IVDD Surgery
In-Home Rehabilitation To Support Neurological Recovery, Rebuild Strength, And Restore Confident Mobility Following IVDD Surgery In Dogs.
Understanding IVDD Surgery in Dogs
IVDD surgery is performed to relieve spinal cord compression resulting from intervertebral disc herniation. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a degenerative condition that affects the discs between the vertebrae and most commonly occurs in chondrodystrophic breeds such as Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels, although any dog can be affected. When disc material herniates into the spinal canal, it can cause spinal cord compression, inflammation, and subsequent neurological dysfunction, including spinal pain, ataxia, paresis, or paralysis.
IVDD is typically classified as either Hansen Type I or Hansen Type II herniation. Type I is characterised by the sudden extrusion (rupture) of the disc centre (nucleus pulposus) through the torn outer layer (annulus fibrosus), often resulting in acute and severe spinal cord compression. This form is most commonly seen in younger chondrodystrophic breeds such as Dachshunds and French Bulldogs, and it frequently requires surgical intervention. Type II herniation is a more chronic and progressive process, involving protrusion (bulging) of disc material into the spinal canal without complete rupture of the outer layer. It typically develops over time and is more commonly observed in older, large-breed dogs.
IVDD surgery is generally indicated for dogs with moderate to severe neurological signs (such as loss of deep pain, non-ambulatory paresis, or paralysis), or for those who fail to improve with conservative management. The choice of surgical technique depends on the location of the herniation:
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Hemilaminectomy is the most common procedure for thoracolumbar disc extrusions, allowing access to the spinal canal from the side to remove the extruded material.
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Ventral slot surgery is typically performed for cervical disc herniations, providing access to the spinal canal from the underside of the neck.
The primary goal of IVDD surgery is to decompress the spinal cord, alleviate pressure, and prevent further neurological decline. However, surgical decompression alone does not address the resulting neuromuscular deficits or restore functional mobility—highlighting the critical role of rehabilitation in post-operative recovery.
Why Rehabilitation is Essential After IVDD Surgery?
While IVDD surgery effectively relieves spinal cord compression, it does not immediately resolve the associated neurological deficits or restore coordinated movement. Following procedures such as hemilaminectomy or ventral slot surgery, dogs may experience ongoing proprioceptive deficits, limb weakness, impaired balance, and compensatory strain on unaffected regions of the body. Without targeted rehabilitation, these impairments can persist, leading to delayed recovery and reduced functional outcomes.
Rehabilitation supports recovery by promoting neuroplasticity—the spinal cord’s ability to reorganise and adapt after injury. Early intervention helps reactivate neural pathways, improve postural control, and encourage appropriate limb use. Structured therapy also plays a key role in managing secondary complications such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and pressure sores, particularly in non-ambulatory or partially mobile dogs.
As healing progresses, physiotherapy focuses on rebuilding strength, retraining gait, and improving trunk and pelvic stability to support independent movement. Rehabilitation is not only supportive—it is essential for optimising surgical outcomes, improving quality of life, and facilitating a safe return to functional mobility.
Rehabilitation for IVDD Surgery in Dogs
Rehabilitation following IVDD surgery is tailored to the dog’s neurological status, surgical site, and stage of recovery. The goal is to support neurological healing, restore safe, coordinated movement, and prevent secondary musculoskeletal complications. In-home rehabilitation allows for personalised care within the dog’s natural environment, where mobility patterns can be observed and addressed functionally.
Treatment may include:
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Manual therapy to manage soft tissue tension, reduce compensatory restrictions, and support spinal alignment
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Neuromuscular stimulation and facilitation to reactivate voluntary movement and encourage motor control in weak or paretic limbs
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Therapeutic exercise to improve pelvic limb strength, trunk stability, and postural endurance as mobility returns
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Proprioceptive and balance training to enhance limb awareness, coordination, and confidence in movement
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Laser therapy (PBMT) to reduce inflammation, manage post-surgical pain, and support neural regeneration
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Assisted gait training (including harness support if needed) to encourage correct stepping patterns and reduce compensatory loading
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Home exercise programs to reinforce clinical progress and promote consistent neuromuscular input between sessions
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Owner education on handling, home setup, movement restrictions, and realistic recovery timelines
This multimodal, structured approach is critical for maximising post-operative outcomes and helping dogs return to a safe, independent level of function following IVDD surgery.