance of recovery.

If your dog moves from any category to a worse category, this is an emergency.

Daily monitoring for known IVDD dogs

For dogs with diagnosed IVDD - whether post-surgery or managed conservatively:

• Hindlimb function: normal, mild weakness, moderate weakness, paralysis
• Bladder function: urinating voluntarily and normally, or requiring manual expression
• Bowel function: defecating normally, or constipated/requiring assistance
• Pain: comfortable, mild discomfort, obvious pain
• Mobility: walking freely, walking with support, non-ambulatory
• Any sudden changes from the baseline

Emergency recognition

Go to the emergency vet without delay if:

• Your dog suddenly cannot use its hind legs
• There is rapid deterioration in mobility (was walking yesterday, struggling today)
• Your dog shows severe back pain with any neurological change
• Loss of bladder or bowel control accompanies mobility changes

For paralysis with loss of deep pain: surgical decompression is most effective within 24–48 hours of onset. Time matters.

Treatment

Surgery (decompression): Hemilaminectomy or laminectomy to remove the herniated disc material and decompress the spinal cord. Most effective within 24–48 hours of onset for acute paralysis. Success rates are high when deep pain perception is present. Even dogs that have lost deep pain perception can recover with prompt surgery, though the prognosis is more guarded.

Conservative management: Strict crate rest (4–6 weeks of severely restricted movement) combined with anti-inflammatory medication and pain relief. Suitable for dogs with back pain only, or mild ataxia that hasn't progressed. Requires absolute commitment - any excessive movement risks acute worsening.

Physiotherapy: Essential during and after recovery to rebuild muscle strength and neurological function. Hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial.

Prevention in Dachshunds and at-risk breeds

Ramps and steps: Prevent jumping on and off furniture and using stairs. Invest in ramps for sofas and beds.

Harness instead of collar: Neck pressure from a collar can worsen cervical disc disease.

Weight management: Excess weight increases disc loading.

Avoid high-impact activities: No fetch with long throws, no repetitive jumping, no rough play that involves twisting.

These measures don't eliminate risk but reduce the frequency of episodes in susceptible dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Dachshund's back legs are weak this morning - how urgent is this? This is a same-day emergency. Don't wait. Contact your vet or nearest emergency practice immediately. Rapid deterioration from weakness to paralysis can happen within hours, and the treatment window for best outcomes is short.

My dog had IVDD surgery and is recovering - what should I look for? Gradual improvement in hind limb function week by week. Some dogs recover quickly; others take months. Plateau in recovery followed by improvement is common. Discuss expected milestones with your surgeon. Contact your vet if there is any sudden worsening.

Can IVDD recur after surgery? Yes. Other disc levels may herniate in the future, particularly in chondrodystrophic breeds. Post-surgical management (ramps, weight control, exercise modification) continues to matter.

My dog had conservative management and recovered - are we safe now? The underlying disc degeneration remains. A recovered dog should continue to be managed with lifestyle modifications (ramps, weight management, no jumping). Recurrence is possible.

Is there a DNA test for IVDD predisposition? A genetic test exists for the FGF4 retrogene insertion associated with chondrodystrophy (the body type that predisposes to IVDD Type I). It can identify whether a dog carries one or two copies. This is primarily used in breeding decisions but is increasingly available for pet owners.