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Understanding intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs and cats

Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Key symptoms Back or neck pain, wobbliness, weakness, trouble walking, yelping when touched, hunched back, in severe cases paralysis or loss of bladder or bowel control
CommonalityModerate
TransmissionNot contagious
Impact on healthMedium to High
Treatment cost~$3,000 to $8,000 AUD (varies)
Treatment durationWeeks to months depending on severity
Ease of preventionMedium

Most affected dog breeds

  • Dachshunds
  • Beagles
  • Cocker Spaniels
  • Basset Hounds

Most affected cat breeds

  • Persians
  • British Shorthairs

What is Intervertebral Disc Disease

  • For the Non-Vets:

Think of each disc like a jelly doughnut between two bones in the spine. With IVDD, the “jelly” can bulge or burst, pressing on nerves and causing pain or weakness. It is more common in dogs, particularly those with long backs, and less common in cats.

  • The Vet’s Version:

IVDD happens when the discs between the vertebrae degenerate and may bulge or herniate. This puts pressure on the spinal cord, leading to pain, weakness, and neurological symptoms such as wobbliness or paralysis.

Key takeaways

  • IVDD affects the discs between the bones of the spine and can be painful.
  • Early vet care is important. Tests such as X-rays or MRI help determine where and how bad it is.
  • Treatment can include rest, medication, or surgery depending on severity.
  • Pain control, rest, and small lifestyle changes help pets recover more comfortably.
  • Prevention focuses on healthy weight, gentle exercise, and careful handling, especially for at-risk breeds.
  • Some breeds are genetically more prone to IVDD. Knowing your pet’s risk helps you act early.

Importance for pet owners

Recognising IVDD early and getting veterinary help quickly can make a big difference. Some pets recover with rest and medication, while others may need surgery. Older pets and certain breeds such as Dachshunds and Beagles, or cats like Persians and British Shorthairs, are more at risk, so early care is key.

The slightly more scientific explanation of IVDD

The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. Between them are discs that act as cushions, with a soft gel-like center (the nucleus pulposus) and a tougher outer layer (the annulus fibrosus). When a disc becomes damaged, it can bulge or rupture and press on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. This pressure causes pain, weakness, or even paralysis.

  • Hansen Type 1: In this type, the gel-like center hardens and suddenly bursts through the outer layer, pressing on the spinal cord. It is common in breeds such as Dachshunds and Beagles that have short legs and long backs. Signs often appear quickly and can be severe.
  • Hansen Type 2: Here, the outer layer weakens slowly over time, causing a gradual bulge that presses on the spinal cord. It is more common in middle-aged or older pets and develops more gradually than Type 1.
  • Hansen Type 2: This type is usually caused by sudden trauma or intense activity. The inner disc material bursts out rapidly and injures the spinal cord. It can happen to any breed or age.

IVDD Causes in pets

Age and genetics

As pets age, their discs lose flexibility and become more likely to rupture. Some breeds inherit a higher risk. Knowing your pet’s breed risk can help you watch for signs early.

Trauma and disc rupture

Falls, rough play, or sudden twisting can damage discs. If your pet yelps, suddenly becomes wobbly, or refuses to move, see your vet urgently.

Breed predisposition

Dogs with long backs and short legs such as Dachshunds and Basset Hounds are more likely to develop IVDD. Regular vet checks and careful handling can reduce risk.

Symptoms of IVDD

Common symptoms:

  • Yelping or signs of pain in the back or neck
  • Hunched posture or reluctance to move
  • Stiffness or awkward movement
  • Muscle spasms along the back or neck
  • Behaviour changes such as quietness or irritability

Neurological signs:

  • Wobbliness or dragging paws
  • Weakness or paralysis, often in the back legs first
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases

Additional signs:

  • Changes in walking style or posture
  • Sudden worsening of symptoms should be treated as an emergency

Diagnosis of Entropion

Physical and neurological examination

Your vet will check for pain, reflexes, and coordination to determine which part of the spine may 
be affected.

Imaging techniques

  • X-rays: Show changes between vertebrae but not soft tissue.
  • Myelogram or CT scan: Use contrast dye or cross-section images to find compression.
  • MRI: The most accurate test for IVDD. It shows discs, nerves, and spinal cord clearly.

Importance of accurate diagnosis

Getting the correct diagnosis helps your vet choose the best treatment plan and prevent further injury. It also avoids unnecessary procedures and speeds up recovery.

Treatment options: Non-surgical care

  • Medical management

Mild cases may be treated with rest, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory medication. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed. Your vet may recommend short, gentle rehabilitation exercises once pain improves.

  • Physical therapy

Physical therapy such as hydrotherapy or gentle exercises can improve flexibility, build strength, and reduce pain. Your vet or animal physiotherapist can tailor a plan for your pet.

  • Controlled exercise

Once your vet advises it is safe, short on-lead walks and low-impact activities can help recovery. Avoid running, jumping, or stairs until cleared by your vet.

  • Crate rest

Strict crate rest prevents further damage and gives the spine time to heal. The crate should be comfortable, large enough for your pet to stand and turn, with soft bedding and quiet surroundings.

