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Herniated disc in dogs

Between each vertebra there is a disc, a sort of cushion which cushions the movements of the column. When this disc deteriorates, its contents can come out and compress the spinal cord which passes just above it. Depending on the force and...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Depending on the force and speed of the compression, the dog presents with simple back pain, an unsteady gait, or sudden paralysis of the hind legs.

It is the most common neurological condition in dogs. Breeds with long backs and short legs are particularly exposed to it, often from young adulthood.

Key point

A sudden loss of use of the hindquarters is a surgical emergency: each hour of compression of the cord reduces the chances of recovery. Don’t wait until the next day, don’t “see if it goes away”.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Pain Paralysis Staggering gait Lameness Difficulty urinating Tremors Stiffness Refusing to jump or climb Refusing to move Unusual vocalising

Back or neck pain: the dog moves with a hunched back, head lowered, refuses to jump or climb stairs, screams when picked up.

Tremors, heavy breathing, refusal to move, frozen position.

Unsteady gait of the hind legs, which cross, skid or drag on the tops of the toes.

Progressive weakness then inability to stand on the hindquarters.

Complete paralysis of the hind legs, sometimes with loss of sensitivity.

Incontinence or on the contrary inability to urinate, bladder which fills without emptying.

When the hernia is in the neck, the dog holds its head stiff, groans, limps in a front limb or no longer places its paw.

Some dogs only show a change in behavior: they hide, refuse to be stroked on the back, no longer want to get on the sofa.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

In breeds with long backs, the disc transforms early: it loses its flexibility, becomes calcified, then its hard core can be suddenly expelled towards the marrow. This form often occurs suddenly, in a young adult dog, sometimes during a harmless movement.

In large dogs, wear is slower: the disc ring weakens and gradually bulges towards the marrow, causing signs which persist over weeks or months.

Trauma, a jump or a fall can trigger the expulsion of an already weakened disc, but the disc was rarely healthy before.

Excess weight and repeated stress on the spine accelerate degradation.

Breeds with a long back and short legs, in which early degeneration of the discs is a feature of the morphology and has a hereditary basis.

Young to medium adulthood for the brutal form, mature to advanced age for the progressive form of large breeds.

Excess weight, which increases the stress on the spine.

Repeated jumping from furniture, frequent going up and down stairs, carrying the dog under the stomach without supporting the hindquarters.

History of herniated disc: a dog who has had one can have one again at another level of the spine.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian performs a complete neurological examination: he evaluates the dog's walking, reflexes, limb sensitivity and ability to urinate. This examination makes it possible to locate the level of the lesion on the spine and to assess its severity.

It checks in particular the presence or absence of perception of deep pain in the posterior: this is the most important element for the prognosis and emergency.

X-rays rule out a fracture or other spinal disease, but they do not show the herniated disc or marrow.

Only magnetic resonance imaging or, failing that, computed tomography can accurately visualize the compression and prepare for surgery.

An analysis of the fluid surrounding the marrow may be performed in certain situations to rule out inflammation or infection.

Treatment

The choice depends on the severity of the neurological signs and their speed of onset.

When the dog has only moderate pain or weakness and is still walking, treatment without surgery can be tried: strict rest in a cage or confined space for several weeks, without exception, combined with painkillers and anti-inflammatories prescribed by the veterinarian. Rest is not a supplement, it is the treatment itself.

In the event of paralysis, rapid deterioration or failure of medical treatment, surgery is indicated: it consists of opening an access in the vertebra to remove the material which is compressing the marrow. It must be carried out as soon as possible.

After the acute episode, rehabilitation takes over: passive mobilizations, walking assistance, water work, progressive stimulation.

A dog that does not urinate alone must be emptied several times a day according to the technique shown by the veterinarian, otherwise it could cause a urinary infection and damage to the bladder.

Never give human anti-inflammatory drugs to your dog: ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol can cause digestive ulcers, hemorrhages and serious kidney or liver damage, sometimes fatal. They also complicate the implementation of veterinary treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight, particularly in breeds with long backs.

Eliminate jumps: ramp or steps to access the sofa, the bed and the trunk of the car, limitation of stairs.

Carry the dog by supporting both the chest and the hindquarters, never under the armpits alone.

Use a harness rather than a collar, especially in dogs at risk of cervical hernia.

Maintain strong back muscles through regular walks on flat ground.

Do not breed a dog with a herniated disc in predisposed breeds.

Consult at the first sign of back pain, before the appearance of walking problems.

Possible complications

Permanent paralysis of the hindquarters if the compression is not lifted in time.

Persistent urinary and fecal incontinence.

Recurrent urinary infections linked to poor emptying of the bladder.

Pressure sores and friction wounds in a dog that no longer moves around.

Recurrence at another disc in the spine.

In the most serious forms, progressive and irreversible damage to the spinal cord can occur in the days following a major injury: this is a rare but very serious complication, without treatment.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog no longer stands on its hind legs or drags them: it's an emergency, go to the veterinarian immediately, the hours count.

Its hind legs cross, skid or it walks on top of its toes.

He screams when picked up, refuses to move, hunches and shakes.

He can no longer urinate or soils himself without realizing it.

He holds his head stiff and low and groans when he turns it.

Weakness in the legs that gets worse hour by hour requires an emergency consultation, even at night or on weekends.

During transport, keep the dog flat in a rigid support and avoid bending its back.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends above all on the neurological state at the time of treatment and the time before treatment.

A dog who is still walking, or who retains the perception of pain in his hind legs, has a good chance of recovery, especially if he is operated on quickly.

Loss of perception of deep pain clearly darkens the prognosis; recovery remains possible in some of the dogs operated on very quickly, but it is uncertain.

Recovery is gradual and often requires several weeks of diligent rehabilitation.

A dog who does not walk again can still live comfortably with a cart and appropriate urinary care, if the pain is controlled.

Frequently asked questions

My dog hasn't moved his back legs since this morning: can I wait until tomorrow?

No. It's an emergency. The longer the spinal cord remains compressed, the more likely the damage will be permanent. Contact a veterinarian immediately, including an emergency service, and transport the dog flat without bending its back.

Is surgery always necessary?

No. A dog that is still walking and only has pain can often be treated with prolonged strict rest and medication. Surgery is necessary in the event of paralysis, rapid deterioration or failure of medical treatment.

What exactly is strict rest?

The dog remains confined in a cage or a very small room for several weeks, only goes out on a leash and only for its needs, does not climb on anything and does not play. Any violation of this rule can cause sudden deterioration.

Can my dog do one again?

Yes, another disc in the spine can herniate later, especially in predisposed breeds. Fitness weight, a harness, elimination of jumping and access to furniture via a ramp reduce this risk.

Can I give him a human painkiller while I wait?

No. Ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol are dangerous for dogs and can cause ulcers and serious kidney or liver damage. They also mask the pain, which can cause the dog to move and worsen the lesion.