Understanding Canine IVDD

Kayleigh Kruger
Sep 5, 2025
3 min read

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) can sound daunting - but with the right care and rehabilitation many dogs with IVDD go on to live happy, active lives. As a veterinary physiotherapist, I work closely with pets and their owners to manage this condition enhancing comfort, mobility and confidence. Whether your dog is showing early signs or recovering from surgery, physiotherapy plays a vital role in their rehabilitation journey!

Let’s explore what IVDD is, how it affects your dog’s spine, and how we can help.

What Is IVDD

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a condition affecting the spinal discs, often leading to pain, weakness or even paralysis. The cushioning discs between vertebrae can rupture, bulge or degenerate - causing pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves. This can lead to pain and changes in your dog’s movement, posture and behaviour.

It’s most common in chondrodystrophic breeds (like Dachshunds) but any dog can be affected. IVDD can affect 1 or multiple levels of the spine and severity of symptoms can vary between individual cases.

Anatomy of the Spine

The spine is made up of vertebrae (bones) and intervertebral discs (firm, flexible, shock absorbing discs).

It’s divided into a few main regions:

The Cervical spine (neck)
The Thoracic spine (upper back)
The Lumbar spine (lower back)
The Sacral and caudal spine (pelvis and tail)

Spinal vertebrae, spinal cord (orange) and Intervertebral discs (blue)

Each disc sits between two vertebrae and helps protect the spinal cord that runs through the center. These intervertebral discs allow for shock absorption, load bearing, mobility and flexibility as well as helping to supply nutrients to surrounding tissues.

With IVDD - the intervertebral discs are compromised - leading to dysfunction and sometimes additional pressure on the spinal cord, causing neurological symptoms.

Types of IVDD

There are two main types of IVDD. Both types can affect any part of the spine, but the thoracolumbar region (mid to lower back) is most commonly involved.

Type	Description
Hansen Type I	Sudden disc rupture common in chondrodystrophic breeds (e.g. Dachshunds, Pekingese) Often painful with an acute onset.
Hansen Type II	Gradual disc degeneration, more common in older or larger breeds. Symptoms develop more gradually over time.

What Causes IVDD?

Several factors contribute to IVDD:

Genetics - Certain breeds are more predisposed (Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Beagles)
Age - Older dogs are more likely to develop disc degeneration
Weight - Excess weight adds excess strain to the spine
Activity - High-impact movements or trauma can trigger disc rupture
Conformation - Dogs with Longer backs and shorter legs are at higher risk

Common Signs & Symptoms

IVDD symptoms can vary depending on severity and location of the lesion.

Here are some signs to look out for:

A change in posture - bracing or hunching through the back
Reluctance to move or play
Yelping when picked up or touched
Weakness or wobbliness in the back legs
Abnormal gait
Loss of balance and co-ordination
Dragging paws or knuckling
Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
Sudden paralysis

Early signs are often subtle - so if your dog seems “off” or has any mild variation of the above signs, it’s worth checking in with your vet.

As always - early detection, diagnosis and intervention are key when dealing with neurological dysfunction.

Managing IVDD: A Gentle, Supportive Approach

Treatment depends on the severity of the lesion. Mild cases may respond well to rest and conservative care, while more severe cases may require surgery. Either way, physiotherapy is essential for recovery and long-term management of IVDD patients.

Why Vet Physio Matters

Dogs with IVDD need more than just rest - they need rehabilitation, guidance and support. Veterinary Physiotherapy helps to:

Speed up recovery
Provide drug-free pain management
Reduce pain and inflammation
Prevent recurrence or flare ups
Restore mobility
Retrain gait and co-ordination
Strengthen supporting muscles - improving stability
Prevent further injury
Improve quality of life
Build confidence in both pet and owner

Treatments are tailored to each patient’s individual needs - whether they’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic symptoms or preventing flare-ups.

As vet physio's we don’t just treat the spine - we treat the patient as a whole, providing a gentle, holistic approach to their healing and rehabilitation.

Final Thoughts

An IVDD diagnosis can be scary, but we're here to show you that it’s not the end of the road. With early intervention, mindful management and a compassionate veterinary team, your dog can live a happy, comfortable and active life.

If you suspect your dog may be showing symptoms of IVDD or want to explore proactive spinal care, chat to us - we’re here to help your dog move better, feel better and live better.

Images in this blog post were generated using AI