Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs

  • Up to £15,000 vet fees
  • No compulsory excess or bill share, even as your pet ages
  • No upper age limit
  • Free 24/7 access to FirstVet video consultations
  • All pre-existing conditions considered*

Why choose Petgevity pet cover for IVDD in dogs?

Up to £15,000 vet fees

More info

Choose vet fee cover from £1,000 to £15,000 to suit your pet’s needs. Your limit resets each year you renew.

Tailored pet insurance

More info

Your pet is unique. Chose your limits, excess and optional extras to create a policy that fits them like a collar.

Switch with continuous cover

More info

Switch to Petgevity on a like for like basis, with no gap in cover, and your cover could start immediately**.

What is IVDD in dogs?

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.

Overview

  • IVDD is a spinal disease that’s more common in certain breeds with short legs and long bodies – like the Dachshund – though larger breeds can also be affected.
  • There are two types of disc disease – Hansen type 1 and Hansen type 2.
  • The herniated disc presses on the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, incontinence, and paralysis in severe cases.
  • Treatment options range from rest, physiotherapy, and pain relief to surgery.
What Causes What Causes
What causes IVDD in dogs?

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. 

What Causes What Causes
Which breeds are most affected?

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:

  • Dachshunds
  • Beagles
  • Corgis
  • French Bulldogs
  • Cocker Spaniels
  • Pugs

Some larger breeds are more likely to see Hansen type 2 disc disease (which has a slower onset), such as:

  • German Shepherds
  • Dobermans
  • Labrador Retrievers
What Causes What Causes
What are the signs and symptoms mild to moderate IVDD?

IVDD can develop very quickly, so it’s important to look out for early signs of the disease.

Milder symptoms include:

  • problems weeing or pooing
  • back or neck pain
  • wobbling or stumbling
  • knuckling on paws
  • tensed or arched back
  • panting, shaking, or shivering
  • refusing to move (walking or jumping)
  • complete inability to walk
  • weakness

Diagnosis

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.

What Causes What Causes
Treatment of mild to moderate IVDD

Finding IVDD early enough means your vet may recommend taking a less invasive approach to treatment. They can recommend:

  • anti-inflammatory and pain medication, including tablets and injections
  • crate rest for a strict amount of time with on-lead toilet breaks
  • helping your dog relieve themselves if needed (you’ll also need to give them regular baths if they have accidents)
  • carefully reintroducing exercise when your vet says it’s safe to do so
  • covering hard floors and other slippery surfaces so your dog has a good grip and doesn’t risk falling as they walk

Prognosis

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.

What Causes What Causes
Symptoms of severe IVDD

Dogs with severe IVDD can have symptoms such as:

  • a total inability to wee or poo
  • loss of feeling
  • no response to pain
  • partial to complete paralysis

Immediately contact your vet if your dog shows any signs of paralysis or is rapidly declining.

Diagnosis

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.

What Causes What Causes
Treatment of severe IVDD

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.

Prognosis

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.

What Causes What Causes
Can I get dog insurance with IVDD?

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. 

What Causes What Causes

Award-winning pet insurance provider

best_pet_insurance_provider_logo

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

best_pet_insurance_provider_logo

Three-time winner National Insurance Awards Pet Insurance Award 2022, 2023 & 2024.

best_pet_insurance_provider_logo

Awarded Best Pet Insurance Provider at the Insurance Choice Awards 2022.

What’s included in your pet cover

Choosing Petgevity to protect your pets gives you more than just vet fee cover. Here's what you get from our policy.

Dental accident

More info

If your pets have a dental accident or injury, you’re covered up to your chosen vet fee limit. Just make sure you’re taking them for annual check-ups and following vet dental advice.

Behavioural treatment

More info

Get expert help with your pets’ emotional and mental well-being, as advised by a vet. Covers up to your chosen vet fee limit (maximum 12 sessions, combined with complementary therapy).

Complementary therapy

More info

This includes alternative treatments like hydrotherapy or acupuncture, as advised by a vet. Cover up to your chosen vet fee limit (maximum 12 sessions combined with behavioural treatment).

Emergency care

More info

If you have an emergency (like an unplanned hospital visit) and can’t look after your pets, you get up to £1,500 towards pet minding costs.

Third-party liability for dogs

More info

This is when your dog causes injury to someone or their pet, or causes loss or damage to another person’s property. Cover for up to £2,000,000 for legal action made against you or your dog.

Choice of optional extras

More info

Choose from a range of optional extras to suit your pet’s needs, such as dental illness and cover if your pets get lost or stolen.

Compare our multi-pet cover

petgevity-logo-white p-only-petgevitylogo ManyPets Petplan Agria
Maximum vet fees £15k per year £15k per year £12k per year £20k per year
Cover for pre-existing conditions?
No compulsory excess?
No compulsory co-payments for older pets? 20% (from age 9) 20% (from age 7) Min. 10% (from any age)
Tailor limits per pet on a multi-pet policy
Dental treatment for accidents?
Behavioural treatment and complementary therapy?

†For Lifetime 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.

Frequently asked questions about IVDD

  • Can IVDD be prevented? 

    Although you can’t completely prevent your dog from getting IVDD, there are things you can do to lower the risk. 

    • Keep your dog at a healthy weight with a controlled diet and appropriate exercise 
    • Stay away from high-impact activities like jumping, going up and down stairs, and skidding 
    • Be wary of rough play that causes your pup to twist their spine  
    • Use ramps to give your dog access to furniture 
    • Give their back proper support when picking them up and putting them down 
    • Wait until their bones and joints have properly developed before neutering 
    • Ask breeders whether the parents have any history of IVDD 
  • How much does IVDD surgery cost? 

    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.