By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A Dachshund who suddenly yelps when picked up, refuses to climb stairs, or starts knuckling over on a back paw may have a slipped disc. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common cause of spinal cord injury in dogs. Some dogs have only back pain; others lose the use of their legs within hours. The speed of treatment can affect whether a dog walks again, so this is a condition where waiting to see is risky. A more detailed companion page is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs.
Key takeaways
- IVDD happens when a disc between the vertebrae bulges or ruptures and presses on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Chondrodystrophic breeds such as Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Beagles, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Corgis are at much higher risk, often from three to seven years of age.
- Signs range from back or neck pain to wobbliness, weakness, paralysis, and loss of bladder control.
- Any dog that suddenly cannot walk, is dragging its legs, or cannot urinate needs emergency care.
- Treatment may be strict rest and medication or surgery, depending on severity. Rehabilitation helps recovery.
What is happening in disc disease
Discs sit between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. Each has a tough outer ring and a softer centre. In chondrodystrophic breeds, discs degenerate early and harden, so the centre can burst through the outer ring suddenly (often called Hansen type I disease). In older, larger dogs, discs may bulge slowly over time (Hansen type II). Either way, disc material pushes on the spinal cord, causing pain and loss of function below the injury.
Signs to watch for
Neck disc disease:
- Holding the head low, reluctance to look up or turn
- Crying out when touched or lifted
- Muscle spasms in the neck, shaking
- Wobbliness in all four legs
Back disc disease:
- Hunched back, tense belly, trembling
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or move
- Wobbly or weak back legs, knuckling over on the paws
- Dragging the back legs or being unable to stand
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Back pain can be mistaken for tummy pain, so a dog that is hunched and trembling should be checked.
When it is an emergency
Go to an emergency veterinary hospital straight away if your dog:
- Suddenly cannot walk, or is dragging one or both back legs
- Is knuckling over or stumbling badly
- Cannot urinate or is leaking urine
- Has severe neck or back pain and is crying out
- Gets worse over minutes to hours
Keep your dog as still as possible. Carry small dogs flat with support under the chest and hips, and use a board or a firm blanket for larger dogs. Do not give human pain relief. See pain medication for dogs for why.
How vets diagnose disc disease
A vet will perform a neurological examination, checking reflexes, paw placement, pain response, and whether the dog can feel its toes. This helps grade severity and locate the problem. X-rays may show narrowed disc spaces or calcified discs but cannot show the spinal cord. MRI or CT is needed to see exactly where the disc material is pressing, and is usually done at a referral hospital if surgery is being considered. Your vet will also consider other causes such as spinal infection, stroke-like events (fibrocartilaginous embolism), fractures, and tumours. Conditions such as wobbler syndrome can also look similar.
Treatment, in overview
Conservative care is often used for dogs with pain only or mild weakness. It typically involves strict crate rest for several weeks, pain relief and anti-inflammatories chosen by the vet, and a gradual return to activity. Rest is the part owners find hardest, and it matters a great deal.
Surgery to remove disc material is often recommended for dogs that cannot walk, dogs with repeated episodes, or dogs that do not improve with rest. Outcomes are generally better when surgery is performed promptly in dogs that still have deep pain sensation.
Rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, supports recovery after either approach. Some dogs that do not regain full function live well with assistance, including mobility carts.
Long-term care and prevention
- Keep your dog lean, which reduces strain on the spine.
- Use ramps or steps for couches and cars, and limit jumping from heights.
- Use a harness rather than a collar, especially for dogs with neck disc disease.
- Support the chest and hindquarters when lifting.
- Encourage regular, moderate exercise to keep core muscles strong.
- Watch closely for recurrence, which is common in high-risk breeds.
FAQ
Can a dog recover from disc disease without surgery?
Many dogs with mild signs recover with strict rest and medication. Dogs that cannot walk usually have a better chance with prompt surgery.
How long is crate rest?
Commonly around four to six weeks, but your vet will set the plan. Short, controlled toilet breaks on a lead are usually part of it.
Will it happen again?
Recurrence is possible, especially in Dachshunds and other high-risk breeds. Weight control and avoiding jumping help reduce the risk.
Talk with a vet
If your dog seems sore in the back or neck and you are unsure how urgent it is, our vets can assess the signs with you by video. Book a consult at dialavet.com. If your dog cannot walk, is dragging its legs, or cannot urinate, go to an emergency vet hospital now.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Intervertebral Disc Disease in Animals.
- Moore SA, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on diagnosis and management of acute canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2024.
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Intervertebral Disc Disease.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If your pet cannot walk or is in severe pain, contact a veterinary hospital immediately.
