Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) are terms many dog owners hear during a frightening and stressful moment, often when a dog suddenly shows signs of pain, weakness, or paralysis. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe different processes that affect the spinal discs and can influence treatment decisions, recovery expectations, and long-term management.
This article is written in plain language to help Boykin Spaniel owners understand the difference between IVDD and IVDE, recognize common symptoms, and learn how current veterinary research is shaping future care options. It also highlights insights from veterinary neurologists actively studying spinal disc disease, with the goal of helping owners make informed, calm decisions during an already overwhelming time.
This article is written in plain language to help Boykin Spaniel owners understand the difference between IVDD and IVDE, recognize common symptoms, and learn how current veterinary research is shaping future care options. It also highlights insights from veterinary neurologists actively studying spinal disc disease, with the goal of helping owners make informed, calm decisions during an already overwhelming time.
Terms You May Hear
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
IVDD is an umbrella term that refers to degenerative changes of the spinal discs. These changes can weaken the disc over time and make it more likely to herniate or compress the spinal cord.
IVDE (Intervertebral Disc Extrusion)
IVDE describes an acute event where disc material forcefully ruptures and compresses the spinal cord. This often causes sudden pain, weakness, or paralysis and is commonly seen in chondrodystrophic breeds.
IVDP (Intervertebral Disc Protrusion)
IVDP refers to a slower, chronic bulging of the disc without full rupture. Symptoms tend to progress gradually and are more common in larger, non-chondrodystrophic breeds.
Hansen Type I and Type II
Hansen Type I corresponds most closely with what is now commonly called IVDE, while Hansen Type II aligns more closely with IVDP. These terms are older but may still be used by some veterinarians, particularly in general practice.
Why the Terminology Has Evolved
Historically, disc disease was often described using broad or overlapping terms. As imaging, genetics, and research advanced, specialists began distinguishing between acute disc extrusion and chronic disc protrusion because prognosis, treatment options, and recovery expectations can differ.
Today, many neurologists prefer more specific terminology such as IVDE and IVDP to better reflect the underlying pathology and guide decision-making.
Symptoms and Why Timing Matters
Signs of disc disease can vary depending on severity and speed of onset. Symptoms may include:
-Back or neck pain
-Reluctance to move or jump
-Weakness or wobbliness in the limbs
-Dragging of the feet
-Loss of bladder or bowel control
-Paralysis
Sudden onset of severe symptoms, especially paralysis, is more commonly associated with IVDE and requires prompt veterinary evaluation. Gradual or intermittent symptoms may suggest a more chronic process.
Seeking a second opinion from a veterinary neurologist is often appropriate, particularly when symptoms are severe or rapidly progressing.
Why Treatment Can Look Different From One Dog to Another
Treatment recommendations for disc disease depend on many factors, including severity, neurologic status, imaging findings, and overall health. Options may include:
Conservative management (crate rest, medications, rehabilitation)
Surgical decompression
Emerging minimally invasive approaches being studied in clinical trials
Not every dog with disc disease requires surgery, and not every case is appropriate for conservative care alone. Understanding the type of disc event and the dog’s neurologic status helps guide these decisions.
Why Researchers Are Exploring Less Invasive Options
Researchers are actively studying whether less invasive treatments may offer comparable outcomes to surgery in carefully selected cases of acute IVDE.
According to Dr. Paul Freeman (University of Cambridge):
“We feel that there is probably not a need to perform surgery on as many dogs as are currently being operated, but there is always a concern that if we do not operate and the dog gets worse or does not recover, then we may regret the decision.”
Cost and access also play a significant role for many families:
“Many pet owners are unable to afford surgery and it is not available universally. Therefore, there is a need for a simpler, less invasive and less expensive treatment which might be at least almost as effective.”
Current research is exploring enzyme-based intradiscal injections designed to reduce spinal cord compression without open surgery in selected cases.
Related Research at Texas A&M University
In parallel with work underway in the United Kingdom, researchers at Texas A&M University are also investigating minimally invasive, enzyme-based treatments for acute intervertebral disc extrusion. In a published clinical trial led by veterinary neurologist Dr. Nicholas Jeffery, results showed that carefully selected dogs treated with intradiscal enzyme injection experienced recovery outcomes comparable to surgery when deep pain sensation was preserved.
The Texas A&M research highlights the potential for targeted disc treatments that reduce spinal cord compression while avoiding open surgery, prolonged hospitalization, and higher associated costs. Ongoing work continues to explore which dogs may be appropriate candidates, including considerations related to breed, size, and genetic risk factors. These findings are particularly relevant as disc disease is increasingly recognized in breeds beyond those historically studied.
How This Research May Apply Beyond Dachshunds
Much of the early work in IVDE has focused on Dachshunds, in part because they are commonly affected and have supported dedicated research funding.
However, Dr. Freeman notes that the underlying disease process may extend to other breeds with similar genetic risk:
“We think that probably all the chondrodystrophic breeds (which suffer from the CDDY gene) probably suffer from a very similar type of IVDD and therefore our results are likely to be transferrable.”
