Intervertebral disc disease in dogs – signs and care
Contact a vet todayContact your vet today if you think your dog has this – it can become serious. Intervertebral disc disease is when the cushions between the bones in a dog’s back lose their sponginess, become hard and fragile, and sometimes slip out of place.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet today.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Keep fresh water available.
- Let your dog rest somewhere calm.
Don't
- Do not give your dog any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it is
Intervertebral disc disease affects the cushions between the backbones, which can become hard and fragile and sometimes slip out of place.[1] It can cause back pain, weakness, wobbliness and, in severe cases, paralysis.[1]
Signs
gradual
Causes and risk factors
How a vet finds out
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI
How vets treat it
- Surgery
- Pain relief
- Hospitalisation
- Physiotherapy
- Medication
- Rest
Breeds prone to this
Veterinary charities list these breeds as more likely than others to get this condition. Each breed page lists the inherited conditions documented in the breed.
American Cocker SpanielWhat the experts say
“Overview. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition that causes the intervertebral discs (cushions between the backbones) to lose their sponginess, become hard and fragile, and sometimes slip out of place.”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What signs can intervertebral disc disease cause in dogs?
Signs can include back pain, wobbliness, weak legs, difficulty getting up, dragging or scuffing the feet, tripping or falling regularly, and paralysis.[1]
How will a vet find out if my dog has intervertebral disc disease?
A vet may suspect IVDD during an examination, but further tests are usually needed; an MRI scan is the best way to diagnose it because it shows the spine, nerves, bones and discs in detail.[1]
When should I contact a vet?
Contact your vet immediately if your dog is in severe pain or has developed symptoms suddenly.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
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