Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the most common neurological conditions in dogs, causing pain and potentially paralysis. Understanding the condition helps owners recognise early signs and seek timely treatment.
IVDD causes significant suffering. In acute presentations, dogs experience sudden onset of severe spinal pain, are often unable to move without vocalising, and may be in shock. Progressive paralysis — losing the ability to walk, then losing bladder and bowel control — is distressing and disorienting. Dogs without deep pain perception face a more uncertain prognosis and may remain paralysed despite surgery. The rehabilitation period following surgery — which can extend weeks to months — requires intensive nursing care, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and pain management. Owners of paralysed dogs must be prepared for significant time investment in nursing care. With appropriate treatment, many dogs with IVDD recover well and maintain good quality of life, including dogs in wheelchairs.