Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a leading cause of spinal cord injury in dogs, with outcomes ranging from complete recovery to permanent paralysis depending on severity and treatment speed.
Acute IVDD causes severe pain and rapid progression to paralysis without prompt treatment. Dogs with spinal cord injury experience loss of mobility, inability to urinate independently, and potential chronic pain. The welfare urgency of IVDD is often underestimated. Time to treatment is critical - hours matter for best outcomes. Paralysed dogs with intact pain sensation can recover well with intensive rehabilitation. Dedicated nursing care including bladder management and turning is essential welfare provision for severely affected dogs.