All You Need to Know About IVDD

Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) is a spinal disease we see frequently here at My Pet Nutritionist. It is a painful and complex disease, and in this blog post we will discuss what the intervertebral discs are, what IVDD is, causes, symptoms and diagnosis, as well as conventional treatment often recommended, and natural support options that can be used alongside conventional treatment.

The spine consists of vertebrae (small bones through which the spinal cord passes through, giving structure and spinal cord protection), and intervertebral discs, which are located between each vertebrae. The outside of the discs is made from a fibrous collagen, and is called the Annulus Fibrosus. It’s role is to protect the core of the disc, and anchor the disc to the vertebrae. The inside, or core, of each disc is a soft, water based substance called the nucleus pulposus. It is made of around 66-86% water, as well as proteoglycans which enable the core to retain water. The role of the core of the discs is as a shock absorber for spinal protection.

This disease can be chronic or acute. in acute IVDD (known as Type I), the intervertebral discs will suddenly rupture in at least one area of the spine. This type is very common in chondrodystrophic breeds of dog (with long backs and short legs) like the Dachshund. In chronic cases (known as Type II), the discs will gradually bulge or degenerate, which is most commonly seen in older individuals, and larger dogs due to the added pressure of weight distribution over the spine.

The breeds most commonly affected by IVDD are Dachshunds (all sizes and coat types), French Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles, and German Shepherds. German Shepherds typically suffer Type 2.

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Causes and Symptoms

There are various potential causes of IVDD; some avoidable, others not. Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons a dog may get IVDD:

• Genetic Predisposition: congenital cartilage abnormalities in some breeds lead to early degeneration of the discs. This combined with the shape of the dog (often long in the body but short in the leg) is a recipe for the onset of IVDD.
• Trauma: particularly common in the predisposed breeds, but possible to happen to any breed, trauma is a massive risk to spinal health. From jumping too high or awkwardly, to falling over or twisting suddenly, injuries and trauma are leading causes of IVDD.
• Age-related degeneration: when a dog ages, the intervertebral discs tend to reduce water retention in the nucleus pulposus, which leaves the disc more vulnerable to bulging or complete herniation.
• Being overweight: when a dog is overweight, additional strain is added to the spine, which in turn puts pressure on the discs, causing them to bulge.
• Lack of muscle conditioning: when the muscles in the abdomen and around the spine are weak, the spine itself lacks support, so the discs are more likely to rupture or bulge.

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Findings Here

The symptoms you may see in your pet range from mild to moderate to severe. Here are symptoms in each ‘category’:

Mild symptoms, or early symptoms, include:

• Discomfort in the back or neck: the dog may walk a little differently, or be less willing to move, or slower to get up from a laying or sitting position
• Change in posture: arching of the back, or stiffness may be seen
• Spinal sensitivity: when touched on the spine, your dog may show signs of pain
• Trembling: pain can show as a shivering motion
• Lack of appetite: a dog in pain will often lose appetite
• Changes in behaviour: pain can cause a dog to become agitated

Moderate symptoms include:

• Limb weakness: this can be in one or more than one limb
• Nail scuffing: back feet may be dragged a little, causing the top of the claws to scrape on the ground
• Ataxia: stumbling or difficulty walking can be a sign of spinal issues
• Lack of coordination: dogs typically walk in a bilateral pattern. Dogs suffering with IVDD may not be able to keep to this pattern

Severe symptoms can include:

• Complete inability to stand or walk: often due to pain, and damaged nerves
• Loss of feeling in limbs
• Poor bladder control: when the discs bulging press on the spinal cord, the bladder may lose control
• Complete paralysis: the dog is unable to move at all

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Diagnosis

When a veterinarian diagnoses IVDD, they will follow two separate pathways of testing; one to check the physical health of the spine, and the other to check for neurological symptoms.

During the initial pain and neurological assessment, the spine will be palpated in order to detect areas of pain. Reflexes will be checked, along with coordination, hind and forelimb strength, and awareness of the limbs as some individuals become confused as to where their limbs are/how they’re working.

During the next part of the diagnosis process involves imaging. X-rays will often be carried out to rule out fractures in other parts of the body which may give the same symptoms as IVDD. The spinal cord and discs are not easy to examine via X-ray, so an MRI will be carried out to get a better understanding of the dog’s spinal health. Some vets may favour a CT scan, but both a CT and MRI scan will give the same view in IVDD cases.

Using the results from the above tests, the vet will grade the IVDD on a scale of 1 being mild pain to 5 being paralysis, often with no pain perception.

