Intervertebral disc disease is a major welfare issue particularly in chondrodystrophic breeds. Early intervention, appropriate management, and rehabilitation significantly improve outcomes.
IVDD welfare encompasses both acute crisis management and longer-term prevention and recovery. Disc herniation causing spinal cord compression produces severe pain and potentially permanent paralysis if not treated promptly. The acuteness of welfare crisis in paralytic IVDD means owner recognition of signs and rapid veterinary access are critical welfare determinants. Appropriate triage between surgical and conservative management depends on severity and time from onset. Post-treatment rehabilitation through physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and bladder management significantly improves recovery outcomes and quality of life. Breed health reform reducing selection for extreme chondrodystrophic body proportions would reduce the underlying welfare burden of IVDD at population level.