Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral disk disease is a syndrome which can affect both canines and felines and is especially prevalent in breeds such as dachshunds and beagles.  

The syndrome is characterized by a progressive change in the disk material, including dehydration and mineralization/calcification, between adjacent vertebral bodies of the spinal column.  As a result, the material can no longer provide resistance to compressive forces and there is subsequent weakening of the supportive structure of the disk leading to rupture into the spinal canal.  This can lead to varying degrees of spinal cord dysfunction from spinal pain to complete paralysis.  

Treatment of the condition through medical management and occasionally surgical intervention is aimed at alleviating the clinical signs associated with spinal cord compression.  Surgical intervention includes advanced diagnostic imaging of the spinal canal with the use of myelograms, CT scans, or MRI’s often followed by decompressive surgery to remove the material from the spinal canal. 

The prognosis can be extremely good depending on the degree of neurological compromise.  Evaluation by a veterinarian is imperative due to the rapid progression and deterioration of neurological function in some cases.