Understanding canine intervertebral disc disease

Back pain can be debilitating in dogs. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs when discs bulge or burst, compressing the spinal cord.¹ Symptoms range from pain and difficulty walking to severe neurological deficits and paralysis. Survival is high with either surgery or medical management, but the disease leaves long-lasting effects on the quality of life (QOL) of both the dog and their owner.^1,2

IVDD affects dogs of all breeds and ages. Chondrodystrophic breeds with the expression of FGF4 retrogenes on chromosome 12 are at the highest risk, including dachshunds, French bulldogs, beagles, shih tzus, cocker spaniels, pugs, basset hounds, and bichon frise. However, nonchondrodystrophic breeds such as German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, dalmatians, Bernese mountain dogs, boxers, and mixed breeds can develop IVDD, too.^1,2

Historically, studies defined IVDD prognosis by improvement in neurological function and ambulation recovery without consideration of chronic sequelae. A recent study examined the long-term effects of IVDD through owner-reported QOL and caregiver burden.¹

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The severity of neurological signs, availability of diagnostic imaging, access to specialized treatment, owner adherence, and financial limitations all influence IVDD outcomes. Acute treatment options are surgery or medical management. Surgery is typically reserved for nonambulatory dogs and is associated with better success rates, quicker recovery times, and lower risk of recurrence. Medical management involves pain control with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, opioids, or pregabalin.¹

The authors interviewed 31 pet owners with dogs treated for IVDD. A full 58% reported residual problems such as kyphosis (an abnormal convex curvature of the spine), signs of pain, gait abnormalities, and decreased exercise tolerance. Persistent symptoms of IVDD could all be related to pain. Despite this, few dogs received long-term pain medications, and most owners viewed their dog’s QOL as good, suggesting IVDD-related pain may be overlooked. Regular follow-up visits and pain assessments are essential for chronic sequelae management.¹

Among respondents, 47% still felt negatively impacted by their dog’s IVDD diagnosis and found managing this condition challenging. These results emphasize that IVDD is a chronic disease and that treatment should last beyond the acute phase. It is crucial to prepare and support owners to minimize both their dog's suffering and their own suffering as a result of IVDD.¹

References

1. Samsøe-Schmidt F, Berendt M, Miles JE. Chronic sequelae and owner burdens are common following canine intervertebral disc disease. Veterinary Record. 2025;e5371. doi:10.1002/vetr.5371
2. Morrison BJ. IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) in dogs. PetMD. Published December 6, 2022. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_intervertebral_disc_disease