Intervertebral disc abnormalities in dogs refer to the fibrocartilaginous structures between the vertebrae, which, due to trauma, obesity or ageing, cause the intervertebral discs to rupture, resulting in the nucleus pulposus material inside deforming and protruding, compressing the nearby nerves and causing pain and mobility problems. Hazards: This can lead to swelling and pain, sciatic nerve radiating pain, lower limb paralysis and swelling, muscle atrophy and difficulty walking. In severe cases, the dog may lose the ability to urinate and defecate on its own and the lower limbs may become paralysed.
