Intervertebral disc disease is a major cause of pain and neurological impairment in dogs, particularly in chondrodystrophic breeds, with significant welfare implications.
IVDD causes some of the most intense acute pain seen in small animal practice, with spinal compression causing debilitating neurological signs. Affected dogs may cry out, be unable to move, or show severe distress. The time-sensitive nature of surgical intervention means delayed access to veterinary care can result in permanent paralysis. Long-term welfare management of paralysed dogs requires significant owner commitment and appropriate mobility aids, bladder management, and pressure sore prevention. Breeding practices that exaggerate chondrodystrophic conformation, particularly in Dachshunds, remain a fundamental welfare concern that breeding standards must address.