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Conventional Treatment

As with the aforementioned aspects of IVDD, there are two different treatment options, which will be decided between depending on the severity of the individual case. No two cases are the same so it is important to follow your vet’s recommendations!

Those with low grade IVDD may be able to be treated using conservative management. This is the non-surgical route, and can also be used long term by those requiring surgery to reduce the risk of a further IVDD flare. Conservative management techniques often recommended by vets and vet specialists include:

• Strict crate rest: the dog is confined to a crate or very small area whereby he/she cannot walk/move around. The dog is to be taken out for short toilet breaks, on lead or if small enough, be carried to a suitable area. This is generally for 4-6 weeks, and may allow disc stabilization.
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatories: pain control medication will be prescribed. Some individuals find relief from NSAID medications, others require stronger pain management.
• Muscle relaxant medications: in order to relax the muscles that are incorrectly holding the spine in the wrong position, or have been affected by inflammation from the bulging discs, relaxant drugs may be provided.
• Physiotherapy: working with a qualified physiotherapist can help your pet to regain strength and train the correct muscles to help keep the discs in the correct position.

Those with higher graded IVDD will often require surgery. The surgery is typically classed as an emergency as these dogs will have a very poor quality of life, and be in severe pain. If not treated as an emergency, the long term affects may cause complete paralysis. The surgery carried out will be one of two procedures; Hemilaminectomy or Ventral Slot. The exact procedure performed depends on the location of the affected disc(s). during these procedures, disc material that is pressing on the spinal cord will be removed. The success rate of these surgeries is relatively high, but is definitely more successful in those who have not yet lost their deep pain sensation. Post operative rehabilitation is incredibly important, and can include physiotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy.

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Findings Here
Findings Here

Natural Support for IVDD

As always, our approach is often supported by veterinary care, so we tend to look at this as a complementary approach as opposed to alternative. Here’s our top tips to support your pet naturally:

When it comes to tweaking the diet for those at risk of, with history of or suffering with IVDD, a low fat diet may be preferable as it is very important to keep the body lean. The lighter the dog, the less pressure on the joints and spine. Overweight dogs are more at risk of high grade IVDD than ideal or slightly underweight dogs.

Feeding fresh food is ideal for those with IVDD as it doesn’t contain large amounts of carbohydrates, and isn’t ultra-processed. Carbohydrates are typically inflammatory, and ultra-processed foods are inherently inflammatory.      Feeding high quality proteins aids muscle repair.



Try to include plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin rich foods as these help to keep joints and the spine supple.

There are lots of supplements and nutrients you may wish to add to your dog’s meals to recue the risk of IVDD, or support those with it. Some of the supplements we recommend for joint health include:

• Omega 3: omega 3 is anti-inflammatory which is essential in these dogs. Our carnivorous pets’ meaty diet is naturally high in omega 6 which is inflammatory, so balancing this out with omega 3 is important.
• Green lipped mussel (GLM): these mussels from New Zealand are joint-friendly powerhouses! They have excellent anti-inflammatory properties and target joints, keeping them supple.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin: these nutrients are very supportive of disc tissues and cartilage.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): another ingredient typically found in joint support, MSM can help reduce inflammation and benefit connective tissues.
• Collagen: collagen supports connective tissues. Try offering your dog some bone broth – it’s full of collagen and holds hosts of nutritional benefits!
• Vitamin B Complex: methylated Vitamin B (methylation makes it bio-available) can support nerve function, so is particularly beneficial in the recovery of IVDD.
• Turmeric: turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin which has incredibly potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Once home from the vet, you will need to make a variety of lifestyle and exercise changes. In the home you will need to fashion stable ramps to get on and off furniture – chat to your local carpenter as many will custom make these to your specifications! Do not allow your pet to jump on or off furniture, up or down the stairs, or in and out the car! Investing in a supportive orthopedic dog bed is highly beneficial too, to allow for proper spinal support when asleep. When exercising, keep your dog’s exercise low impact. Avoid ball chasing, twisting and turning directions sharply etc. When walking, use a harness instead of a collar to take pressure off the spine and neck. Attending regular physiotherapy appointments will be greatly beneficial, and keeping these exercises going at home is the best thing you can do for your dog!

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Findings Here

If your pet has or has had IVDD, using a combined approach of conventional treatment with natural support can benefit your dog. If your pet is at risk of IVDD, we hope this blog post has helped you understand more about it, and you can now implement some techniques to reduce the risk. If you feel you would benefit from dietary or lifestyle advice, please don’t hesitate to contact our team!



Team MPN x