Dog IVDD Diagnosis: Tests, Signs, and What to Expect

When your dog suddenly starts walking strangely, cries when you touch their back, or refuses to jump or climb stairs, it’s natural to worry. One possible cause is IVDD - Intervertebral Disc Disease, a spinal condition that can range from mild pain to complete paralysis. Getting a proper dog IVDD diagnosis is the only way to know what’s really going on and how serious it is.

In this guide, we’ll break down how vets diagnose IVDD in dogs, what tests are used, and how much they usually cost in the UK. You’ll also learn whether IVDD can be diagnosed without an MRI and what to expect once you have the results. This article focuses only on diagnosis, not treatment - but we’ll link to helpful guides on what to do next once your dog’s condition is confirmed.

What Is IVDD and Why Is Early Diagnosis So Important?

IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is a spinal condition where the discs between your dog’s vertebrae start to bulge or burst, pressing on the spinal cord. It’s one of the most common causes of sudden back pain, weakness, or even paralysis in dogs.

Getting a dog IVDD diagnosis as early as possible is critical. The sooner a vet identifies the problem, the better the chances of preventing permanent nerve damage. Without timely diagnosis, a dog can go from walking normally to losing the ability to stand or move their back legs within hours or days.

Accurate diagnosis allows your vet to decide whether your dog needs rest, medication, or urgent surgery.

How do vets diagnose IVDD in dogs?

Getting a dog IVDD diagnosis is a step-by-step process your vet follows to confirm what’s going on with the spine.

History & symptoms
You describe what you’ve seen: pain on touch, reluctance to jump or climb, wobbliness, knuckling, yelping, sudden weakness, or changes after a jump/fall. Timing (sudden vs gradual) really matters.
Physical & neurological exam
The vet checks posture, gait, spinal pain, paw placement, reflexes and where along the spine the problem likely is. This helps decide urgency and which imaging makes sense.
Imaging — X-ray, MRI, CT, Myelogram

X-ray: shows bones/vertebrae and indirect clues (disc space narrowing), but not the discs or spinal cord themselves.
MRI: gold standard for IVDD; shows discs, spinal cord compression, swelling and exact level — best for treatment planning.
CT: great for bone and some mineralised disc material; often used when MRI access is limited or alongside contrast.
Myelogram: contrast dye + X-ray / CT to outline the spinal cord if MRI isn’t available; more invasive and used less now.

If you’re unsure about the signs, explore our guide on IVDD Symptoms in Dogs

What Tests Confirm IVDD in Dogs?

To confirm dog IVDD diagnosis, vets rely on imaging tests that show what’s happening inside the spine. Each test has its own role, cost, and accuracy.

X-ray

An X-ray is the most basic and affordable option, usually costing between £150 and £300 in 2025. It can’t show the spinal cord or discs directly, but it may reveal indirect signs of IVDD such as narrowed disc spaces or vertebral changes. Vets often use X-rays to rule out other conditions like fractures or arthritis before recommending advanced scans.

MRI

An MRI scan is the gold standard for IVDD diagnosis. It provides a clear image of the spinal cord, discs, and any compression. MRI scans allow vets to see the exact disc affected and how severe the pressure is. In the UK, MRI costs typically range from £1,000 to £2,000, depending on the clinic and the number of spinal regions scanned.
If you’re in the north of England, you can find experienced diagnostic vets at Eden Veterinary Centre in Carlisle.

CT or Myelogram

When MRI isn’t available or suitable, vets may use a CT scan or myelogram.

CT gives detailed 3D images of the bones and can detect calcified discs pressing on the spinal cord. It usually costs around £600–£1,200.
Myelogram involves injecting a dye around the spinal cord before taking X-rays or CT images, helping outline areas of compression. It’s more invasive and less common today, but still used in some cases.

In most cases, MRI provides the most accurate IVDD diagnosis, while other scans help when access or cost is a limitation.

Can IVDD Be Diagnosed Without MRI?

In some cases, vets can suspect IVDD without an MRI based on your dog’s history, symptoms, and neurological exam. If a dog shows classic signs — such as back pain, stiffness, knuckling, or sudden weakness — and other causes are ruled out, an experienced vet may make a presumptive IVDD diagnosis.

However, without imaging, there’s no way to know exactly which disc is affected or how severe the compression is. MRI remains the only method that confirms IVDD with certainty and helps decide between conservative treatment and surgery.

It’s important to avoid guessing or trying home tests. Back pain in dogs can come from several conditions, and delaying a proper diagnosis can make recovery harder. Always seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

If your dog is already struggling to walk, our Furria small dog wheelchair can help restore mobility while you discuss next steps with your vet.

When Should You See a Vet for IVDD Diagnosis?

You should see a vet as soon as you notice any signs of back pain, weakness, or coordination problems in your dog. With IVDD, timing makes a huge difference — the earlier your dog is diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery and avoiding permanent nerve damage.

Warning signs that need urgent attention include:

Sudden weakness or wobbliness in the back legs
Yelping or crying when picked up
Stiff neck or hunched back
Refusal to jump, climb stairs, or walk normally

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own. Early veterinary diagnosis can often prevent irreversible damage.

Read more about early warning signs in our guide - IVDD symptoms in dogs.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

Once your dog has a confirmed IVDD diagnosis, your vet will explain the stage and severity of the condition. Based on how much the spinal cord is affected, they’ll recommend either conservative treatment or surgery.

Conservative care usually involves rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and controlled physiotherapy, while surgery is advised when there’s severe compression or paralysis. Recovery plans differ from dog to dog, and follow-up imaging or rehabilitation may be needed.

To understand the next steps in detail, explore our related guides:

FAQ: Dog IVDD Diagnosis

Can IVDD be diagnosed without MRI?

Sometimes vets can suspect IVDD based on symptoms and a neurological exam, but an MRI is the only way to confirm it for sure. Without imaging, it’s hard to know which disc is affected or how serious the damage is.

Do X-rays show IVDD in dogs?

X-rays can show changes in the bones and disc spaces, but they can’t reveal the spinal cord or the exact disc problem. They’re useful for ruling out fractures or arthritis, but not for confirming IVDD.

How long does it take to diagnose IVDD in dogs?

Most dogs can be diagnosed within one or two vet visits. If an MRI is needed, it may take an additional day, especially if your vet refers you to a specialist clinic.

Is IVDD diagnosis painful for my dog?

No. Physical and neurological exams are gentle, and imaging like X-rays or MRI is done under sedation or light anaesthesia, so your dog won’t feel any discomfort during the process.

Can IVDD be misdiagnosed?

Yes. Conditions such as arthritis, spinal injuries, or fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) can mimic IVDD symptoms. That’s why proper imaging and an experienced vet are key for accurate diagnosis.

What if I can’t afford an MRI for my dog?

Discuss your situation openly with your vet. They can sometimes make a working diagnosis based on exams and offer a treatment plan. Some clinics, like Eden Veterinary Centre in Carlisle, may also provide flexible payment options or referrals to more affordable facilities.

Can my dog recover after IVDD diagnosis?

Many dogs recover well, especially when diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Recovery depends on the severity of the spinal cord damage and how quickly treatment begins.

Conclusion

Getting a dog IVDD diagnosis early is the key to protecting your dog’s mobility and quality of life. The sooner IVDD is identified, the better the outcome — whether through rest, medication, or surgery. Accurate diagnosis gives your vet the information needed to choose the right treatment plan and prevent lasting nerve damage.

If your dog already struggles to walk, our Furria small dog wheelchair can make a life-changing difference.

We focus on helping owners support dogs with mobility and comfort issues.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary care.