Your dog suddenly yelps when you pick him up. He refuses to walk, drags his hind legs or just stands there – stiff, frightened, helpless. Then, at the vet, the diagnosis: a slipped disc.
It sounds dramatic. And it is. But it’s not a death sentence.
In a nutshell (TL;DR)
- A slipped disc occurs when a disc in the spine presses on the spinal cord – this causes pain and can even lead to paralysis
- Dachshunds, French Bulldogs and other short-legged breeds are particularly affected (‘dachshund paralysis’)
- There are 5 severity levels – not every case requires surgery
- After the acute phase, targeted dietary supplements and rest help to support the intervertebral discs in the long term
What happens in the case of a herniated disc?
Imagine your dog’s spine as a chain. Between each link sits a small cushion – the intervertebral disc. It cushions movements and keeps everything flexible.
In the case of a herniated disc (disc prolapse), this cushion bulges outwards and presses on the spinal cord. This is the canal through which all nerve signals travel from the brain to the body.
If this canal is compressed, the signals can no longer get through. The result: pain, coordination problems or, in the worst case, complete paralysis.
Why does it affect some dogs more frequently?
Certain breeds have a genetic predisposition: their intervertebral discs age more quickly. From as early as two years of age, the discs can dry out and become brittle. Vets call this ‘chondrodystrophic degeneration’.
The breeds particularly affected are:
- Dachshunds (hence the name ‘dachshund paralysis’)
- French Bulldogs
- Cocker Spaniels
- Pekingese
- Basset Hounds
- Shih Tzu
- Beagle
However, larger breeds such as German Shepherds or Dobermans can also suffer from slipped discs – usually only in later life.
The 5 severity levels – where does your dog fall?
Not every herniated disc is equally serious. Vets classify the condition into 5 grades:
Grade 1 – Pain
only Your dog shows signs of pain, is reluctant to move and keeps its back stiff. No neurological deficits. This is the most common case – and the one with the best prognosis.
Grade 2 – Mild coordination problems
Your dog walks a little unsteadily; its hind legs seem unsteady. However, it can still stand and walk.
Grade 3 – Significant movement difficulties
The hind legs barely respond. Your dog can stand, but only with great effort. Walking is difficult.
Grade 4 – Paralysis with sensation
of pain Your dog can no longer move its hind legs. However, it still feels something when you gently pinch its toes. This is important – because as long as there is sensation of pain, the nerves are still intact.
Grade 5 – Paralysis without sensation
of pain The most severe case. No movement, no sensation of pain in the hind legs. Every hour counts here – surgery must be carried out within 24–48 hours to preserve the chances of recovery.
Recognising the symptoms correctly
The signs may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Look out for:
- Sudden yelping when picked up, climbing stairs or playing
- A stiff gait or an arched back (hunchback)
- Trembling for no apparent reason
- Sensitivity to touch on the back or neck
- Wobbly hind legs or stumbling
- Dragging or shuffling the hind legs
- Keeping the head lowered – particularly in cases of herniated discs in the neck region
- Incontinence – loss of bladder or bowel control
Important: Some dogs show very few signs of pain. If your dachshund suddenly refuses to get onto the sofa or kneels down strangely whilst eating – take this seriously.
Treatment: Surgery or conservative management?
That is the big question. And the answer depends on the severity.
Conservative treatment (Grades 1–2)
In mild cases, the vet will prescribe:
- Strict rest – 4 to 6 weeks in a cage (yes, really, a cage). No jumping, no stairs, no rough play
- Painkillers – NSAIDs or gabapentin for nerve pain
- Anti-inflammatories – to reduce swelling around the spinal cord
The success rate for Grades 1–2 with conservative treatment is around 80–90 per cent. These are good figures.
Surgical treatment (Grades 3–5)
From Grade 3 onwards, most neurologists recommend surgery. This involves removing part or all of the intervertebral disc (hemilaminectomy) to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord.
What you should know:
- Surgery costs: 2,000 to 5,000 euros (depending on the clinic and the complexity of the procedure)
- Success rate for grades 3–4: around 90%
- Success rate for Grade 5 (with rapid surgery): around 50–60%
- Recovery time: 6–12 weeks
- Post-operative physiotherapy is crucial
The 48-hour rule
For Grade 5 (paralysis without sensation of pain), the rule is: operate within 24–48 hours. After that, the chances of recovery drop dramatically. If your dog suddenly loses feeling in its hind legs – take it to the veterinary clinic immediately. Not tomorrow. Now.
