Intervertebral Disc Disease, or IVDD, in dogs is a spinal condition where a disc between the vertebrae degenerates, bulges or ruptures and puts pressure on the spinal cord. It can cause back pain, neck pain, weakness, wobbly walking, paw dragging, loss of bladder control or paralysis. When a dog shows neurological signs, imaging may be needed to understand where the problem is and how serious it may be.

Imaging is not always required at the first visit for every dog with suspected IVDD. A veterinarian will usually begin with a physical and neurological examination to assess pain, walking ability, reflexes and neurological function. If the signs are severe, worsening or unclear, advanced imaging may be recommended to localise the problem and guide the next step.

What Is IVDD in Dogs?

IVDD stands for Intervertebral Disc Disease. The spine is made up of vertebrae with discs between them. These discs normally act as cushions, but when they become damaged, material from the disc can press on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. This pressure may cause pain, weakness, loss of coordination or paralysis.

When Should IVDD Be Suspected?

Dog owners should be alert if a dog suddenly becomes painful, stiff, reluctant to move or unable to walk normally. Signs may include crying when picked up, a hunched back, refusal to climb stairs, wobbly back legs, dragging paws or sudden collapse. Loss of bladder control or inability to stand should be treated as urgent.

Why Imaging May Matter in Suspected IVDD

A physical and neurological examination helps the veterinarian decide whether the signs fit a spinal or neurological problem. Imaging can provide additional information when the clinical picture suggests that more detail is needed. X-rays may show bony changes and help rule out fractures or other causes of pain. CT, MRI, CT-myelography or referral may be considered when localisation and treatment planning require more detail.

X-ray, CT and MRI: What Is the Difference?

X-rays are useful for assessing bony structures, spinal alignment, fractures and indirect changes such as disc space narrowing, but they do not clearly show the spinal cord or soft disc material. CT provides more detailed cross-sectional and three-dimensional imaging, and is especially helpful for evaluating bony lesions and localising mineralised disc material. MRI is used to assess spinal cord, nerve and soft tissue structures, and can show subtle changes within the spinal cord.

When Might CT Be Useful?

CT can be useful when the veterinarian needs detailed information about complex spinal structures, mineralised disc material, fractures, joints or treatment planning. It may be discussed in dogs with severe pain, neurological deficits, unclear findings, worsening signs or suspected complex spinal disease. However, CT is not the best answer for every IVDD case, and MRI or referral may be recommended when detailed spinal cord assessment is needed.

Does Every Dog with Suspected IVDD Need Advanced Imaging?

No. Some mild cases may be managed with clinical examination, strict rest, pain control and close monitoring. Advanced imaging is more likely when a dog cannot walk, has worsening neurological signs, has uncontrolled pain, or when surgery or specialist referral is being considered. The decision should be based on the dog’s examination findings, not on imaging availability alone.

What Happens During Advanced Imaging?

Advanced imaging usually requires the pet to remain completely still, so sedation or anaesthesia may be needed depending on the patient and scan type. The veterinary team will assess the dog’s overall health and explain preparation, safety considerations and the expected reporting process before proceeding.

How CT Supports Treatment Planning

CT findings can help veterinarians understand the location and nature of a spinal problem. This information may guide conservative care, further imaging, surgical assessment or referral planning. Imaging is most useful when it helps answer a practical clinical question: what is happening, how serious is it, and what should happen next?

When to Contact Concordia Pet Care

If your dog has back pain, hind leg weakness, paw dragging, sudden difficulty walking or suspected spinal disease, contact a veterinary team promptly. Concordia Pet Care is equipped with diagnostic imaging and CT scan services to support clinical assessment and treatment planning in suitable cases. If MRI, neurology referral or other advanced care is more appropriate after diagnosis, your veterinarian can discuss the most suitable next step with you.

FAQs

Is MRI better than CT for IVDD?

MRI is often the most informative imaging tool for the spinal cord and soft tissues. CT can still be useful in selected cases, especially for bony detail and mineralised disc material. Your veterinarian will advise which option best fits your dog’s signs.

Can IVDD be diagnosed without imaging?

A veterinarian may strongly suspect IVDD based on examination and neurological signs, but imaging is usually needed to confirm location, assess compression and plan surgery or referral.

Is CT painful for dogs?

The scan itself is non-invasive, but sedation or anaesthesia may be needed so the dog remains still. The veterinary team will discuss risks and preparation.

Concordia Pet Care's veterinary team is here to provide professional guidance. Book a consultation today.

References:

• https://en.concordiapetcare.com/service/ct-scan/

• https://en.concordiapetcare.com/service/fw

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