Emerging data suggest that breeds such as the Boykin Spaniel, which carry a high frequency of the CDDY mutation, may share similar disc disease mechanisms even if their physical structure differs.
Who May and May Not Be a Candidate for Emerging Treatments
These investigational treatments are not intended for every dog with disc disease.
As Dr. Freeman explains:
“We feel any dog who is suddenly affected severely enough that surgery would otherwise be recommended may be a candidate.”
He cautions, however:
“We are not so sure it is effective against older, more chronic disc disease.”
This distinction highlights why proper diagnosis, imaging, and specialist consultation remain critical.
Understanding Recovery and Prognosis
While disc disease can be frightening, prognosis is often better than owners expect.
Dr. Freeman emphasizes:
“For most dogs, the prognosis is good, with most recovering regardless of treatment employed.”
At the same time, researchers are working to better understand why recovery varies between dogs.
Dr. Go Togawa, neurologist and researcher, explains how specialized nerve testing may help refine prognosis:
“F-waves are electrical signals that can be recorded from muscles and are influenced by spinal cord function. By evaluating F-waves, we can indirectly assess the severity of spinal cord injury after intervertebral disc extrusion.”
Dr. Togawa’s research suggests that F-wave patterns may differ between dogs that ultimately regain walking ability and those that do not, potentially helping guide rehabilitation and expectations in the future.
For readers who would like a deeper look at how neurologists assess spinal cord injury and prognosis using F-waves, we’ve created a companion article explaining this research in more detail.
Why Owner Education Matters
Disc disease often places owners under intense emotional and financial pressure. Understanding terminology, prognosis, and treatment options can help prevent rushed decisions driven by fear.
As Dr. Freeman notes:
“There is a tendency for owners sometimes to be panicked into thinking they have to make life or death decisions over large sums of money, and we feel this is probably not useful or necessary.”
Being informed allows owners to have clearer conversations with their veterinarians and advocate thoughtfully for their dogs.
Financial considerations often influence treatment decisions, sometimes forcing owners to make urgent choices during an already overwhelming and emotional situation. This is one reason preparation matters. Having pet insurance in place before an emergency occurs can help reduce financial pressure, allow time for thoughtful decision-making, and expand access to diagnostic and treatment options when they matter most.
For owners interested in learning more, we provide a detailed pet insurance guide through the Boykin Spaniel Health Organization to help families better understand coverage options and plan ahead. Click here for our pet insurance guide.
Sources and References
University of Cambridge IVDE Chondroitinase Trial
University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine: Updates on IVDE
PubMed Central: Prognostic studies on IVDE and recovery
Texas A&M University: Enzyme-based IVDE clinical trial overview
Dr. Go Togawa, peer-reviewed research on F-waves and spinal cord injury
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
IVDD is an umbrella term that refers to degenerative changes of the spinal discs. These changes can weaken the disc over time and make it more likely to herniate or compress the spinal cord.
IVDE (Intervertebral Disc Extrusion)
IVDE describes an acute event where disc material forcefully ruptures and compresses the spinal cord. This often causes sudden pain, weakness, or paralysis and is commonly seen in chondrodystrophic breeds.
IVDP (Intervertebral Disc Protrusion)
IVDP refers to a slower, chronic bulging of the disc without full rupture. Symptoms tend to progress gradually and are more common in larger, non-chondrodystrophic breeds.
Hansen Type I and Type II
Hansen Type I corresponds most closely with what is now commonly called IVDE, while Hansen Type II aligns more closely with IVDP. These terms are older but may still be used by some veterinarians, particularly in general practice.
Why the Terminology Has Evolved
Historically, disc disease was often described using broad or overlapping terms. As imaging, genetics, and research advanced, specialists began distinguishing between acute disc extrusion and chronic disc protrusion because prognosis, treatment options, and recovery expectations can differ.
Today, many neurologists prefer more specific terminology such as IVDE and IVDP to better reflect the underlying pathology and guide decision-making.
Symptoms and Why Timing Matters
Signs of disc disease can vary depending on severity and speed of onset. Symptoms may include:
-Back or neck pain
-Reluctance to move or jump
-Weakness or wobbliness in the limbs
-Dragging of the feet
-Loss of bladder or bowel control
-Paralysis
Sudden onset of severe symptoms, especially paralysis, is more commonly associated with IVDE and requires prompt veterinary evaluation. Gradual or intermittent symptoms may suggest a more chronic process.
Seeking a second opinion from a veterinary neurologist is often appropriate, particularly when symptoms are severe or rapidly progressing.
Why Treatment Can Look Different From One Dog to Another
Treatment recommendations for disc disease depend on many factors, including severity, neurologic status, imaging findings, and overall health. Options may include:
Conservative management (crate rest, medications, rehabilitation)
Surgical decompression
Emerging minimally invasive approaches being studied in clinical trials
Not every dog with disc disease requires surgery, and not every case is appropriate for conservative care alone. Understanding the type of disc event and the dog’s neurologic status helps guide these decisions.
Why Researchers Are Exploring Less Invasive Options
Researchers are actively studying whether less invasive treatments may offer comparable outcomes to surgery in carefully selected cases of acute IVDE.
