Is It an Emergency? Back Pain and IVDD Surgery in Pets

Back pain in dogs isn’t always a simple ache or strain. Instead, it may be the first sign of a serious underlying problem and a potential emergency requiring immediate surgery.

Here’s what you need to know about intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in pets, including how to know if your pet is in pain, when to seek emergency care, and what to expect if your pet needs surgery.

Understanding intervertebral disc disease in pets

IVDD develops when the discs or cushions between the vertebrae in your pet’s spine degenerate or herniate. This puts pressure on the spinal cord, causing mild to severe pain and disrupting nerve signaling to the brain.

Although any pet can be affected by IVDD, the condition is more common in dogs. Among dogs, long-backed breeds, including dachshunds, beagles, Basset hounds, and French bulldogs, are considered high risk.

Because IVDD is a progressive, degenerative disease, early detection is key. Recognizing back pain and seeking immediate care can improve your pet’s outcome and prevent unnecessary pain.

When is IVDD an emergency in pets?

IVDD becomes an emergency when the spinal cord is compressed by the herniated disc or disc material. In addition to excruciating pain, this can cause loss of sensation in the limbs (paralysis). When this happens, timing is critical. The sooner the compression is treated, the more likely the pet will regain function and mobility.

IVDD surgery should be performed within 24 to 72 hours of the onset of paralysis for the best chance of regaining mobility. This is because with each passing hour, spinal compression creates irreversible nerve damage. After 72 hours, the chances of a full recovery (return of mobility) are much lower.

Emergency: Signs your pet needs immediate veterinary care

Pets with back pain can develop a range of signs depending on the severity of their injury. Mild back pain signs include crying out when touched, a hunched posture, tense muscles, and reluctance to move, run, or jump. These pets should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent their condition from worsening.

Severe IVDD symptoms may appear after initial signs of back pain or can occur without warning. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet’s behavior includes:

• Sudden weakness or paralysis in the front, rear, or all four legs

• Difficulty walking or standing

• Dragging limbs or knuckling

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Severe pain

What happens during IVDD surgery for pets?

After confirming your pet’s injury, advanced imaging will be necessary to confirm its location. Herniation can occur anywhere along the spine, including the neck, mid-back (thoracic or thoraco-lumbar), and lumbar spine. This will determine what procedure is performed.

IVDD surgery involves creating a small opening in the vertebrae and removing the herniated disc material from within or around the spinal cord to relieve compression, pressure, and inflammation.

Whenever possible, surgery is recommended before pets lose the ability to walk, as early intervention greatly improves outcomes, speeds healing, and enhances comfort. That’s why prompt evaluation, even for mild back pain, is always the safest choice.

What to expect after your pet’s surgery

At the hospital

The initial post-operative period is critical, so pets are hospitalized for two to five days. This allows us to manage your pet’s pain, provide supportive nursing care, and administer gentle mobilization to stimulate nerve response.

At-home recovery

Recovery from IVDD surgery is gradual and requires patience. Depending upon the severity of the injury and how quickly surgery was performed, recovery can take a few weeks to several months.

Initially, you’ll need to strictly limit your pet’s movement to allow the spinal cord and surrounding tissues to heal properly. This means no running, jumping, or rough play. You’ll also need to manage your pet’s pain with prescribed medications. When approved by your pet’s surgeon, you can begin providing gentle exercise to promote coordination, flexibility, and strength.

Regular follow-up visits to DVSC are key to ensuring your pet’s recovery from IVDD surgery stays on track. With consistent care and attention, many pets regain enough function to enjoy their favorite activities.

Purposeful movements: Help and hope for pets with IVDD

Back pain in pets can go from mild discomfort to an urgent veterinary emergency in no time. Knowing how and when to react is key to preventing unnecessary pain and potentially irreversible paralysis.

If your pet is experiencing back pain, schedule a visit to your regular veterinarian for evaluation and guidance. Seek emergency care if you notice sudden weakness, inability to walk, severe pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control.