What Is IVDD in Dogs?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a common spinal condition affecting many dogs, particularly chondrodystrophic breeds such as Dachshunds and French Bulldogs. It occurs when the intervertebral discs—the cushions between the bones of the spine—degenerate, bulge, or rupture, leading to spinal cord compression and inflammation.
Dogs with IVDD may show signs such as:
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Reluctance to move or jump
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Vocalisation when picked up
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Hindlimb weakness or ataxia
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Incontinence
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Paralysis in severe cases
Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimise nerve damage and optimise recovery.
How Can Acupuncture Help Dogs with IVDD?
Veterinary acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile needles into specific points to stimulate nerve function, modulate pain, and improve circulation. It has been shown to help manage neurological conditions, including IVDD, by supporting recovery and reducing pain.
Several studies support acupuncture for spinal disorders in dogs. For example, one randomised controlled trial showed that dogs with thoracolumbar disc disease treated with acupuncture in addition to standard care recovered significantly faster than those without acupuncture (Hayashi et al., 2007).
Key benefits of acupuncture for IVDD include:
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Pain relief: Activates endogenous opioid release and modulates spinal cord pain pathways (Xie et al., 2001).
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Anti-inflammatory effects: Reduces neuroinflammation through modulation of cytokines.
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Nerve regeneration: Enhances local blood flow and may promote axonal repair (Hewson et al., 2014).
What Is Electroacupuncture?
Electroacupuncture (EA) uses a gentle electrical current between acupuncture needles to deliver a stronger, sustained stimulus. In dogs with IVDD, this technique is particularly effective for enhancing neurological recovery.
Studies demonstrate that electroacupuncture:
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Stimulates neuroplasticity, facilitating nerve repair and remyelination (Martins et al., 2010).
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Promotes faster return of motor function post-surgery (Han & Terenius, 1982).
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Increases nerve conduction velocity, crucial in recovering gait and limb strength (Xie et al., 2005).
In clinical practice, electroacupuncture is often used in conjunction with physical rehabilitation to optimise functional outcomes.
The Role of Rehabilitation in IVDD Recovery
Acupuncture is most effective when integrated into a full neurological rehabilitation programme, especially in post-operative or conservatively managed IVDD patients. Research supports the use of physical rehabilitation for improving outcomes in dogs with spinal cord injury (Gallagher et al., 2018).
Our multimodal approach may include:
🐾 Hydrotherapy: Improves muscle strength and coordination in a safe, low-impact environment (Marsolais et al., 2003).
🐾 Therapeutic Exercise: Supports proprioception and balance training (Millis & Levine, 2014).
🐾 Laser Therapy: Reduces inflammation and supports cellular repair via photobiomodulation (Pryor et al., 2020).
🐾 Pain Management: Tailored strategies that combine manual therapies, acupuncture, and analgesic support.
These combined modalities not only support spinal healing but also enhance mobility, reduce pain, and improve your dog’s overall quality of life.
Why Choose Pawsitive Relief?
At Pawsitive Relief, we provide advanced, veterinary-led rehabilitation services, including acupuncture and electroacupuncture, to support dogs with neurological conditions like IVDD. As the only vet-led rehab centre in the North East, our personalised care plans are based on current best evidence, compassion, and collaborative care.
Book a Consultation
If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD or is recovering from spinal surgery, we’re here to help. Book an initial rehabilitation consultation with our experienced veterinary team today.
📞 Email us today pawsitiverelief@chapfellvets.com to book a consultation | 📍 County Durham | 🐶 Integrative Veterinary Rehabilitation
📚 References
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Gallagher, A., et al. (2018). Effect of physical rehabilitation on time to ambulation in dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation treated with decompressive surgery. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 253(10), 1210–1216. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.253.10.1210
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Han, J. S., & Terenius, L. (1982). Neurochemical basis of acupuncture analgesia. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 22(1), 193–220. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.pa.22.040182.001205
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Hayashi, A. M., et al. (2007). Effects of acupuncture on the clinical recovery of dogs with thoracolumbar disc disease: A randomised clinical trial. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 48(3), 139–145. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2006.00292.x
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Hewson, C. J., et al. (2014). Mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia in veterinary species: Review of the literature. Veterinary Record, 175(20), 492–497. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.102396
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Martins, D. F., et al. (2010). Electroacupuncture enhances nerve regeneration in rats after sciatic nerve crush. Neuroscience Letters, 484(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2010.07.077
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Millis, D. L., & Levine, D. (2014). Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. 2nd Ed. Elsevier Health Sciences.
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Marsolais, G. S., et al. (2003). Effects of postoperative rehabilitation on limb function after cranial cruciate ligament repair in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 222(5), 636–641. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2003.222.636
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Pryor, B., et al. (2020). A review of photobiomodulation (low-level laser) therapy in veterinary medicine. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 51. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00051
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Xie, H., et al. (2001). Use of acupuncture for the treatment of neurologic disorders in animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 219(5), 609–616. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2001.219.609
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Xie, H., et al. (2005). Electroacupuncture for spinal cord injury in dogs: A preliminary study. American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, 1(1), 35–40.