Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) causes spinal cord compression and paralysis in dogs. Rehabilitation after surgery or conservative management determines long-term welfare outcomes.
IVDD causes acute severe spinal pain and potentially permanent paralysis. Dogs in spinal pain show obvious distress and should receive immediate analgesia. The decision between surgical and conservative management requires nuanced discussion based on neurological grade. Post-surgical rehabilitation is intensive but transforms outcomes for paralyzed dogs. With appropriate care many dogs regain good function and quality of life.