IVDD
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Your vet may have mentioned IVDD, or perhaps you’ve been doing your own research and you’re not sure what it all means. You’re probably feeling worried and unsure about what comes next.
Don’t worry, this page has everything that you need to know about IVDD.
What is IVDD?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a spinal condition that affects most dog breeds. Mainly in small dogs, but it can still impact bigger breeds too. You see it most commonly in breeds like French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, and Beagles.
IVDD occurs when the discs between your dog’s vertebrae, which act like cushions or shock absorbers, begin to degenerate or rupture. These damaged discs can press on the spinal cord, causing pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis.
Common signs to look out for
If your dog suddenly doesn’t want to move, is crying out when touched, has weakness in the legs, or is developing some difficulty walking, you need to get checked out. Some dogs may lose control of their bladder or bowels as well.
This may seem really extreme and can feel overwhelming, but believe me, you are not alone and there are treatments available. Many dogs, just like our Elsie, go on to live happy, fulfilling lives after receiving the right care.
Acting quickly is crucial
IVDD can progress rapidly, so if your dog has been diagnosed, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Surgery may be necessary, but early intervention can make all the difference in your dog’s recovery. We are here to guide you through every step and ensure your dog gets the help they need.
What Causes IVDD?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the discs in your dog’s spine, the little cushions between your dog’s vertebrae, start to break down. Over time, these discs lose their flexibility and can harden and in some cases even rupture. When this happens, the disc material presses against the spinal cord causing the pain and mobility problems you may be seeing.
But what causes this breakdown?
It’s really hard to think it’s this small – but everyday activities like running, jumping, or even a sudden twist or fall can put pressure on already weakened discs. This is why you hear stories of dogs jumping off the couch, playing fetch, or running up and down stairs causing an IVDD episode. Even something as simple as slipping on a hardwood floor can cause a disc to herniate.
The force and pressure from jumping off the couch or bed is also why we see IVDD more in smaller dogs, especially breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus. They are more prone to IVDD because of their small body structure. Their longer backs and shorter legs put extra strain on the spine, making them more vulnerable to disc degeneration as they age.
If you notice your dog is hesitant to move, showing signs of pain, or having trouble walking, don’t wait—seek advice from your vet right away. Early treatment can make all the difference.
Long-Term Effects and Treatment Options
IVDD is a progressive condition, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term effects.
In the beginning, your dog might show subtle signs of pain or discomfort, but as the condition worsens, it can cause significant mobility issues, including the inability to walk, and even loss of bladder or bowel control. The most severe cases can lead to permanent paralysis.
But here’s the good news: with proper care, many dogs recover well and go on to live happy, active lives. The key is early intervention.
Treatment Options for IVDD
Conservative Management
In milder cases, or when IVDD is caught early, vets may recommend a non-surgical approach. This typically includes strict crate rest for 4 to 6 weeks, along with anti-inflammatory medications and pain relief. Physical therapy and controlled exercises may also be introduced to help your dog regain strength without putting strain on their spine.
Surgery
For more severe cases, surgery may be the best option to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The procedure involves removing the damaged disc material and stabilizing the spine. Surgery is especially important if your dog has lost the ability to walk or control their bladder. The sooner surgery is performed, the better the chances of recovery.
Whether your dog undergoes surgery or conservative management, early treatment is critical. We know all too well the impact of waiting 24 hours, and this is unfortunately how our beloved Elsie lost her mobility in her back legs.
Delaying care can lead to more permanent damage, but when you act quickly, many dogs regain their mobility and continue to enjoy life.
Don’t Wait: We are here to help
If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD, or you suspect that your dog may have IVDD, then acting fast is unbelievably important. The sooner you act, the better your dog’s chances of making a full recovery.
IVDD can progress quickly, and delaying treatment could mean the difference between your dog walking again or facing permanent paralysis. We understand how overwhelming this can be, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
If the cost of surgery or treatment feels out of reach, don’t let that stop you from getting help. Our foundation is here to provide financial assistance for dogs in need of urgent care. No dog should be left untreated because of financial barriers—we are here to help.
Take Action Now
- Contact us today to discuss funding opportunities and get the support you need.
- Reach out if you’re unsure what to do next. We’re here to guide you through this.
- Remember, early intervention can make all the difference in your dog’s recovery.
Every minute counts. Click below to get in touch and ensure your dog receives the care they deserve.
The Cost of Surgery
Surgery Costs & How We Can Help
The cost of IVDD surgery can be one of the biggest concerns for dog owners. In fact, this is how we brought our second dog Mitsy into our home.
Mitsy was diagnosed with IVDD, but her owner couldn’t afford the surgery, so she was taken to a Snort Rescue shelter and we were given the call that a beautiful French Bulldog needed adopting.
We drove 3, maybe 4 hours to adopt her.
We love Mitsy, she’s our little gem, zooming around the house in her wheelchair… but if her original owner had a way to cover the cost of the surgery, she’d have spent the rest of her life in her first family home, and may have had the chance to prevent paralysis.
Surgery to treat IVDD typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. There are a lot of factors weighing into the price, whether that’s where you live or how severe the case is.
In some urban areas or specialized veterinary hospitals, this cost can be even higher.
On top of surgery, there are additional expenses such as diagnostic tests (like MRIs or CT scans), post-operative care, medications, and physical therapy, which can easily add several hundreds if not thousands of dollars more.
We understand that these numbers can feel overwhelming, but delaying surgery is not an option for most dogs with severe IVDD. And that is why we started Elsie’s way.
Early surgical intervention often gives the best chance for recovery, and waiting too long can lead to permanent damage, including paralysis. No dog should be left untreated due to financial constraints, and that’s where our foundation steps in.
Our mission is help 1,000 dogs, if not more, diagnosed with IVDD to get the care they need, regardless of their owner’s financial situation. We offer financial assistance for qualified families, helping to cover a portion of the surgery costs so your dog can get the best possible treatment.
If you're struggling to afford surgery, we’re here to help.
Reach out to us to learn about our funding opportunities. Don’t let finances stop you from giving your dog the chance to walk, run, and enjoy life again.
Remember, the sooner you act, the better your dog’s chances for recovery.
Why Surgery is Worth It
Elsie is our first French Bulldog, and like many French Bulldogs, she developed IVDD. At first, we didn’t know the severity of her condition and hesitated on surgery, thinking we had more time. Unfortunately, that delay cost her the ability to walk. Despite the setback, we made it our mission to give Elsie the best life possible—full of love, care, and joy.
Even after surgery and losing mobility in her back legs, Elsie thrived. She learned to use a wheelchair, zooming around the yard, playing, and bringing happiness to everyone she met. She sleeps at my feet while I’m working every day, showing more love than I ever thought a dog could.
Her resilience showed us that, with the right treatment and care, dogs with IVDD can live full, joyful lives.
This is why surgery is worth it. Acting quickly can give your dog the chance to recover and return to their normal, happy self.
Every dog deserves that chance.
How to Donate
How You Can Help
Every dog deserves the chance to live a happy, pain-free life, but for many facing the challenges of IVDD, the cost of treatment is simply out of reach.
That’s where you can make a real difference. Whether it’s $5, $10, $100, or even $10,000, your donation will directly contribute to our mission of helping 1,000 dogs receive the life-saving surgery and care they need.
No matter the amount, every gift matters.
Your generosity will provide financial relief to families who want nothing more than to see their dog healthy and mobile again, but who can’t afford the high costs of IVDD treatment. Together, we can give these dogs the chance to walk, run, and play again.
Partner with the IVDD Foundation today – because no dog should be left behind due to financial barriers.