The spinal cord passes over each disc space, and it is at the level of the disc that the spinal cord sends out nerve roots all over the body. The one problem with this whole setup is that the doughnut is a little thinner and weaker just below the spinal cord. So, if too much pressure is put on the disc, it will rupture the disc goo right against the spinal cord. This disc material puts pressure on the cord that has no room because it has a bony roof toward the outside of the body. The rupture puts pressure on the cord which gets inflamed and starts to swell.
Nerve signals go crazy and the cord tissue starts to die.
Many folks will report their dog jumping and then yelping when the disc ruptures. It seems obvious that disc rupture is an emergency. There are medical and surgical options for treating a ruptured disc. Drugs can reduce the swelling and stop the death of nerve cells. Who gets back problems and when Most dog patients develop a problem with ruptured discs when they are 4 to 6 years of age.