Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Intervertebral Disc Disease Welfare

IVDD is a common and painful spinal condition in dogs, particularly affecting chondrodystrophic breeds like Dachshunds.

Key Facts

IVDD affects up to 25% of Dachshunds over their lifetime
Signs range from neck or back pain to complete paralysis and loss of bladder control
Early surgical intervention within 24-48 hours significantly improves outcomes
Conservative management with strict rest and analgesia is appropriate for milder cases
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy support recovery after surgical intervention

Welfare Considerations

IVDD causes severe acute pain and can result in permanent paralysis and loss of bladder control. Rapid recognition of signs and prompt veterinary assessment is essential as the window for effective intervention is narrow.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of IVDD in susceptible breeds and seek emergency care immediately if suspected
Advocate for breed reform to reduce intervertebral disc disease prevalence in chondrodystrophic breeds
Pursue physiotherapy alongside medical management to optimise recovery outcomes