Intervertebral disc disease is a leading cause of sudden severe pain and paralysis in dogs, particularly in chondrodystrophic breeds. Understanding prevention and early detection can significantly reduce suffering.
IVDD causes acute and severe suffering. Disc rupture can occur suddenly — often after a jump or twist — producing immediate intense spinal pain or paralysis. Dogs in severe IVDD are unable to move their hindlimbs, lose bladder and bowel control, and may vocalise continuously from pain. The decision about whether to pursue surgery (expensive, uncertain) or euthanasia (irreversible) must be made under acute time pressure, adding to owner distress. Early identification of back pain — before disc rupture — allows conservative management that may prevent progression. Screening programmes using MRI to identify disc mineralisation in at-risk breeds before clinical signs develop are promising welfare tools for breeds with very high IVDD prevalence.