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The 5 Stages and Progression of IVDD

by Chris Boraas July 08, 2013

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a disease that some dogs are prone to, especially Dachshunds as we know. The disease cause the discs to get brittle from aging prematurely. Unfortunately since this is a disease, your dog may be born with it but you will not even know until they start showing signs and symptoms. The brittle discs tear instead of cushion and protect as the dog moves. This causes damage to the nerves and the spinal cord and is extremely painful. Your dog may whimper, tremble, shake, or be reluctant to move. As the damaged disc continues to provide trauma to the spinal cord loss of neurological functions (difficulty walking, bladder control, uncoordinated movement) may occur. It is of the utmost importance that you bring your dog the Vet immediately as any signs appear and crate rest your dog to limit movement and protect that spinal cord.

There are 5 stages of IVDD that we all need to be aware of:

Stage I: Mild pain and usually self-correcting in a few days

Stage II: Moderate to severe pain in the neck or low back area

Stage III: Partial paralyisis causing trouble walking and/or uncoordinated movements

Stage IV: Paralysis but with the ability to feel

Stage V: Paralysis and the loss of all feeling

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Diagram