IVDD in Dogs

What It Is and How We Can Help

Back pain can really take the spring out of your dog’s step — and one of the most common causes we see is something called Intervertebral Disc Disease, or IVDD.

This condition can range from mild discomfort to more serious mobility issues, depending on how it presents. The important thing to know is: your dog doesn’t have to live in pain. There’s a lot we can do to help them feel better, move better, and stay mobile for as long as possible.

So what is IVDD, exactly?

Think of your dog’s spine as a column of bones (vertebrae), with little cushions — the intervertebral discs — sitting between each one. These discs act like shock absorbers, helping the spine move smoothly and comfortably.

Now imagine those discs like jelly donuts. They have a tough outer shell, and a soft, squishy centre. With IVDD, those discs become weakened over time. Sometimes, the outer layer breaks down, allowing the inner jelly to bulge out or rupture, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves.

This pressure is what causes the pain, the stiffness, and — in more severe cases — even mobility issues or paralysis.

Signs your dog might have IVDD

You’ll need a vet to make a formal diagnosis, often with help from imaging like X-rays or MRI. But here are some of the more common signs you might notice:

Stiffness or pain in the back or neck
Hunched posture
Reluctance to move or be touched
Weakness or wobbliness, especially in the back legs
Loss of coordination
Sudden anxiety or unusual behaviour
Difficulty standing, walking, or going to the toilet normally

If you’re noticing any of these, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later. The earlier we intervene, the better the outcome.

Two types of IVDD

There are two main types of IVDD — and they tend to affect dogs a little differently:

Type I IVDD

More common in dogs with short legs (like Dachshunds or Frenchies)
Happens when the outer part of the disc hardens and bursts suddenly
Often triggered by a jump, fall or twist
Tends to come on quickly and severely

Type II IVDD

More gradual onset, often in larger or older dogs
Discs slowly degenerate over time and start to bulge
Not usually linked to one single event
May start with subtle signs that worsen over time

Treatment Options: Conservative vs Surgical

Treatment will depend on how severely your dog is affected, and how quickly the signs appeared. There are two main approaches:

Surgical Intervention

If the spinal cord is being compressed, your vet or neurologist may recommend surgery to relieve that pressure. Post-op, dogs usually need rest, medication, and carefully managed rehabilitation.

Conservative Management

For less severe cases, or for dogs where surgery isn’t ideal, we use a combination of:

Targeted rehabilitation exercises
Pain management (medication, laser therapy, manual therapy, etc.)
Active rest (note: this is not the same as crate rest — your dog still needs controlled, safe movement)

Both approaches benefit hugely from a structured rehab plan.

How we support dogs with IVDD at Apollo

We don’t believe in “just rest and see how it goes.” Whether your dog has had surgery or not, we build an individual recovery programme using:

Neurodevelopmental rehab techniques – to help re-teach your dog how to coordinate and move confidently again
Strength and balance work – safely and gradually restoring function
Joint support and pain relief – through manual therapy and hydrotherapy if appropriate
Home support strategies – so you know exactly what to do between sessions

We walk the journey with you — and we’re committed to making every step count.

Let’s chat

If you’re worried about your dog’s back or have been told they might have IVDD, we’d love to help. You can speak with us directly to find out if rehab is right for your dog, or we can help guide you through the next steps in getting a diagnosis and plan in place.

Some Stories from our Pet Parents

“My Pepe is getting on in years (15 in Dec) and it’s heartbreaking to see him not being able to enjoy his walks. He has disc damage that is corrupting the nerves in his back legs. The vets are very good with pain relief but I wanted more for him. Going to Apollo has given me much hope that we may achieve a reversal good enough for him to enjoy his walks again! Heidi has been wonderful with assessment and his ongoing treatments and I’m so pleased to be a part of his recovery with home exercises she has suggested. I trust her completely with my little man and recommend anyone looking for more than medication to give them a call. Thank you guys x” – Pepe’s Mum

“Excellent set up all round. My elderly, somewhat falling apart greyhound has had superb support from Laura – not just the hydrotherapy and physiotherapy but he has also benefitted from my increased knowledge following on from being fully informed and involved in all his care decisions. Nothing has been too much trouble for Laura and there is no doubt his current wellbeing is due to the treatment and support he regularly receives.” – Badger’s Mum

“Have taken at least 3 of our dogs (2×Gsd’s, 1x pom) to Laura and the team at Apollo and can’t speak highly enough of them. There are a few hydro pools and facilities around, personally we prefer to go where there are physiotherapists on board so they can target treatment and spot any issues should they arise, Laura has a wealth of experience and a passion to keep on developing even further to offer her clients the best they possibly can. We have seen Heidi and other members of the team and are always confident in their hands. These girls are not about making money they genuinely want to get the dogs and owners on track and empower you with the exercises and a plan to be able to maintain your dog at home therefore only needing hydro/physio if necessary.
Our pup had an accident at 8 weeks if it hadn’t have been for physio/hydro he would not have recovered. Thankfully he’s as strong as an Ox and we can maintain that thanks to the education in management we had from Laura – she seems to have a knack of just being able to look and feel them and be on point in her assessment.

Our first Gsd we took to Laura was a retired police dog we had a vet referral but hadn’t had the usual diagnostic tests at that point, basically she knew exactly what was going on with him by checking him out, when we finally got the xray report it pretty much mirrored what Laura had said in her initial assessment.
So very grateful that she was able to assist us and make our lovely boy’s golden years as comfortable as possible.

Have recommended lots of friends, some travelling from the other side of London, confident that they will get the help they need. They also have a kind, patient approach putting dogs and owners at ease which makes a huge difference. Parking no problem either! Thanks again 🙏😘” – Kai’s Mum

“We’ve been rehabbing our poorly cockerpoo at Apollo for 6 weeks or so after a car accident. She’s doing fantastically well with the combination of physio and hydrotherapy and the exercises we get to do with her at home are always really well explained and supported by notes and videos. Its been great working with Laura and team there and we’re super grateful for them getting Boadhi back on her feet and loving life.” – Bodhi’s Dad

Restoring mobility, one paw at a time