Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a painful and potentially paralysing spinal condition common in chondrodystrophic breeds, where ruptured disc material compresses the spinal cord and causes pain, weakness, or complete paralysis.
IVDD causes some of the most severe acute pain seen in veterinary practice — dogs with spinal cord compression may cry, refuse to move, and be unable to perform basic functions. Rapid recognition and treatment are essential: the window for surgical intervention is short, and delays of even hours can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent paralysis. Breeds at high risk benefit from owner education about warning signs, and from minimising activities like jumping from heights and stair climbing. Weight management is also critical since obesity significantly increases intervertebral disc stress. For dogs that become paraplegic, dedicated nursing care and adapted mobility equipment including wheeled carts can maintain reasonable quality of life.