IVDD is extremely common in chondrodystrophic dog breeds and causes paralysis and severe pain. Prevention through lifestyle management and prophylactic surgery reduces this major welfare burden.
IVDD causes sudden, severe spinal cord compression that produces acute excruciating pain followed, in severe cases, by complete paralysis. Dogs showing IVDD crisis vocalize, refuse to move and display unambiguous severe pain behaviour. The sudden transition from normal activity to severe pain and paralysis is extremely distressing. Even with successful surgery, the recovery period involves pain management, bladder expression and extended rest. Prophylactic surgery in young chondrodystrophic dogs before clinical signs occur can prevent this welfare crisis for the majority of dogs. The failure to routinely offer and recommend prophylactic treatment to owners of high-risk breeds represents a significant missed welfare opportunity.