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Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a painful spinal condition that involves the rupture (herniation) of an intervertebral disc. It often affects breeds such as Dachshunds, Corgis, and French Bulldogs. IVDD can cause incontinence, nerve issues, and even lead to paralysis. This guide looks at the main symptoms of IVDD and what you can do to support your dog if they develop the condition.
Intervertebral discs are cushions that sit between your dog’s backbones, acting as shock absorbers and helping support movement.
Hansen type 1 disease involves severe rupture of a disc, usually from a forceful impact. Hansen type 2 disease happens when the discs harden and turn brittle over time, losing their shock-absorbing ability. They can also slip out and compress the spine, leading to restricted movement, pain, and even paralysis.
Smaller breeds with certain back lengths and/or back shapes are more at risk of developing Hansen type 1 disc disease and having sudden disc ruptures. This includes:
Some larger breeds are more likely to see Hansen type 2 disc disease (which has a slower onset), such as:
IVDD can develop very quickly, so it’s important to look out for early signs of the disease.
Milder symptoms include:
If you think your dog is showing early signs of IVDD, contact your vet. Diagnosis usually involves assessing the history, clinical signs, and physical exam findings, along with images from x-rays and advanced imaging such as MRI.
Finding IVDD early enough means your vet may recommend taking a less invasive approach to treatment. They can recommend:
Carefully following your vet’s treatment advice means that your dog can recover from mild IVDD. It may take weeks or months so patience and consistency are key. You’ll also want to be mindful of your dog’s movements (such as jumping and skidding) to help prevent the symptoms from reappearing.
Dogs with severe IVDD can have symptoms such as:
Immediately contact your vet if your dog shows any signs of paralysis or is rapidly declining.
In addition to physical exam findings, MRI scans and x-rays, your vet may run other tests to see how badly your dog’s spine, nerves, and bones have been affected by the condition. This can include CT scans and blood tests.
If your dog’s IVDD is so severe that they’re becoming paralysed or in extreme pain, your vet will talk to you about disc surgery.
Spinal surgery can be risky and involves making a window in the bone to remove the slipped disc or discs. This then takes the pressure off the spinal cord.
Post-surgery recovery can take months or even years and physical therapy is often needed to help carefully build your dog’s strength back up.
The outlook for a dog with severe IVDD depends on how much permanent damage was done before surgery.
Some dogs who have had back surgery may still be in pain, paralysed, and need lifelong help going to the toilet.
We’ll certainly see if we can cover your dog’s IVDD. You’ll need to tell us all about the condition (and others they’ve had in the last two years) when getting a quote.
Find out more about our dog insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.
Defaqto 5 star rating when you choose vet fees over £4,000 with all optional add-ons included.
Basic cover alone has 3 star rating
Three-time winner National Insurance Awards Pet Insurance Award 2022, 2023 & 2024.
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Choosing Petgevity to protect your pets gives you more than just vet fee cover. Here's what you get from our policy.
Dental accident
Covers your pet up to the chosen vet fee limit if they have a dental accident or injury. Always be sure to take your pet for annual dental check-ups, and follow your vet’s advice.
Behavioural treatment
Get expert help with your pet’s mental and emotional wellbeing, as advised by your vet. Cover up to your chosen vet fee amount or the cost of up to 12 sessions, whichever is lower (Lifetime Plus); or up to £1,000 (Lifetime).
Complementary therapy
As advised by your vet, this covers alternative treatments like acupuncture or hydrotherapy. Cover up to your chosen vet fee amount (Lifetime Plus); or up to chosen vet fee amount or £1,500, whichever is lower (Lifetime).
Emergency care
If you can’t look after your pet due to an emergency, such as an unplanned hospital visit, this covers you for up to £1,500 (Lifetime Plus) in minding costs.
Third-party liability for dogs
Covers you for legal costs if your dog causes injury to somebody or their pet, or causes loss or damage to someone’s property. Protects you for up to £2 million in a legal action.
Choice of optional extras
Need extra protection? Choose from several optional extras to cover your pet’s needs, including dental illness, or cover if your pet is stolen or lost.
†For Lifetime Plus policies only – details correct as of 10 September 2024 via competitor websites. Competitor products are subject to their own T&Cs and can have different limits and requirements for cats versus dogs at different ages. For full details, please check the relevant policy wording. For full details of Petgevity pet insurance, please read our policy wording.
Although you can’t completely prevent your dog from getting IVDD, there are things you can do to lower the risk.
IVDD surgery can start from £4,000 with costs going above £10,000 depending on whether your dog needs specialist help.
There are also extra costs to think about like post-surgery physiotherapy.
*Cover for pre-existing medical conditions is subject to acceptance. They will not be covered unless you have declared them and they are shown on your Confirmation of Cover.
**Illnesses and symptoms won’t be covered in the first 14 days and accidents won’t be covered in the first 2 days of the policy. This is unless you are switching from another lifetime pet insurance product with no break in cover and the claim you want to make would have been covered by your previous policy. Other exclusions may apply to other sections.