Treatment options: Surgical solutions

Surgery may be needed to remove disc material that is pressing on the spinal cord.

  • When surgery is recommended

Surgery is usually recommended for severe cases, especially when:

  • Pain is extreme or worsening
  • The pet becomes weak or paralysed
  • Rest and medication have not helped

Delaying surgery in these cases can cause permanent damage.

  • Post-Surgery care

After surgery, rest and limited activity are crucial. Pain medication and physical therapy are usually part of recovery. The vet will give detailed instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress.

  • Benefits of surgery

Surgery can relieve pressure on the spinal cord, improve nerve function, and restore mobility. In severe cases, it often provides the best chance of long-term recovery.

Cost of treatment for IVDD

  • Total range: About $3,000 to $8,000 including imaging and aftercare
  • Surgery: $1,500 to $4,000 depending on complexity
  • Post-op care: Varies with recovery time

Costs vary by clinic and region. Pet insurance can significantly help to cover eligible emergency surgery and hospitalisation costs.

Prevention strategies
for IVDD

Regular exercise

Gentle daily exercise helps strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Avoid overexertion or rough play.

Healthy weight management

Extra weight puts pressure on the back and increases IVDD risk. Keep your pet at an ideal weight with a balanced diet and regular checkups.

Proper support

Use ramps or steps instead of letting pets jump from high surfaces. When lifting, support both the chest and back end to reduce strain.

Breed awareness

If your dog or cat is a high-risk breed, take extra care with stairs, jumping, and rough play. Regular vet checks can detect early signs.

Getting IVDD covered with pet insurance

What is Petsy Pet Insurance?

Petsy reimburses 80% or 90% of eligible vet costs for unexpected injuries or illnesses after any applicable exclusion period. You can customise your policy by choosing your annual limit, benefit percentage, and excess. Claims are simple and can be submitted by your vet. Petsy also offers a complimentary Pre-Existing Condition Assessment to help you understand coverage upfront.

What is a pre-existing symptom or condition?

Any signs or symptoms of an illness or health issue your pet shows before the exclusion period is over are considered pre-existing symptoms and conditions and won’t be covered. 

IVDD is a Specified Condition that has a 6 month exclusion period. Once this period has passed with no signs or symptoms, it may be covered if it is not 
pre-existing.

Does Petsy cover IVDD?

Yes, Petsy covers eligible costs for IVDD as long as it’s not pre-existing and no signs or symptoms of IVDD appeared during the exclusion period. Starting your policy early ensures your pet is protected before any symptoms arise.

How Petsy Pet Insurance can help with IVDD?

Starting cover before any signs or symptoms appear gives you the best chance of protection. IVDD can happen suddenly, so having coverage in place early can help you with the unexpected costs of diagnostics, surgery, and recovery care.

qet a quote now

Waiver form

You can apply to reduce the 6 month exclusion period for Specified Conditions including IVDD.

How to apply:

  1. Complete Part 1 of the Waiver Form.
  2. Have your vet complete Part 2 after examining your pet
  3. Send the form and full vet history to us within 14 days.
  4. We will review it and issue an updated Certificate of Insurance if 
the reduction applies.

The Waiver Form is available under Policy Documents on our website or by contacting our team.

Waiver form

Final remarks

If your pet shows back or neck pain, stiffness, or weakness, contact your vet quickly. Many pets recover well with timely treatment. Keeping your pet lean, avoiding jumping, and providing the right support can all reduce risk. Taking out pet insurance early can help to reimburse you for eligible costs if IVDD develops later in life.

Frequently asked questions about IVDD

IVDD happens when a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, pressing on nerves and causing pain, weakness, or paralysis. It is more common in long-backed breeds.

Look for pain, yelping when touched, stiffness, reluctance to move, or wobbliness. In serious cases, your pet may drag its legs or lose bladder control.

Mild cases may improve with rest, medication, and physical therapy. Severe cases often need surgery.

Yes. Keep your pet’s weight healthy, avoid stairs and high jumps, use ramps, and support your pet’s back when lifting.

Yes. Some breeds such as Dachshunds, Beagles, and Corgis are more prone due to their body shape. Knowing your pet’s breed risk helps with early detection and prevention.

Specified Conditions includes:

  • Cruciate ligament damage
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Cherry eye
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion,
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (‘OCD’)
  • Lumps

Lumps means the protuberance or localised area of swelling or unusual growth that can occur anywhere on or in the body including tumours, warts, cysts, growths, mucoceles, haematomas and abscesses.

You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our request for Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and submit the completed form back to [email protected] within 14 days of the visit.

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Optional Extra Benefits

During the application process You will be provided with the option to include Optional Extra Benefits that cover certain conditions and Treatments which are not otherwise covered under the Policy.

The Optional Extra Benefits are:

Alternative Therapies, Behavioural Problems, and Dental Illness.

Examples of Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy.

Examples of Behavioural Problems: Excessive licking, fur pulling, pacing and destructive chewing.

Examples of Dental Illnesses: Dental diseases, gingivitis, periodontal disease.