Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD can affect the neck (cervical spine) or the back (thoracolumbar spine), and the signs differ by location and severity:

• Pain signs — reluctance to move, crying when picked up, hunched posture, head held low, or muscle spasm along the back or neck
• Weakness — stumbling, knuckling (walking on the top of the paw), or crossing the hind legs when walking
• Paralysis — inability to stand or walk on the hind (or all four) limbs
• Incontinence — loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to urinate at all (a urinary emergency)
• Wobbling (ataxia) — an uncoordinated, drunken gait that may come on gradually or overnight

A pet that cannot urinate needs emergency attention immediately — urinary retention causes rapid, serious complications.

Two distinct disc-disease patterns are recognized in veterinary medicine, and they tend to affect different breeds:

• Hansen Type I (chondrodystrophic breeds) — the disc center mineralizes and calcifies, then explosively herniates into the spinal canal, often causing sudden, severe signs. Most commonly seen in Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Beagles, Corgis, Basset Hounds, and Shih Tzus
• Hansen Type II (larger or older dogs) — the disc gradually bulges and protrudes over months to years, producing slower-onset weakness; common in Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and mixed large breeds
• Cats — IVDD occurs but is far less common than in dogs; older cats or those with prior trauma are most affected
• Excess body weight increases disc load; intense jumping and impact activity may accelerate degeneration in predisposed breeds

Diagnosis starts with a neurological exam to localize which part of the spine is affected and how severely. The team assesses posture, gait, limb reflexes, pain sensation, and bladder function. From there:

• Digital radiographs can reveal narrowed disc spaces, calcified discs, and vertebral changes — important clues even though X-rays do not directly show spinal cord compression
• Myelography (contrast injected around the spinal cord, then X-rayed) can outline the compression site when advanced imaging isn't immediately available
• MRI is the gold-standard for precise localization, disc characterization, and surgical planning; we coordinate referral for MRI when indicated
• Urinalysis and bladder assessment are added whenever incontinence or urinary retention is present

The neurological grade at presentation — particularly whether the pet still feels pain in the toes — is the single strongest predictor of surgical outcome and urgency.

Treatment is matched to the severity of signs and how long they have been present:

• Conservative (medical) management — strict cage rest for four to six weeks, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain control for Grade I–II cases (pain and mild weakness only). Most mildly affected dogs improve significantly if the owner can commit to genuine activity restriction
• Decompressive surgery — a hemilaminectomy (for thoracolumbar disease) or ventral slot (for cervical disease) removes the herniated disc material pressing on the spinal cord. Surgery is recommended for moderate-to-severe weakness, for any pet losing deep pain sensation, and for dogs that have failed or relapsed after conservative treatment. Speed matters: outcomes are best when surgery is performed within 24–48 hours of severe signs
• Rehabilitation — physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and bladder management support recovery whether the pet had surgery or conservative care

Any dog showing sudden hind-limb weakness, an inability to walk, or loss of bladder control warrants same-day or emergency evaluation — do not wait to see if it improves on its own. Mild back pain that has persisted more than a day or two also deserves prompt assessment, because early intervention often prevents progression to paralysis. The team at Dog & Cat Hospital Calabasas can perform the neurological exam, image the spine, and connect you with our surgical team when needed. Book an appointment or call us right away if signs are severe.