After the acute phase: strengthening joints and intervertebral discs
The acute crisis has passed. Your dog is recovering. But now comes the part that hardly anyone talks about: long-term care.
Intervertebral discs are made up of cartilage. And cartilage needs certain nutrients to remain elastic and resilient.
What supports regeneration:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin – the building blocks of cartilage tissue. They help to repair damaged tissue and build new tissue
- Hyaluronic acid – ensures lubrication and elasticity between the vertebrae
- MSM (organic sulphur) – has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the formation of connective tissue
- Green-lipped mussel – contains natural omega-3 fatty acids and glycosaminoglycans, which inhibit inflammation and protect cartilage
- Devil’s claw and ginger – natural anti-inflammatories that can also help relieve pain
Veddelholzer Joint Tablets combine precisely these ingredients in a single tablet. Many dog owners use them as daily support following a herniated disc – not as a substitute for veterinary treatment, but as a supplement for the long-term health of the spine.
When to start? Talk to your vet about when dietary supplementation is advisable following a slipped disc. Most recommend starting as soon as the acute inflammatory phase has subsided.
Prevention: How to reduce the risk
Especially if you have a high-risk breed, you can take active preventative measures:
In everyday life
- No jumping off the sofa, bed or out of the car – use ramps or dog stairs
- Avoid stairs or carry your dog
- No yanking wildly on the lead – use a harness instead of a collar
- Lifting: always do it properly – one hand under the chest, one under the bottom. Never lift by the belly or front legs
Keep an eye on their weight
Every extra kilo puts strain on the intervertebral discs. A healthy weight is particularly crucial for dachshunds and bulldogs. If you can’t easily feel your dog’s ribs, he’s probably too heavy.
Build up muscle
Strong back muscles support the spine and relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs. Controlled walks, swimming and gentle exercises help. However, avoid anything involving sudden twists or jumps.
Support the joints early on
Don’t wait for the first problem to arise. Especially with high-risk breeds, it makes sense to provide the intervertebral discs with the right nutrients from an early stage.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dog walk normally again after a slipped disc?
Yes, in most cases. With grades 1–3, most dogs make a full recovery – provided the treatment is correct and the rest period is observed. Even with grade 4, the chances are good. With grade 5, it depends on how quickly surgery is performed.
How much does surgery for a herniated disc cost?
Depending on the clinic, region and severity, between 2,000 and 5,000 euros. On top of this come preliminary examinations (MRI: 800–1,500 euros) and follow-up treatment. Dog health insurance can be worthwhile here.
How long does recovery take after a herniated disc?
4–6 weeks of strict rest, followed by a gradual return to normal activity over a further 4–6 weeks. Overall, you should expect it to take 2–3 months before your dog can bear weight normally again. Physiotherapy significantly speeds up recovery.
Can a herniated disc in a dog recur?
Yes. Dogs that have had a slipped disc once are at increased risk of further episodes. That’s why prevention is so important: maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles, avoiding jumps and supporting the intervertebral discs with nutrients.
Is ‘dachshund paralysis’ really just a problem for dachshunds?
No. The name is misleading. All short-legged breeds with long backs are affected. And other breeds can also develop herniated discs. Dachshunds are simply the most commonly affected, statistically speaking.
Does physiotherapy help after a slipped disc?
Absolutely. Physiotherapy is one of the most important parts of recovery following a slipped disc. Underwater treadmill exercise, massage and targeted exercises help to build up the muscles and regain mobility.
When should you see a vet?
Take your dog to the vet or an animal hospital immediately if:
- Suddenly drags its hind legs or is unable to move them
- Is whimpering in pain and won’t let you touch them
- Shows signs of urinary or faecal incontinence
- Walks visibly unsteadily and keeps losing its balance
- Shows signs of pain following a known jump or fall
Don’t wait. Every hour counts, especially if there are signs of paralysis. A slipped disc does not heal on its own – and the sooner treatment begins, the better the prognosis.
If in doubt, it’s better to take your pet to the vet once too often than once too little.
Veddelholzer Dog Joint Tablets
With green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM – 100% natural, made in Germany.