What Is IVDD in Dogs?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a painful and sometimes debilitating condition affecting a dog’s spine. It occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae become compressed, herniated, or ruptured—causing pressure on the spinal cord.
Dogs with IVDD may show signs such as:
Back or neck pain
Reluctance to move, jump, or climb stairs
Weakness in the limbs or a wobbly gait
Incontinence
Sudden paralysis
While it is more common in certain breeds like Dachshunds and French Bulldogs any dog can be affected.
How Veterinary Rehabilitation Supports IVDD Recovery
Veterinary rehabilitation is a holistic, evidence-based approach designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and support nerve healing in dogs with IVDD. Whether your dog is recovering from spinal surgery or is being managed conservatively, rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes.
At Pawsitive Relief, we create individualised care plans to suit each dog's specific needs and stage of recovery.
Key Rehabilitation Techniques for IVDD in Dogs
🐾 Hydrotherapy (Underwater Treadmill)
Hydrotherapy allows dogs to exercise in a low-impact environment, reducing the stress on the spine while improving circulation, joint flexibility, and muscle tone. It's especially helpful for dogs regaining the ability to walk.
🧘 Physiotherapy and Targeted Exercises
A structured physiotherapy plan can help with:
Muscle strengthening and stability
Improving posture and proprioception
Re-educating normal walking patterns
🌿 Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates specific anatomical points to:
Decrease spinal pain and inflammation
Promote relaxation of tight muscles
Support nerve function and repair
Electroacupuncture, where a gentle current is applied to the needles, has shown excellent results in dogs recovering from neurological injury.
💡 Photobiomodulation (Laser Therapy)
Laser therapy reduces inflammation, boosts cellular repair, and improves healing—especially in the spinal tissues affected by disc damage.
📊 Stance and Gait Analysis
We use advanced technology to track your dog’s posture, limb loading, and gait changes over time, allowing for precision adjustments to their rehabilitation plan.
Why Is Rehabilitation Important for IVDD?
Research shows that dogs receiving physical rehabilitation after IVDD surgery or injury regain mobility faster and have better long-term outcomes than those without it.
Benefits of rehabilitation include:
Reduced recovery time
Decreased reliance on medication
Improved mobility and quality of life
Lower risk of future injuries or relapses
In dogs being managed without surgery, rehabilitation offers a safe and effective way to limit pain and support recovery.
Compassionate, Specialist-Led Care in County Durham
At Pawsitive Relief, we are proud to be the only veterinary-led rehabilitation centre in the North East of England, offering state-of-the-art care for dogs with neurological conditions like IVDD.
From early-stage care to long-term management, our team provides gentle, effective therapies tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Book a Consultation Today
If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD or is recovering from spinal surgery, contact us to learn how our veterinary rehabilitation services can support their journey back to comfort and mobility.
📍 Based in County Durham | 🐕🦺 Vet-Led Rehab | 💬 Friendly, Compassionate Support
📞 Contact us at pawsitiverelief@chapelfellvets.com to 📅 Book Your Appointment today.
At Pawsitive Relief we are here to get your pet back to doing what they love, comfortably🐾