IVDD or Disc Extrusion

IVDD stands for intervertebral disc disease. Intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae of the spine and act as cushions that allow the spine to flex, extend, twist, and act as shock absorbers. However, the discs in dogs with IVDD will calcify and harden, making them far less efficient in this respect and likely lead to damage that will impact the spinal cord.

There are different types of disc disease, the main types being the disc extrusion and disc protrusion. If we imagine the disc as a jam doughnut. The disc consists of the fibrous outer rim, the annulus fibrosis (the dough), and a jelly like centre known

as the nucleus pulposis (the jam). In cases of disc extrusion, pressure is applied to the disc (which, remember, is now no longer cushion

like, so the impact is not absorbable) and the 'dough' tears and the 'jam' oozes out. Unfortunately this is in an upwards direction which

leads to the 'jam' pressing on the spinal cord, thus impacting the dog in cases that range from pain to paralysis. This type of disc

disease is acute onset.

The other type of disc disease we often see is protrusion, which is where the annulus fibrosis itself bulges and presses on the spinal cord. Sometimes this will tear and a fragment then extrudes to press into the spinal cord. In most cases this often presents acutely, however sometimes it progresses slowly.

Depending on severity, surgical intervention may be necessary, however less severe cases might be managed conservatively for a time. Post surgery physiotherapy and hydrotherapy is essential in regaining control in the hind limbs or any affected area. Hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial as it not only encourages gait reeducation and muscle growth, but the sensations provided by the water help to rebuild neuropathways and thus rebuild sensory awareness and proprioception.