IVDD affects approximately 2% of dogs, with Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and other chondrodystrophic breeds at highest risk. Hansen Type I (acute extrusion) causes sudden paralysis; Type II (chronic protrusion) progresses slowly. Use the Triage/Emergency Specialist for acute assessment and the Neurology Specialist for treatment guidance.
| Grade | Clinical Signs | Management |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neck/back pain only | Medical (cage rest, analgesics) |
| 2 | Ambulatory paraparesis | Medical or surgical |
| 3 | Non-ambulatory paraparesis | Surgical preferred |
| 4 | Paraplegia, deep pain present | Emergency surgery |
| 5 | Paraplegia, deep pain absent | Emergency surgery; guarded prognosis |
Deep pain perception is the critical prognostic factor. Loss of deep pain carries a 50-60% chance of recovery with surgery; delay worsens prognosis.
Medical management: strict cage rest (4-6 weeks), NSAIDs or steroids (controversial), muscle relaxants, pain control. Indicated for Grade 1-2, sometimes 3.
Surgical decompression (hemilaminectomy, ventral slot) removes extruded disc material. Indicated for Grade 3-5, especially when deep pain is absent or declining. Time to surgery matters—earlier intervention improves outcomes.
Warning: Do not allow a dog with IVDD to walk, jump, or use stairs. Strict crate rest is essential for medical management. Ignoring this can cause further extrusion and permanent paralysis.
MRI is the imaging gold standard for IVDD. Myelography or CT may be used where MRI is unavailable. Plain radiographs cannot diagnose disc extrusion.
- IVDD: chondrodystrophic breeds at risk; Hansen I (acute) vs II (chronic).
- Grade 1-2: medical; Grade 3-5: surgical consideration; Grade 4-5: emergency.
- Deep pain absent = guarded prognosis; surgery within 24-48 hrs critical.
- Strict cage rest 4-6 weeks for medical management.
- Prevent recurrence: weight management, avoid jumping, consider harness.