In January 2022, our beloved long-haired dachshund, Henriprints.co, underwent back surgery to address Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Within 48 hours of experiencing paralysis in his hind legs, Henriprints.co underwent spinal surgery, successfully removing herniated disc material from his spinal canal under the care of a skilled canine neurologist. Henriprints.co’s IVDD journey is detailed in our blog, which also provides guidance on what to do if you suspect your dog is suffering from IVDD.
As first-time pet parents (Mike and Steph), we became intimately acquainted with the true financial implications of dog back surgery. We discovered that the cost of IVDD surgery encompasses more than just the surgical procedure; it also includes examinations, boarding, medications, anesthesia, and other related expenses.
In this Henriprints.co Dog Blog article, we delve into the comprehensive expenses associated with IVDD surgery for dogs. We explore the success rates of IVDD surgery compared to non-surgical treatment alternatives and discuss which IVDD treatments are typically covered by pet insurance.
How Much Does IVDD Surgery Cost?
When factoring in all surgical and non-surgical expenses, the total bill for IVDD surgery can vary widely, ranging from $6,000 to $12,000 for small to medium-sized dogs, and up to $8,000 to $14,000 for larger dogs.
Variables Affecting the Cost of IVDD Surgery
The cost of IVDD spinal surgery, the surgical procedure itself, is influenced by several key factors: the location of spinal cord damage in your dog, the number of affected sites requiring surgery, and the duration of the surgical procedure. Complex, extensive surgeries tend to be more expensive than shorter, simpler procedures. The total cost of IVDD surgery typically falls within the range of $3,000 to $9,000.
As a point of reference, Henriprints.cos IVDD surgery cost amounted to $4,700. Dr. Jenny Scarano at Red Banks Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey performed the procedure, removing diseased disc material from Henriprints.co’s spinal canal at the T12-13 location. The surgery took approximately 1.5 hours, and our neurologist explained that a more extensive surgery would have been costlier if more than two vertebrae needed attention.
Non-Surgical Expenses Related to IVDD in Dogs
In addition to the IVDD surgery, you will incur charges for non-surgical aspects related to your dog’s operation and ongoing care during their hospital stay. These costs include anesthesia, anxiety medications, pain relievers, imaging scans, food, and boarding.
Here is an itemized list of non-surgical expenses Mike and I paid in connection with Henriprints.co’s IVDD surgery. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on geographic location and facility. We reside in New Jersey, where prices are relatively higher than in many other parts of the U.S., though still not as high as in New York City.
- Referral examination — $85
- Hospitalization — $363
- MRI — $1,850
- Chest x-ray — $360
- Blood test (CBC count) — $62
- Boarding (per day) — $85
- IV fluid change (per day) — $99
- Penicillin shot — $149
- Anti-anxiety medication (e.g., Gabapentin) — $71
Notably, Henriprints.co’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, an essential step for precisely locating the IVDD and confirming the need for surgery, was one of the costliest non-surgical items. In the United States, canine MRIs generally range from $1,500 to $3,000.
For reference, our final hospital bill totaled $8,600.
Additional Factors Impacting the Cost of IVDD Surgery
Geographical location plays a significant role in IVDD surgery pricing. Generally, board-certified canine neurologists in major and expensive cities, like NYC and San Francisco, charge more than those in areas with a lower cost of living.
Timing may also affect the cost, depending on your animal hospital’s pricing policy. IVDD often qualifies as a surgical emergency due to the potential for irreversible paralysis. Consequently, surgeries performed during holidays or late at night may come with a higher price tag compared to daytime operations. This, however, depends on your specific animal hospital.
How Will You Be Billed for Your Dog’s IVDD Surgery?
Most veterinary clinics performing IVDD surgery will request an upfront deposit, typically 30-50% of the total estimated bill for uninsured dogs. For example, if your dog’s estimated total bill amounts to $9,000 (like Henriprints.co’s), you will be required to provide an upfront deposit of $2,700 to $4,500.
What Is the Success Rate of IVDD Surgery?
The success of IVDD surgery depends on the severity of your dog’s IVDD prognosis and the time elapsed between your dog’s initial symptoms (IVDD stage) and the surgery.
For dogs who can feel pain at the time of surgery (IVDD stages 1-4), there is a 96% chance of regaining the ability to walk within three months. Even approximately 76% of dachshunds who have lost sensation in their toes (stage 5) can achieve a full recovery within 6-12 months if they undergo surgery within 24 hours. More information about the various IVDD stages is available [here](insert link).
The speed of your dog’s recovery is also influenced by the location of the spinal cord damage. Roughly 18% of bulging discs occur in the neck (cervical region), while 65% are found in the mid-back (lumbar region). According to DVM360, dachshunds with a mid-back injury, similar to Henriprints.co’s diagnosis, tend to heal faster than those with neck injuries.
Can Dogs Recover from IVDD Without Surgery?
Dogs with IVDD, particularly those in stages 1-3, may have a chance to recover without surgery. Non-surgical treatments for IVDD include anti-inflammatories, pain medications, strict crate rest, laser therapy, and acupuncture.
In October 2020, Django was diagnosed with mild IVDD (stage 2). After consulting with a canine neurologist, we subjected him to six weeks of strict crate rest. During this period, Django was allowed out of his crate only for short periods of cuddling and bathroom breaks. Thankfully, he made a full recovery from that particular back injury.
Unfortunately, if your dachshund still experiences back or neck pain after 4-7 days of strict crate rest or displays signs of worsening or paralysis, IVDD surgery may become the most suitable or sole option. The goal of IVDD surgery is to alleviate pressure on your dog’s spinal cord, preventing further damage and potential permanent paralysis. It is essential to perform surgery within 24-48 hours in such cases.
Success Rates for IVDD Treatment with and Without Surgery
Each IVDD stage requires a distinct treatment approach. Mild IVDD (stages 1-2) is typically managed through strict crate rest and medical intervention. For dachshunds with severe IVDD (stages 3-5), surgery is almost invariably the standard treatment.
Based on your dachshund’s IVDD stage and treatment plan, either with or without surgery, VCA Animal Hospitals provides the following average success rates.
Table: IVDD Surgery Success Rates in Dogs
| IVDD Stage | Surgery Success | Non-Surgical IVDD Treatments Success |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (up to 1 week) | 90-95% | 80-90% |
| Stage 2 (past 1 week) | 90-95% | 60-70% |
| Stage 3 (up to 3 days) | 85-95% | 30-40% |
| Stage 4 (up to 3 days) | (Henriprints’s diagnosis) 85-95% | Less than 25% |
| Stage 5 (up to 24 hours) | 50% | Less than 5% |
Does Pet Insurance Cover IVDD Surgery?
Most pet insurance companies do not cover dachshunds who have been diagnosed, treated, or have shown symptoms of IVDD before the policy’s commencement date. According to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 25% of dachshunds and 15% of other dog breeds require a second back surgery within three years following their initial IVDD surgery.
If your dachshund develops IVDD after the waiting period, pet insurance providers like Embrace and Healthy Paws do offer coverage for various IVDD surgeries, including ventral slot, fenestration, laminectomy, and hemilaminectomy, which is the most common surgical treatment for canine IVDD. Most pet insurance companies also cover diagnostic tests for IVDD, such as neurological exams, MRIs, X-rays, and myelograms.
In most cases, pet insurance companies provide coverage or reimbursement for FDA-approved prescription medications prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Some insurers also offer a Wellness Rider as an optional add-on for an extra fee, which covers IVDD supplements like cod liver oil and turmeric powder.
