Intervertebral disc disease in dogs requires comprehensive rehabilitation after medical or surgical treatment to optimise recovery and quality of life.
IVDD rehabilitation success depends on committed owner involvement alongside professional care. Dogs with spinal injury can appear to improve superficially while spinal cord recovery continues over weeks to months. Premature return to normal activity risks re-injury. Hydrotherapy pools allow movement without weight-bearing stress on healing spines. Physiotherapy maintains muscle mass and joint function. Bladder management is critical for paralysed dogs. Owner education and psychological support is as important as physical rehabilitation.