This lecture will begin with a brief look at the structure and function of the intervertebral disc. We will discuss the different types of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), before focusing the main part of the lecture on the acute Hansen type 1 disc extrusion. We will discuss the basic approach to cases of IVD extrusion, and consider both surgical and medical management. We will explore some of the controversies surrounding decision-making in these cases, including the need for surgical decompression, the chances of success without surgery, and illustrate the possibilities of spontaneous resolution of extruded disc material. Surgical approaches and variations in treatment of IVDD, as well as the timing of surgery and whether or not these cases constitute an emergency will be discussed, along with the implications of loss of deep pain perception and the potential effects on prognosis. We will consider the problem of recurrence of IVDD, what steps can be taken to reduce the risk of this, and briefly mention some techniques which are available to reduce recurrence rates. We will mention the effects of genetics, as well as current schemes which are available for breeders of dogs prone to IVDD to reduce the rate of reccurrence of this disease. The lecture will finish with a look at some of the research being carried out in Cambridge into IVDD, and the implications of our findings for future work and management strategies.