Effects

• When the disk ruptures, it extends upward and puts pressure on the spinal cord, which can cause pain or even paralysis, depending on the amount of pressure.
  
  

Breed Disposition

• Certain breeds are more likely to develop intervertebral disk disease, including dachshunds, cocker spaniels, bulldogs, beagles, basset hounds and some large mixed-breed dogs.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing a disk rupture requires a special X-ray technique called a myelogram. The vet performs a spinal tap on the dog and injects radio-contrast dye in order to take X-rays that can show damage to the spine.
  
  

Treatment

• Moderate cases of intervertebral disk disease can be treated with confinement so that the animal remains as still as possible to allow for healing. If the injury is more severe, or doesn't respond to rest, surgery is the typical treatment.
  
  

Expert Insight

• The website Pet Education recommends giving your dog glucosamine and chondroitin supplements after surgery or during confinement to speed recovery. Continued supplementation can protect the dog's disks against future injuries.