What is Intervertebral Disc Disease?

The intervertebral disc is a structure that sits between the bones of the spine — the vertebrae — and acts as a shock absorber. Think of it like a jelly doughnut: the outer ring (called the anulus fibrosus) is the bread, and the inner material (the nucleus pulposus) is the jelly.

Because the nucleus has a very high water content, it cannot be compressed. Instead, any pressure placed on it is redistributed evenly through the outer ring. That is what makes it such an effective shock absorber during normal movement.

Which dogs are most at risk?

In some breeds, the nucleus pulposus does not develop normally. Dogs in a group called chondrodystrophic breeds — including dachshunds, poodles, basset hounds, Shih Tzus, and French bulldogs — are especially prone to disc problems. Over time, the nucleus in these dogs can degenerate and lose its water content, essentially drying out. Once that happens, the disc can no longer absorb impact properly. The outer ring can tear, and the disc material pushes out into the vertebral canal — compressing the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots. This is sometimes called a “slipped disc.”

Non-chondrodystrophic breeds can also develop disc disease, but through a different degenerative process that tends to occur later in life.

What does it look like?

Signs depend on where the herniation occurs and how much the spinal cord is compressed. They range from pain and muscle tension to weakness, incoordination, loss of bladder or bowel control, and in severe cases, complete paralysis. Some pets deteriorate slowly over days; others deteriorate rapidly within hours.

A neurologic grading scale helps classify the severity of the problem and guide treatment decisions. Grade I may be pain only. Grade V — the most severe — means no movement and no deep pain sensation in the limbs. Where a pet falls on that scale matters a great deal for prognosis.

How is it diagnosed?

A thorough neurologic exam is the starting point. X-rays can suggest disc disease, but MRI is the gold standard for identifying exactly where the disc herniation is, how much compression is present, and what the spinal cord looks like. That detail is what makes surgical planning precise.

What are the treatment options?

Some pets — particularly those with mild signs like pain only — can improve with strict rest and anti-inflammatory medications. But when there is significant spinal cord compression, when the pet is not improving, or when signs are severe, surgery is usually the better path and provides the best chance for recovery.

Surgery removes the compressing disc material and relieves pressure on the spinal cord. Procedures called fenestrations can also be performed at the same time to reduce the risk of future disc problems at nearby levels.

Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery after surgery. Guided at-home exercises play a meaningful role in helping pets rebuild strength and regain function — and your specialist team can walk you through exactly what to do at each stage of recovery.

Timing matters

Early evaluation makes a real difference. Pets who receive treatment earlier in the course of disease tend to have better outcomes. If your pet is showing any signs of back or neck pain, weakness, or changes in how they walk, do not wait.