Emergency — phone the vet now
Within 24 hours for paralysis with deep pain sensation
Sudden back pain or inability to walk in dogs (suspected disc disease)
Sudden back arching, reluctance to move, or weakness in back legs — emergency vet today; intervertebral disc disease has a tight surgical window.
Recognise the signs
- Hunched back, reluctance to move
- Yelping when picked up or moving
- Wobbly back legs
- Dragging back legs (paresis)
- Complete loss of back leg function (paralysis)
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
First aid steps
- Strict rest — confine to a small space immediately.
- Carry rather than walk to the car.
- Phone the emergency vet.
- Drive smoothly to minimise spine movement.
Do NOT
- Do not let the dog walk if reluctant.
- Do not give human painkillers.
- Do not delay — the surgical window narrows once paralysis sets in.
While transporting to the vet
- Use a board or stretcher if possible.
- Avoid bending the spine.
- Phone ahead.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Back leg paralysis
- Loss of bladder control
- Severe pain
Common causes
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — herniated disc
- Trauma
- Spinal infection
- Tumour
What the vet will need to know
- Onset (sudden vs gradual)
- What the dog was doing at onset
- Movement of legs
- Bladder/bowel control
Aftercare
- MRI and surgery for severe cases.
- Strict rest 4-8 weeks for conservative cases.
- Hydrotherapy and physio in recovery.
- Many recover well with prompt treatment.
Prevention
- Avoid jumping (off furniture, in/out of car) in prone breeds.
- Use ramps.
- Manage weight strictly.
- Avoid spine-stressing exercise.
Breed-specific notes
- High risk: Dachshund, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, other long-backed and chondrodystrophic breeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is back surgery worth it?
For cases caught early with deep pain sensation, surgical outcomes are often excellent. Once deep pain is lost, prognosis worsens.
Can my Dachshund recover without surgery?
Mild cases respond to strict crate rest, anti-inflammatories, and physio. Severe cases need surgery.
How long is recovery?
8-12 weeks of strict rest typically post-surgery, with gradual rehab. Many dogs return to normal function.