Intervertebral disc disease and spinal trauma are significant welfare challenges in dogs, and advances in veterinary neurology and rehabilitation are improving outcomes for affected animals.
Spinal cord injury welfare in dogs has been transformed by advances in surgical technique, rehabilitation medicine, and adaptive equipment. Dogs with complete paralysis can achieve good welfare outcomes with appropriate management — bladder expression, pressure sore prevention, and mobility support. The welfare assessment is not about mobility but about overall quality of life: pain management, social engagement, and positive experiences. Dogs in carts who are pain-free and engaged demonstrate that physical limitation need not be a welfare barrier when comprehensive care is provided.