Spinal cord injury in dogs from intervertebral disc disease requires intensive rehabilitation to maximize neurological recovery, with welfare during recovery depending on appropriate pain management and supportive care.
Spinal cord injury causes acute welfare emergency through severe pain and sudden loss of function. The distress of sudden paralysis combined with pain creates a profound welfare crisis requiring immediate intervention. Post-operative welfare during recovery depends on adequate pain management, nursing care preventing pressure sores, bladder management, and encouraging neurological recovery through rehabilitation. Recovery periods extend from weeks to months requiring sustained owner commitment. Dogs that regain mobility after intensive rehabilitation often return to good quality of life. Dogs without deep pain sensation face poorer prognosis and welfare-based decisions about the extent of intervention are important.