Understanding IVDD in Dogs and How Animal Chiropractic Can Help
- IN STRIDE
- Oct 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 15
By: Kaitlyn Lackey DC cAVCA
Published: Oct 1 2024
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a serious spinal condition that affects many dogs, especially chondrodysplastic breeds like French Bulldogs, Dachshunds ("Weenie Dogs"), and Pugs. If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD or you suspect something may be wrong with their back or neck, it’s essential to explore all options for care—including complementary therapies like animal chiropractic care.
What is IVDD?
👉🏻 Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the soft, cushion-like discs between your dog's vertebrae start to break down or herniate. When discs collapse they can put pressure on surrounding nerves + can cause painful muscular spasms.
This condition is most common in the lower neck and mid-to-lower back in dogs and is frequently seen in chondrodysplastic breeds—dogs genetically predisposed to poor cartilage development. As cartilage weakens with age, the discs are also more vulnerable to injury.
What are the symptoms of IVDD?
👉🏻 Recognizing the signs of IVDD early can make a significant difference in your dog's recovery.
Neck (Cervical) IVDD Symptoms:
Lowered head posture
Stiff or limited neck motion
Shortened front limb stride
Vocalization or crying during movement
Back (Thoracolumbar) IVDD Symptoms:
Reluctance or refusal to jump
Arched back or stiffness
Pain when being picked up
Weakness, dragging limbs, or even paralysis
Difficulty urinating or defecating
🛑 If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately. Diagnostic imaging may be necessary to confirm IVDD and determine the severity.
Will chiropractic care help my pet with IVDD?
👉🏻Yes, animal chiropractic care can play an important supportive role in managing IVDD—especially when part of a multi-modal treatment plan involving your vet, physical therapy, and pain management.
A certified animal chiropractor focuses on correcting joint dysfunction, restoring spinal motion, and relieving stress on adjacent areas.
This can:
Reduce muscle tension and pain
Decrease nerve compression
Support healing of affected areas
Slow disease progression
Important Note:
If your dog has lost the ability to walk, feel its feet, or control urination/defecation, you need to discuss emergency care and possibly surgery with your veterinarian. In severe cases, chiropractic care is not a substitute for immediate medical intervention.
Choosing an animal chiropractor
Not all providers are equally qualified. To ensure your pet gets safe and effective care, choose an animal chiropractor who is:
✅ A licensed veterinarian (DVM) or chiropractor (DC)
✅ Certified by a recognized organization like the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) or International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA)
✅ Able to explain their training, license, and insurance status
Warning Signs of an Unqualified Provider:
🚫 No thorough evaluation before or after treatment
🚫 Uses excessive force or theatrical movements
🚫 Your pet is in visible pain during adjustments
🚫 Cannot clearly answer your questions
🚫 Continued treatment without improvement
Legal Considerations for Animal Chiropractic in the U.S.
Each state has different regulations for animal chiropractic care. In some states, a veterinary referral is required, while in others, you may be able to book directly. Check local laws to avoid delays in care.
Chiropractic care care be preventative
👉🏻 Did you know animal chiropractic can be preventative?
A 2021 study on Boxer puppies found that those adjusted once per month had significantly less spinal arthritis by one year of age compared to controls.
If you have a breed at high risk for IVDD, early chiropractic evaluation may help reduce the likelihood of serious injury and improve mobility as your dog ages.
In Summary
IVDD is a painful and sometimes debilitating condition, but integrative care can make a difference. Animal chiropractic care may:
Reduce your dog's discomfort
Support healing
Improve mobility
Help prevent future episodes
Remember: chiropractic care should complement your existing veterinary care—not replace it.
Ready to Find a Certified Animal Chiropractor?
Visit animalchiropractic.org to locate a trusted, trained provider near you.
Interested in getting your pet started with us?
About the author
Kaitlyn Lackey DC cAVCA
Many people don’t know that I’ve sustained 3 very serious head injuries due to horseback riding.
When I sought medical treatment for these injuries, traditional medicine "failed me."
I'm very fortunate to have found chiropractic. Getting adjusted gave me my life back after I was struggling every day with dehabilitating migraines.
After seeing what it did for me, I thought: why isn’t this available to animals, too?
I decided against vet school and instead pursued chiropractic education. I graduated Parker University in April of 2017 with 2 Bachelors and my Doctorate then later received my AVCA certification in June of 2017.
I practiced for 2 years on humans and then shifted my focus to offering chiropractic care for animals full time in 2019. I now travel across North Dallas offering care to all sorts of animals.
I continue to do all that I can to practice evidence informed and patient centric chiropractic care to guarantee that my clients receive the best results.
DISCLAIMER
We operate in full compliance with all laws and regulations. Our services are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any specific illness or condition and should only be used as a complement to routine veterinary and/or medical care. Our services may provide support and encourage the body into its most optimal state of health. The content provided herein is informational only and is not to be construed as medical or veterinary advice.
I want to let you know you came to the right place for complementary options for your pet! When choosing chiropractic for your pet, choose someone licensed, trained, and certified.
Comments