Juliette Chan, Steven De Decker

RVC, London, United Kingdom

Objectives

To assess owner adherence to veterinarian-prescribed activity restriction protocols for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL-IVDE) in dogs, identify influencing barriers to adherence, and examine associations between adherence and functional recovery.

Methods

This retrospective questionnaire-based observational study included 48 client-owned dogs medically managed for TL-IVDE between December 2019 and February 2025. Owners completed an anonymous questionnaire. Owner implemented activity restrictions (type and duration) were compared with veterinary recommendations. Associations were evaluated using exact tests and logistic regression, adjusting for neurological stage at presentation. Qualitative responses were analysed thematically to identify barriers and adaptive strategies

Results

41% of owners adhered to the prescribed duration, 24% exceeded it, and 35% did not meet it. While most owners implemented the recommended type of activity restriction, adherence to prescribed duration was variable, irrespective of the length of restriction recommended. After adjusting for neurological severity at presentation, adherence was not significantly associated with improved outcomes. Qualitative analysis identified two principal barriers: dog temperament/behaviour and perceived recovery

Statement: Impact/ Clinical Significance

Adherence to the type of activity restriction for TL-IVDE is high. However, sustaining it for the full prescribed duration remains challenging, with commonly cited reasons including dog temperament/behaviour and owner perception of clinical improvement prompting early relaxation of restriction. These findings highlight the importance of clear veterinarian-client communication regarding the rationale and goals of activity restriction. Further research is needed to evaluate the relationship between adherence and neurological recovery in dogs medically managed for TL-IVDE.