According to Dr. Paul Freeman (University of Cambridge):
“We feel that there is probably not a need to perform surgery on as many dogs as are currently being operated, but there is always a concern that if we do not operate and the dog gets worse or does not recover, then we may regret the decision.”
Cost and access also play a significant role for many families:
“Many pet owners are unable to afford surgery and it is not available universally. Therefore, there is a need for a simpler, less invasive and less expensive treatment which might be at least almost as effective.”
Current research is exploring enzyme-based intradiscal injections designed to reduce spinal cord compression without open surgery in selected cases.
Related Research at Texas A&M University
In parallel with work underway in the United Kingdom, researchers at Texas A&M University are also investigating minimally invasive, enzyme-based treatments for acute intervertebral disc extrusion. In a published clinical trial led by veterinary neurologist Dr. Nicholas Jeffery, results showed that carefully selected dogs treated with intradiscal enzyme injection experienced recovery outcomes comparable to surgery when deep pain sensation was preserved.
The Texas A&M research highlights the potential for targeted disc treatments that reduce spinal cord compression while avoiding open surgery, prolonged hospitalization, and higher associated costs. Ongoing work continues to explore which dogs may be appropriate candidates, including considerations related to breed, size, and genetic risk factors. These findings are particularly relevant as disc disease is increasingly recognized in breeds beyond those historically studied.
How This Research May Apply Beyond Dachshunds
Much of the early work in IVDE has focused on Dachshunds, in part because they are commonly affected and have supported dedicated research funding.
However, Dr. Freeman notes that the underlying disease process may extend to other breeds with similar genetic risk:
“We think that probably all the chondrodystrophic breeds (which suffer from the CDDY gene) probably suffer from a very similar type of IVDD and therefore our results are likely to be transferrable.”
Emerging data suggest that breeds such as the Boykin Spaniel, which carry a high frequency of the CDDY mutation, may share similar disc disease mechanisms even if their physical structure differs.
Who May and May Not Be a Candidate for Emerging Treatments
These investigational treatments are not intended for every dog with disc disease.
As Dr. Freeman explains:
“We feel any dog who is suddenly affected severely enough that surgery would otherwise be recommended may be a candidate.”
He cautions, however:
“We are not so sure it is effective against older, more chronic disc disease.”
This distinction highlights why proper diagnosis, imaging, and specialist consultation remain critical.
Understanding Recovery and Prognosis
While disc disease can be frightening, prognosis is often better than owners expect.
Dr. Freeman emphasizes:
“For most dogs, the prognosis is good, with most recovering regardless of treatment employed.”
At the same time, researchers are working to better understand why recovery varies between dogs.
Dr. Go Togawa, neurologist and researcher, explains how specialized nerve testing may help refine prognosis:
“F-waves are electrical signals that can be recorded from muscles and are influenced by spinal cord function. By evaluating F-waves, we can indirectly assess the severity of spinal cord injury after intervertebral disc extrusion.”
Dr. Togawa’s research suggests that F-wave patterns may differ between dogs that ultimately regain walking ability and those that do not, potentially helping guide rehabilitation and expectations in the future.
For readers who would like a deeper look at how neurologists assess spinal cord injury and prognosis using F-waves, we’ve created a companion article explaining this research in more detail.
Why Owner Education Matters
Disc disease often places owners under intense emotional and financial pressure. Understanding terminology, prognosis, and treatment options can help prevent rushed decisions driven by fear.
As Dr. Freeman notes:
“There is a tendency for owners sometimes to be panicked into thinking they have to make life or death decisions over large sums of money, and we feel this is probably not useful or necessary.”
Being informed allows owners to have clearer conversations with their veterinarians and advocate thoughtfully for their dogs.
Financial considerations often influence treatment decisions, sometimes forcing owners to make urgent choices during an already overwhelming and emotional situation. This is one reason preparation matters. Having pet insurance in place before an emergency occurs can help reduce financial pressure, allow time for thoughtful decision-making, and expand access to diagnostic and treatment options when they matter most.
For owners interested in learning more, we provide a detailed pet insurance guide through the Boykin Spaniel Health Organization to help families better understand coverage options and plan ahead. Click here for our pet insurance guide.
Sources and References
University of Cambridge IVDE Chondroitinase Trial
University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine: Updates on IVDE
PubMed Central: Prognostic studies on IVDE and recovery
Texas A&M University: Enzyme-based IVDE clinical trial overview
Dr. Go Togawa, peer-reviewed research on F-waves and spinal cord injury
| veterinary_internal_medicine_-_2025_-_togawa_-_prognostic_utility_of_f‐waves_in_paraplegic_dogs_with_absent_pain_perception.pdf |
Dr. Paul Freeman
Veterinary Neurologist
University of Cambridge
IVDE Chondroitinase Research
|
Dr. Nicholas Jeffery
Veterinary Neurologist
Texas A&M University
Minimally Invasive IVDE Clinical Trials
|
Dr. Go Togawa
Veterinary Neurologist & Researcher
Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Spinal Cord Injury & Prognostic Research
|
