Intervertebral disc disease is a premature abnormal degeneration of the intervertebral discs. In chondrodystrophic breeds, premature calcification of the nucleus pulposus causes disc degeneration in young dogs. These abnormal discs are prone to herniation into the spinal canal where inflammation and bleeding can cause severe pain and neurological dysfunction called intervertebral disc disease. This condition can lead to the death of the animal. IVDD can be tested for in any breed, but is most commonly found in the breeds listed below.

Transmission

Autosomal dominant

Breed

American cocker spaniel, Basset Hound, Beagle, Bulldog, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chihuahua, Coton de Tuléar, Dachshund, English Springer Spaniel, French Bulldog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever, Portuguese Water Dog, Australian Shepherd