herniated disc symptoms in dogs (IVDD)
A herniated disc happens when the cushiony discs between vertebrae start to break down or slip out of place. Dogs can get herniated discs just like people, and honestly, catching the signs early can mean everything—sometimes it’s the difference between a happy, wiggly pup and a lifetime of mobility issues.
This is issue is commonly known as IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). It’s especially common in certain breeds, and can show up as anything from mild aches to full-on paralysis.
Signs of a dog herniated disc can vary from discomfort to paralysis, so it’s worth knowing what to look for before things get out of hand.
Most often, you’ll see limping, weak legs, a dog that suddenly won’t jump or tackle stairs, a hunched back, or pain signals like whimpering or panting. Sometimes, there’s trouble with bladder or bowel control, which is a big red flag—don’t wait on that one, call your vet right away.
Intervertebral disc disease affects dogs of all sizes, but those long-backed, short-legged breeds? They’re at a higher risk. Spotting these symptoms early can help you get your dog medical help before it spirals into something much worse, like paralysis.
Key Intros
- Early red flags: limping, weak legs, being slow or hesitant, and pain signs like whimpering or panting
- Losing bladder or bowel control is an emergency—get to a vet ASAP
- Long-backed breeds are more likely to have issues, but knowing what to watch for can help prevent lasting problems
How Common Is IVDD In Canines?
Herniated discs are the most common spinal cord problem vets see in dogs. Sometimes the disc bulges out slowly, other times it ruptures all at once—it’s not always predictable.
If a disc herniates, it presses on the spinal cord, causing pain and sometimes messing with the nerves that control movement and sensation.
There are two main types of disc herniation:
- Type I: The disc material breaks through and quickly puts pressure on the spinal cord
- Type II: The disc bulges out gradually and causes slower, ongoing pressure
Where the disc is matters—a neck injury can mess with all four legs, while a lower back issue usually just affects the hind legs.
How Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Starts
IVDD symptoms start when those discs can’t cushion the spine anymore. The spinal cord gets squeezed, swelling kicks in, and nerves get damaged. Not fun.
This swelling only makes things worse, and the longer the pressure continues, the more likely it is for nerves to take a hit.
Symptoms depend on how bad things get:
- Grade 1: Just pain, but your dog can walk like normal
- Grade 2: Some weakness, but still walking
- Grade 3: Can’t walk, but can move legs
- Grade 4: Paralyzed, but toes still feel pain
- Grade 5: Paralyzed with no feeling in the toes
Dogs can go from mild to severe symptoms shockingly fast. Sometimes there’s no warning at all. If you wait too long, the damage can stick around for good.
When the spinal cord is compressed, blood flow drops off, and nerves just can’t do their thing—or heal—like they should.
What Dog Breeds Are Most At Risk Of Herniated Disc Issues?
Some breeds are just built in a way that makes them more likely to have disc problems. If your dog’s got a long back and short legs, pay extra attention.
Breeds most at risk:
- Dachshunds
- French Bulldogs
- Beagles
- Shih Tzus
- Pekingese
These breeds can start showing disc issues pretty young. Their spines just aren’t built for the long haul, unfortunately.
Age matters, but honestly, breed is the bigger factor. Some dogs start having trouble at just 3-6 years old.
Other things that make disc problems more likely:
- Carrying extra weight
- Lots of jumping off furniture or stairs
- Genetics—if it runs in the family, be on the lookout
Active dogs might wear down their discs over time, but sometimes, all it takes is one wrong move. It’s not always about being rough and tumble.
Male dogs seem to get IVDD a bit more than females. And if your dog’s had one herniated disc? There’s a decent chance it could happen again somewhere else.
Early Warning Signs of a Herniated Disc
Dogs with disc problems usually start out with little pain signals before things really go downhill. If you notice your dog moving weird, standing oddly, or flinching when touched, don’t brush it off.
