Degeneration of the intervertebral discs can result in protrusion or rupture into the spinal canal compressing the spinal cord. The cause of the degeneration is unknown however there is a much greater tendency in the breeds with short legs (chondrodystrophoid) such as the dachshund. Mild signs may be indistinct and include reluctance to jump, yelping when being patted or picked up, and difficulty passing motions. As the pressure on the cord increases some loss of feeling occurs causing weakness usually in the hind legs. These dogs are still able to move the legs and have deep pain. Greater pressure produces increasing levels of paralysis and loss of pain response.

It may be possible to identify an area of acute pain along the neck or back in a dog showing signs of disc degeneration. Xrays of the spine may show narrowing of the space between the vertebrae or increased density of the disc (a sign of degeneration) in the effected area. Myelograms, where dye which shows up on Xray is injected along the spinal canal to outline any area of compression, are the most accurate method of diagnosis.

Treatment is based on relieving the pressure on the spinal cord around the area of disc protrusion. Corticosteroids are the main drugs used for medical management of this condition, acting by reducing the inflammation in the spinal canal which occurs secondary to the disc collapse. Acupuncture has also been used successfully for this purpose. More severe cases with paralysis and loss of deep pain responses generally require surgery to decompress the spine. A range of techniques may be considered including opening the disc to remove the contents (disc fenestration), and removing part of the bone of the vertebrae over the area of damage (laminectomy).