How Much Does Dog Slipped Disc Surgery Cost?

Last Updated on June 21, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

A slipped disc, also called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), is a painful spinal condition that can affect dogs of all breeds and ages. While non-surgical treatment is sometimes effective, surgery is often necessary in severe cases to prevent lasting mobility and nerve damage. But this specialized veterinary procedure comes at a substantial cost.

In this guide, we’ll examine the typical pricing ranges for slipped disc operations based on surgical approach, veterinary specialist fees, geographic region, dog’s size, and other factors. We’ll also provide an in-depth overview of the condition itself, financial assistance resources, payment plan options, alternatives to surgery, and real owner experiences to paint a complete picture of what to expect when budgeting for this major yet potentially life-changing surgery for your dog.

How Much Does Dog Slipped Disc Surgery Cost?

The total costs for dog slipped disc surgery often range from $4000 up to $15,000+ based on different variables. Geographic region significantly impacts pricing.

Typical cost ranges for slipped disc surgery:

• Initial Consultation & Diagnosis – $300 to $800 covers the exam, basic bloodwork and spinal imaging.
• Pre-Operative Care – $400 to $1000 for specialty imaging (MRI, CT), blood panels, medications.
• Surgery – $1800 to $4500 depending on the surgical technique, medical equipment, anesthetics used and implants/grafts needed.
• Post-Operative Hospitalization & Care – $200 to $1000 per day; totals $1000 to $5000+ for a 5–7-day hospital stays including nursing care.
• Post-Discharge Care – $400 to $1000 for take-home medications, supplements, and follow-up exams.

Southeast Veterinary Neurology reports that the cost of IVDD surgery for dogs includes the consultation, complete physical and neurological examinations, blood tests, X-rays, anesthesia, MRI, surgery, pain medications, 3-4 days of hospitalization, physical therapy, and follow-up examination. The total cost can range from $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the size, circumstances, and needs of the individual patient.

MetLife Pet Insurance mentions that the cost of IVDD surgery can range from $1,500 to $4,000. This cost range does not include the cost of pre-surgery workup such as X-rays, diagnosis, medications, etc. They highlight that while treatment options exist, the costs can add up, especially if the dog has a more severe case of IVDD.

Dog Pain Relief reports that the average cost of IVDD surgery may fall between the range of $1,500 to $4,000. However, this estimate does not include the cost of pre-surgery workup such as X-rays, diagnosis, medications, etc. They also mention that the rate of success for an IVDD surgery is based on the severity of the symptoms prior to the procedure.

Django Brand mentions that the cost of IVDD surgery can range from $6,000 to $12,000 for small or medium dogs and as much as $8,000 to $14,000 for large dogs. They highlight that the cost of IVDD surgery depends on several key variables, including where the dog’s spinal cord is damaged, how many impacted locations need operation, and the duration of the surgery.

Slipped Discs in Dogs

A dog’s spine contains discs that act as shock-absorbing cushions between each vertebrae. IVDD occurs when the inner gel-like layer of a disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, causing the disc to slip out of place. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

Signs of a severe slipped disc include:

• Unexplained whining, crying and yelping, indicating pain
• Reluctance or inability to move, walk, jump or go up stairs
• Hind leg weakness, wobbling or paralysis
• Uncoordinated walking and standing
• Muscle tremors or rigidity
• Loss of bladder/bowel control in extreme cases

Mild cases may improve with cage rest and medication. But immediate surgery is often crucial for severe, progressive nerve damage and loss of mobility. The goal is to remove pressure off the spinal cord and nerves as quickly as possible.

Surgical Options for Slipped Discs

There are several main surgical techniques veterinary neurosurgeons can perform to correct slipped discs, including:

• Hemilaminectomy – Removing a portion of the bony vertebrae to cut away disc material pressing on the spinal cord.
• Fenestration – Making small cuts in the disc tissue itself to remove fluid and relieve inflammation reducing nerve pressure.
• Dorsal Laminectomy – Removing sections of bone, cartilage and disc material compressing the spinal cord.

