Intervertebral Disc Herniation in Dogs and Cats

The spine that serves as the back bone for dogs and cats and houses the spinal cord and the spinal nerve root signatures that propogate signals to the nervous system from the brain consist of segmented bones called vertebra.  The segmented nature of the spine provides flexibility forming a column of individual mini-joints that are mible in multiple directions.  In between each vertebra there is a cartilaginous disc that cushions each intervetebral joint.

When one or more intervertabral discs slip upward toward the canal that houses the spinal cord, compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerves that emanate from it can cause pain, reduced limb, urine and bowel function, and even paralysis.  Disc herniation can be the result of inherited anatomical chacteristics that predispose dogs and cats to the injury, trauma, and certain breed conformations.  Dog breeds with long torsos tend to be commonly susceptible to spinal disc herniation, including Dachshund, Corgi, and certain types of Hounds.  Spinal disc herniation has become increasingly common in French Bulldogs.  Shih Tzus are also prone to spinal disc herniation. Spinal disc herniations occur in cats but are significantly less common.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination.  Patients with spinal disc herniation tend to appear stiff, often hold their heads low, and pain is comonly elicitted when the affected disc is palpated.  X-rays are of limited value, as the spinal discs cannot be visualized, imaging as a dark space between each vertebra.  A collapsed disc space on x-ray can suggest an area of herniation, but this assessment can be unreliable.  To confirm spinal disc herniation and the exact location(s) of herniation, CT scan or MRI are necessary.  These imaging techniques require general anesthesia and in most cases, the expertise of a neurologist.

Treatment

It is not uncommon to attempt medical management without the benefit of CT or MRI.  If there are not serious accompanying neurological deficits that result from the injury, many spinal disc herniations respond to steroids, muscle relaxers, and strict rest.  To increase the chances of medical management success, Class IV therapy laser can be added to the treatment regimen.

For cases where there is partial or complete paralysis, and/or urine or bowel dysfunction, a referral to a neurologist is strongly advised.  Herniations that occur between thoracic vertebra 3 through lumbar vertebra 3 have high success rates with decompression surgery.  Cervical herniations in the neck area carry more guarded prognoses even with surgery.

Prevention

Preventing dogs and cats from suffering from spinal disc herniations primarily with keeping a lean body condition.  Patients that are obese, especially in dog breed genetically susceptible to spinal disc herniation, increases the statistical odds of the injury significantly.

Founder and Chief Editor, Web-DVM.net

CEO Premier Veterinary Care

Host Space Coast Pet Podcast

Author, The Man in the White Coat

Article updated 8/19/2026