Beagles have vertebral column and intervertebral disks similar to that of other dogs, cats and even to humans. Vertebral column or the backbone is consist of a series of small bones called vertebrae. These small bones surround and protect the spinal cord, a collection of nerves wherein information is transmitted between the body and brain. When the spinal cord is damaged, a dog's sensations and normal movement of the body will be greatly affected. Intervertebral disks separate the dog's vertebrae. These disks are soft tissue structures that allow normal movement of the spine from head to tail.



Two components make up a normal intervertebral disk. These two components are annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. Annulus fibrosus is the outer layer that contains nucleus pulposus, a jelly-like portion. Annulus fibrosus should prevent nucleus pulposus from bulging outwards. Once this jelly-like portion bulges out into the vertebral canal and press the spinal cord, Intervertebral Disk Disease or IVDD occurs.

IVDD is a condition wherein the spinal cord is compressed. This compression causes mild pain in mild cases but severe case of intervertebral disk disease causes paralysis, loss of sensation and lack of bladder and bowel control. This disease is triggered by any normal activity such as jumping and running or minor trauma such as falling while playing and usually affects dogs between three to eight years of age. IVDD commonly appears in the lower portion of the spine or the thoracolumbar, but is also seen in the cervical region or the neck. IVDD in the thoracolumbar is characterized by pain and reluctance to walk, jump and/or play. The back may also be arched and weakness of hind legs can be present. Cervical disk disease is characterized by the pain in the neck. Muscles in the neck area may be tense and the nose is often seen pointing to the ground. The dog is usually less active and some will just lay and sleep most of the time

IVDD can be treated either through medication or surgery. Minor cases with neurological problems can be treated through medical therapy. In this case, drugs such as anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant are usually given to affected dogs. In severe condition with rapidly progressing symptoms, surgery is recommended. Doing normal activities is strictly prohibited to prevent the disease from getting worst.