You might also like our articles about the cost of dog x-rays, luxating patella surgery, or hernia surgery.

The surgeon will determine the optimal approach based on the location and severity of nerve compression. More complex procedures with specialized tools like lasers or endoscopes tend to increase costs.

Factors Affecting Slipped Disc Surgery Costs

Several variables affect the total surgical expenses for slipped disc repair:

• Geographic Location – Urban areas and coastal regions tend to have markedly higher veterinary care costs.
• Veterinary Facility – Specialized veterinary centers and neurology/surgery clinics often charge significantly more than general practices.
• Surgeon Experience – Board-certified veterinary neurosurgeons or orthopedic specialists usually price higher than general practice vets.
• Surgical Approach – More complex procedures like laser-assisted fenestration cost more than a standard hemilaminectomy.
• Pre-Surgery Diagnostics – MRI and CT imaging to assess damage bumps up pre-op costs.
• Dog’s Size – Larger dogs require higher dosing of medications and anesthetics.

Additional Financial Considerations

To make slipped disc surgery more affordable, pet owners can look into:

• Pet Insurance – Pre-existing coverage helps reimbursed most diagnostic and surgical costs, minus deductibles and co-pays. Typical reimbursement rates are 70-90%.
• Veterinary Payment Plans – Many veterinarians offer interest-free or low interest monthly installment payment plans over 6-18 months allowing for more manageable cash flow.
• Non-Profit Financial Assistance – Organizations like RedRover, CareCredit, and the Pet Fund provide aid for urgent veterinary costs when owners cannot afford critical care.
• Crowdfunding Sites – Use GoFundMe and similar fundraising platforms to get help covering surgery bills from friends, family, and the public.
• Credit Card Financing – While less ideal, CareCredit and scratch pay financing cards offer lines of credit for veterinary expenses if approved. Interest rates are quite high however.

Discuss all financial options with your vet to ease the burden of sudden surgery costs.

Non-Surgical Treatment Alternatives

or mild to moderate slipped disc cases, veterinarians may recommend:

• Pain Medication – Anti-inflammatories and steroids work to reduce nerve inflammation and discomfort.
• Strict Cage Rest – Enforcing confinement and restricted movement for 4-6 weeks allows discs time to heal naturally.
• Physical Therapy – Targeted exercises, stretches, cold laser treatments, and massage can improve mobility over a 6–8-week program.

These conservative measures cost approximately $500 to $2000 depending on the therapies pursued and can be attempted before resorting to surgical intervention.

Final Words

To summarize, surgery to repair a severely slipped disc in dogs usually ranges from $4000 to over $10,000 depending on factors like surgical complexity, specialist surgeon fees, hospitalization needs, and imaging diagnostics. Geographic region also greatly impacts costs.

While expensive, this surgery can significantly improve mobility and comfort when conservative options fail. Pet insurance, veterinary payment plans, non-profit assistance, and fundraising can aid with affording this vital treatment for beloved pets. With proper financial planning and preparation, successful recovery is absolutely possible following slipped disc surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect after a dog’s disc surgery?

Most dogs need 6-12 weeks of crate rest and restricted activity after surgery. Improvement is gradual over 2-3 months. Close follow-up and physical therapy help ensure the best recovery.

What if I can’t afford IVDD surgery?

If surgery isn’t financially feasible, vets can provide analgesic medications, strict rest, and physical therapy to try managing symptoms. Non-profit aid or crowdfunding may assist if the situation is dire.

How long after disc surgery can dog walk?

Do not allow unrestricted walking for 6-8 weeks after surgery to avoid damage and re-herniation. Short leash walks can begin after 2 weeks. Slowly increase activity over 3 months as healing progresses. Follow your vet’s detailed guidelines.