Breed Health Score
neurological

IVDD in dogs

Intervertebral disc disease occurs when the cushioning discs between the spinal bones bulge or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord. It causes pain, weakness and sometimes paralysis, and is common in long-backed breeds.

15 of the 155 breeds we track are commonly associated with IVDD, including French Bulldog, Dachshund. Across these breeds median lifespans range from 9.8 to 14.0 years.

IVDD in dogs: quick facts

Type
neurological condition
Breeds affected
15 of the 155 breeds we track
Severity (as scored)
Major-welfare or life-threatening

Plain-English definitions of these terms are on the glossary. On the Breed Health Score, IVDD is weighted as a major-welfare or life-threatening condition, so breeds it commonly affects carry a larger hereditary-burden deduction. This describes how our data weights the condition, not a diagnosis.

Breeds commonly associated with IVDD (15), ranked by health score

86
Miniature Dachshund14.0 yr · small
86
Swedish Vallhund14.0 yr · small
81
Sussex Spaniel13.5 yr · medium
79
Dachshund13.2 yr · small
77
Pembroke Welsh Corgi13.2 yr · small
77
Lhasa Apso14.0 yr · small
76
Cardigan Welsh Corgi13.1 yr · small
75
Dandie Dinmont Terrier12.8 yr · small
71
Pekingese13.3 yr · toy
70
Clumber Spaniel12.3 yr · medium
70
Basset Hound12.5 yr · medium
70
Beagle12.5 yr · medium
68
Skye Terrier12.4 yr · small
65
Shih Tzu12.8 yr · small
38
French Bulldog9.8 yr · small

Related neurological conditions

EpilepsyDegenerative myelopathyCerebellar ataxiaExercise-induced collapseCeroid lipofuscinosisAtaxiaCECS (cramping syndrome)Cerebellar abiotrophy

Products that may help

General care products for dogs prone to IVDD. Browse on Amazon → Ad

Note. Breed associations are compiled from RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA and are indicative, not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. Browse all conditions or the breed directory.