IVDD in dogs
What is IVDD?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a degenerative spinal condition that results in the compression of the spinal cord.1 The intervertebral discs allow for spinal movement and act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. If the disc degenerates or is damaged in any manner, it may bulge and exert pressure on the spinal cord and/or the roots of the spinal nerves that emerge from the sides of the spine.
There are two types of IVDD. Hansen Type I is more common in small, short-legged breeds and occurs when the disc material hardens, pressing on the dog’s spinal column and causing a slipped disc.2 Hansen type II is a gradual degeneration of the discs, leading to chronic spinal cord injury over time. They are more commonly seen in large breed dogs or older dogs, usually causing pain in the lumbar (lower back) area of a dog.
What causes IVDD in dogs?
Several factors contribute to the development of IVDD, including:2
- Genetics: Some dogs are born with a predisposition to IVDD due to their breed and body structure.
- Age: IVDD, especially type II, is commonly found in older dogs, especially those with a very active lifestyle.
- Weight: Overweight small dog breeds run more danger since the extra weight might strain their spine and aggravate inflammation.
- Activity and lifestyle: Particularly in tiny dog breeds with short legs, trauma to the back or too frequent jumping can cause or aggravate IVDD.
- Disc degeneration: Your pet’s spinal discs will gradually lose their cushioning capacity as they age, increasing their vulnerability to damage.
Dog breeds prone to IVDD
If you own a dog breed prone to IVDD, being proactive about preventative care, weight management and healthy exercise routines will greatly lower your pet’s IVDD risk.
Knowing how to spot the signs of IVDD, available treatment options and types of insurance cover can enable you to decide what is best for your animal friend.
Dog breeds that are most affected by IVDD include:3
Dachshunds- French Bulldogs
- Corgis
- Beagles
- Shih Tzus
- Lhasa Apsos
- Pekingese
- Cocker Spaniels
- Basset hound
- Poodles
- German Shepherds
- Labradors
- Labrador retrievers
- Doberman Pinschers.
Does pet insurance cover IVDD?
Yes, many pet insurance plans cover IVDD treatment. However, the level of cover depends on the provider, the type of policy and whether IVDD is considered a pre-existing condition. Generally, comprehensive accident and illness plans may cover diagnostics, surgery, medications and rehabilitation, while basic accident-only plans typically don’t cover IVDD.
IVDD treatment can be costly, and having pet insurance can make a huge difference, especially if your dog is one of the breeds prone to IVDD. Do note that pre-existing conditions are not covered in most pet insurance policies, so if your dog is diagnosed with IVDD before you take out a policy, its treatment won’t be covered. To ensure your dog is covered, get insurance early while they’re still young and healthy.
Not all pet insurance policies are the same, so it’s worth shopping around and comparing providers. Depending on what your pet needs, some policies even include treatments such as hydrotherapy or acupuncture, which can help with IVDD recovery.
Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to understand what is and isn’t covered in your insurance policy and to ensure that the policy is the right fit for you.
More about IVDD in dogs
Is IVDD in dogs a genetic condition?
IVDD has a significant hereditary component, especially in chondrodystrophic breeds.2 Before purchasing a dog, especially a dog breed prone to IVDD, do your research. Always select a responsible breeder who does genetic testing and is Right Paw certified.
How is IVDD in dogs diagnosed?
Bring your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect that they may have IVDD. The sooner IVDD is diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery. Veterinary hospitals have diagnostic imaging equipment, such as X-rays and CT scans, to take radiographs and check for disc herniation.2
Symptoms of IVDD in dogs
The symptoms of IVDD in each dog may vary depending on the severity of their condition. If your dog shows signs of back pain, reluctance to move, wobbliness (especially in their hind limbs), lameness, limping or urinary incontinence, get them checked as soon as possible. Early treatment can make all the difference in their recovery.
How is IVDD in dogs treated?
Depending on the severity of IVDD in your dog, there are different treatment options available, ranging from conservative management and pain relief to IVDD surgery. Not every dog with IVDD needs surgery, as early intervention can often make a big difference.
For example, dogs with mild symptoms like pain or wobbliness usually respond well to crate rest, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.2 For moderate cases of IVDD where your dog is partially paralysed, they may need more intensive treatment, like rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and stronger pain management. However, dogs with a severe case of IVDD, such as paralysis, may require spinal surgery to remove the damaged disc material and help relieve pressure on the spine.1
What is the life expectancy of a dog with IVDD?
Dogs with IVDD can still live long and happy lives if they get the proper care. IVDD doesn’t automatically shorten their lifespan, but it can affect your dog’s quality of life if not managed properly.4 Many dogs with IVDD go on to live just as long as healthy dogs, especially when pain and mobility are well-managed.
Meet our pet insurance expert, Adrian Taylor
As a General Insurance expert with over 13 years’ experience in financial services, Adrian Taylor knows that dogs and cats get themselves into all sorts of mischief. One part of Adrian’s work is to help empower consumers to understand how pet insurance can help save them from exorbitant vet bills when their pet gets injured or falls ill.
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1VCA Animal Hospitals. Degenerative Disc Disease in Dogs. Accessed March 2025.
2PetMD. IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) in Dogs. Accessed March 2025.
3Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. Intervertebral disc disease. Accessed March 2025.
4Paws and More Veterinary Centre. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs: Everything you need to know. Accessed March 2025.