Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) has a wide range of symptoms from mild pain and stiffness, to full on paralysis. This can make it fairly easy to overlook in the early stages, when the symptoms are less severe. However, it is of great important to learn what symptoms to look out for, especially if your dog is a predisposed breed like for example dachshunds. Knowing how to spot IVDD will give your dog a much better chance at recovering without losing their mobility as the best chances of full recovery is when the condition is treated early on!
IVDD can typically be broken down into five stages, stage 1 being the least severe and stage 5 being the most severe. Although there are five stages, IVDD does not always follow a linear pattern. This means that your dog could suddenly become stage 4 or 5 without ever showing symptoms of the first stages, or your dog could go from stage 2 to stage 5 very suddenly.
We listed all the different stages in the list below, keep in mind that each dog is unique and its symptoms might differ from the listed items.
Stage 1: Mild to moderate pain
Mild to moderate pain in the back or neck area
Dog might be less active than usual
Stiffness in the back or neck
Reluctance to move the head
Lowered head stance
Reluctance to jump up or down steps or furniture
Stage 2: Moderate to severe pain
Moderate to severe pain in the back or neck area
Dog might be less active than usual
Walking strange
Yelping and/or aggression when moved or touched
Yelping when getting up or laying down
Panting, trembling, lack of appetite
Arched (hunched) back with tense muscles
Stage 3: Ataxia (lack of coordination)
More severe pain in back or neck area
No running or jumping anymore
Partial paralysis causing trouble walking and/or uncoordinated movements
Lack of coordination in one or more limbs (ataxia)
Difficulty walking or sanding on their own
One or more paws knuckling over when standing
Dragging one or more limbs when walking
Stage 4: Paralysis (deep pain perception)
Severe pain in back or neck area
Paralysis (no voluntary movement) of affected limbs
May or may not have control of bladder and/or bowels
Reflexes are still in tact
Deep pain perception still in tact
Stage 5: Paralysis (loss of deep pain perception)
Severe pain in neck and back area
Paralysis (no voluntary movement) in affected limbs
Loss of bladder/bowel control (incontinence)
Abnormal reflexes in affected limbs
Loss of deep pain perception in affected limbs
It is of the utmost importance that you bring your dog to the vet immediately as any signs appear and crate rest your dog to limit movement and protect that spinal cord.
Your vet will help you further with determining what stage of IVDD your dog is in. Knowing this will help you and your vet to form a plan of action, and determine what treatment option is best for your situation (surgical or conservative care).
At stages 1 and 2, conservative (non-surgical) treatment is often a sensible first choice, though surgery may be indicated if the dog does not improve. At stages 3-5, surgical treatment is recommended, as it gives a better chance of a successful outcome.
Always be sure to consult with your vet immediately when your dog is presenting symptoms of IVDD, especially the more severe stages, as the faster you take action and get your dog treated, the higher chance they will have of making a full recovery!