If you share your home with a Boston Terrier, you have probably noticed that cute corkscrew or stubby tail. That tail is part of the breed’s charm, but it is also a clue about what is going on inside the spine. Boston Terriers belong to the group of “screw-tailed” breeds, along with French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Pugs, and these breeds are known to be prone to certain spinal problems.
This guide walks through the two spine conditions Boston Terrier owners hear about most, hemivertebrae and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), what the warning signs look like, and what you can do day to day to protect your dog’s back.
Please note: this article is for general education only. Spinal problems can become emergencies quickly. If your Boston shows any of the signs below, consult your veterinarian right away.
How a Dog’s Spine Works
A dog’s spine is a chain of small bones called vertebrae that protect the spinal cord, the bundle of nerves carrying signals between the brain and the body. Between most vertebrae sits a cushioning intervertebral disc. Each disc has a tough outer ring and a softer, gel-like center that absorbs shock as your dog runs, jumps and twists.
When a vertebra is misshapen, or when a disc bulges or ruptures, pressure can build on the spinal cord or the nerves leaving it. Depending on where that pressure is and how severe it is, the result can range from mild back pain to weakness or even paralysis.
What Are Hemivertebrae?
Hemivertebrae are vertebrae that did not form normally while the puppy was developing. Instead of a block shape, the bone forms as a wedge or “butterfly” shape. The screw tail of a Boston Terrier is itself made of malformed tail vertebrae, which is why the breed is associated with this condition.
Are hemivertebrae always a problem?
No. Many Boston Terriers have hemivertebrae that never cause symptoms and are only discovered by chance on an X-ray taken for another reason. Problems tend to arise when the malformed vertebrae are in the middle or upper back and cause the spine to angle (kyphosis or scoliosis) or become unstable, which can squeeze the spinal cord.
Signs of hemivertebrae causing trouble
When hemivertebrae do cause symptoms, they often appear while a puppy is growing, commonly in the first year of life. Signs to watch for include:
- Wobbly or uncoordinated walking in the back legs
- Weakness in the hind end or crossing of the back legs
- Back pain, a hunched posture or reluctance to be picked up
- Difficulty controlling urine or stool
- Symptoms that slowly get worse over weeks or months
What Is IVDD?
Intervertebral disc disease happens when a disc degenerates and then bulges or bursts, pushing disc material up into the spinal canal. Breeds with short legs or a compact build, called chondrodystrophic breeds, are prone to early disc degeneration, and Boston Terriers are among the breeds that can be affected.
IVDD can strike suddenly, for example after a jump off the couch, or develop gradually. It most often affects the neck or the middle-to-lower back.
Common signs of IVDD
- Crying out when touched, picked up or when moving
- A tense belly, hunched back or a stiff, lowered head and neck
- Reluctance to climb stairs, jump or go for walks
- Trembling or panting from pain
- Knuckling over of the paws, wobbliness or dragging the back legs
- Sudden inability to walk, urinate or feel the back legs
When Is It an Emergency?
Treat these as emergencies and contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately:
- Your Boston suddenly cannot walk or stand on the back legs
- Your dog is dragging one or more legs
- Your dog cannot urinate or is leaking urine without control
- Severe pain that does not settle when your dog is resting
With spinal cord compression, time matters. Vets often say the outcome is better the sooner a dog is assessed and treated, especially if surgery is needed. While you are on the way, keep your dog as still as possible. Carry them supported under the chest and hips, or on a flat board or in a crate, rather than letting them walk.
How Vets Diagnose Spine Problems
Your vet will usually start with a physical and neurological exam: checking how your dog walks, how quickly they reposition their paws, their reflexes and whether they feel their toes. Based on those findings, they may recommend:
- X-rays to show the shape of the vertebrae and spot hemivertebrae
- MRI or CT scans, usually at a specialty or referral hospital, to see the spinal cord and discs in detail
- Referral to a veterinary neurologist or surgeon when the problem is significant
Because hemivertebrae are so common in screw-tailed breeds, an X-ray finding by itself does not always mean it is the cause of symptoms. Advanced imaging helps your vet connect the dots.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause, the location and how severe the signs are. Your vet will tailor the plan to your dog.
Conservative care
For mild cases, vets often recommend strict rest, usually confining the dog to a crate or small pen for a period of weeks, plus medication to control pain and inflammation. Strict rest really means strict: short, leashed potty breaks only, with no jumping, stairs or play. Ask your vet exactly how long and how strict rest should be for your dog.
Surgery
If there is significant spinal cord compression, weakness that is getting worse, or paralysis, surgery to remove disc material or stabilize the spine may be recommended. These procedures are typically performed by board-certified surgeons or neurologists.
Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation, such as controlled exercises, underwater treadmill work and home exercises, is often part of recovery after either conservative care or surgery. Ask your vet whether a certified canine rehabilitation therapist is available near you.
Protecting Your Boston Terrier’s Back
You cannot change your dog’s genetics, but you can reduce everyday strain on the spine:
- Keep your Boston lean. Extra weight adds load to the spine and joints. Our guides on overweight Boston Terriers and feeding amounts can help.
- Use ramps or steps for couches, beds and cars instead of letting your dog leap up and down.
- Use a harness instead of a collar for walks, especially if your dog pulls, to avoid pressure on the neck.
- Support the whole body when lifting: one hand under the chest and one under the hindquarters.
- Keep nails trimmed and add rugs on slippery floors to prevent sliding and twisting.
- Ask about health history if you are buying a puppy. Our questions to ask a Boston breeder are a good starting point.
Living With a Boston Terrier With a Spine Condition
Many Boston Terriers with spinal issues go on to enjoy happy lives with some adjustments at home. Your vet may suggest lifestyle changes, ongoing pain management, or mobility aids. Keep a simple diary of your dog’s mobility and any flare-ups so you can share accurate information at check-ups. For a broader look at breed health, see 10 common Boston Terrier health problems and The Complete Boston Terrier Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Boston Terriers have hemivertebrae?
Not all, but hemivertebrae are common in screw-tailed breeds like the Boston Terrier, and many affected dogs never show symptoms. Only your vet can tell you whether your dog has them, usually with an X-ray.
Can IVDD heal on its own?
Some mild cases improve with strict rest and medication under a vet’s supervision, but IVDD should never be left untreated. Signs can get worse suddenly, so always have your dog examined.
Is it safe for my Boston Terrier to jump on the couch?
Repeated jumping on and off furniture adds stress to the spine. Using ramps or pet stairs is a simple way to reduce that strain, especially for dogs with a history of back problems.
What does a Boston Terrier with back pain look like?
Common signs include a hunched back, a tense belly, yelping when picked up, trembling, reluctance to move, and a stiff neck or lowered head. If you notice these, call your vet.
Is spine surgery for dogs expensive?
Spinal surgery and advanced imaging can be costly. Pet insurance taken out before any problem appears may help. Our Boston Terrier pet insurance comparison explains what to look for.
Consult your vet: This article is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you think your Boston Terrier has a spine problem, contact your veterinarian promptly.