#1 – Obvious Back or Neck Pain
Most dogs with herniated discs will show signs of discomfort, sometimes mild, sometimes pretty intense. Sometimes the pain comes on suddenly, sometimes it creeps up.
Things to watch for:
- Crying out when you pick them up
- Whimpering when moving
- Not wanting to be petted along the back
- Trembling or shaking
- Panting for no obvious reason
You might see your dog arching their back or holding their head at a weird angle. They’re just trying to avoid pain.
Dogs often make noise when their back hurts. Even just walking or lying down can set them off.
Some dogs get really sensitive to touch—places that never bothered them before suddenly make them snap or yelp.
#2 – Changes in Posture or Movement
IVDD can really mess with how a dog moves. They’ll often stop moving the way they used to.
Movement changes you might spot:
- Stiff, slow walking
- Refusing to climb stairs
- Won’t jump on furniture anymore
- Short, choppy steps
- Wobbly or shaky gait
You might catch your dog standing with a hunched back or holding their neck stiff—anything to avoid hurting more.
It’s common for dogs to suddenly stop jumping up on beds or couches. Stairs might become a no-go, too.
#3 – Changes in Posture or Movement
IVDD can really mess with how a dog moves. They’ll often stop moving the way they used to.
Movement changes you might spot:
- Stiff, slow walking
- Refusing to climb stairs
- Won’t jump on furniture anymore
- Short, choppy steps
- Wobbly or shaky gait
You might catch your dog standing with a hunched back or holding their neck stiff—anything to avoid hurting more.
It’s common for dogs to suddenly stop jumping up on beds or couches. Stairs might become a no-go, too.
How Do Vets Diagnose Canine Herniated Disc Problems
Veterinarians rely on hands-on exams and advanced imaging to figure out herniated disc symptoms in dogs. Getting an accurate diagnosis means combining a physical checkup with imaging to see exactly how bad the intervertebral disc disease is.
Physical and Neurological Examinations
Veterinary neurologists usually start with a detailed physical and neurological exam when a dog shows possible signs of a herniated disc. They’ll pay attention to posture, how the dog moves, and how it reacts to gentle pressure along the back.
Testing reflexes in all four limbs is standard. Vets look at muscle strength and coordination, watching how the dog stands and walks—sometimes it’s subtle, but it can be telling.
Key things vets look for:
- Spinal alignment and any odd curves
- Pain or flinching when certain vertebrae are touched
- Reflexes and sensation in the legs
- Muscle tone and strength
They’ll also check if the dog can feel light touches on the toes. This helps grade the severity of the disc problem.
Owners get asked about recent changes in behavior or movement. Knowing when things started can really help piece together what’s going on.
Imaging Techniques: X-rays, MRI, and CT Scans
Once a physical exam points to disc disease, imaging is the next step. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing a herniated disc in dogs—nothing else quite matches it.
Standard X-rays can show bones but not much about the discs or spinal cord. They’re useful for ruling out fractures or bone tumors, but if you’re after soft tissue detail, they’re just not enough.
Why MRI is so useful:
- Pinpoints exactly where the disc is herniated
- Shows if the spinal cord is being squeezed
- Reveals how much nerve damage there is
- Helps rule out other neurological problems
If you suspect your dog maybe be showing signs of disc pain, the sooner you act the better your outcome can be. Seek medical attention with your Vet so you can be sure what is causing the issues.
Therapeutic Beds For Dogs With Symptoms Of Slipped Discs
Dogs with slipped discs need extra support when they sleep. The right bed can really help with pain and healing, even if it seems like a small thing.
Memory foam beds are a top pick for dogs with disc issues. They mold to the dog’s body and help spread out weight, which just feels better on a sore back.
Orthopedic beds are another good option. They help keep the spine straight while the dog rests.
Key Features to Look For
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Memory foam | Reduces pressure points |
| Firm support | Keeps spine aligned |
| Low height | Easy entry and exit |
| Washable cover | Keeps bed clean |