London Veterinary Neurology · Dedicated IVDD Clinic
IVDD Clinic for Dogs
From understanding risk to managing an emergency.
Diplomate-led neurological assessment, treatment and ongoing care for dogs at risk of, or affected by, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Whether you want to prepare for a possible problem or need help with symptoms now, you can contact LVN directly.
Who the clinic is for
Three reasons to attend. One point of contact.
For a healthy dog predisposed to IVDD, a dog with previous back problems or a dog showing symptoms today, LVN provides an assessment suited to the individual circumstances.
Healthy dogs with a predisposition
Understand IVDD, recognise early warning signs, discuss everyday care and find out whether spinal radiographs could provide useful information about future risk.
Historical or recurrent back problems
For dogs with previous suspected or confirmed IVDD, including recurrent pain or intermittent mobility changes. We assess the history and discuss investigation, treatment and future risk.
Dogs with current suspected IVDD
For dogs with spinal pain, weakness, changes in walking or loss of mobility. LVN can assess suspected or confirmed IVDD and arrange investigations, medical treatment or surgery, including urgent assessment where available.
All consultation fees include VAT. Emergency neurological consultations cost £720 including VAT, subject to clinician and hospital availability. Investigations and hospital charges are additional.
A relationship that lasts
A neurologist you can get to know and trust.
One reason to visit before your dog ever develops a problem is to establish a relationship with the clinician who can help if IVDD arises later. We want you to feel confident about the warning signs, how to respond and whom to contact, with a plan that can be updated as your dog's needs change.
That relationship can continue through investigation, treatment, recovery and follow-up over the years. Dogs needing help for the first time, including those with severe or rapidly developing signs, are equally welcome. LVN can coordinate urgent assessment, hospital care and surgery when indicated and available.
Review the history, neurological findings, breed-related risk and any existing investigations.
Discuss early signs, practical care, likely next steps and when to seek urgent attention.
Keep a consistent neurological point of contact while working with your usual vet and suitable hospitals.
Practical guidance
Understand IVDD. Know the signs. Have a plan.
Advice is tailored to your dog's age, breed, history, activity and lifestyle. We distinguish established evidence from recommendations that remain precautionary or uncertain.
Risk and early warning signs
What IVDD is, which dogs are predisposed, how episodes may develop and when changes in comfort or movement warrant assessment.
- Early pain and mobility changes
- Risk estimation and its limitations
- When to consider radiographs
Everyday management
Practical discussion about body condition, appropriate exercise, conditioning, handling, carrying, home adaptations and support during recovery.
- Exercise and activity choices
- Carriers, harnesses and lifting
- Diet and supplements: what the evidence supports
Responding to an episode
Recognising spinal pain, ataxia, weakness and paralysis, and understanding when to limit activity or seek urgent care.
- Signs requiring prompt assessment
- Safe handling and transport
- Who to contact and where to go
Investigation and treatment
Investigations and treatment tailored to your dog.
Following neurological assessment, LVN explains which investigations, if any, would help answer the clinical questions and how the findings may influence treatment. We commission and direct imaging through suitable hospitals, review the results, provide a written report and discuss the findings and next steps with you.
Disc mineralisation and risk
Whole-spine lateral radiographs can identify mineralised discs and help assess relative risk, particularly in Dachshunds. Evidence-based risk estimates cannot automatically be applied to every breed or age.
Investigation of suspected disease
CT and MRI may be used to investigate significant spinal disease, identify the affected region and guide treatment. They provide complementary information in some cases. Normal radiographs do not exclude IVDD.
Medical and surgical care
Options can include medical treatment, structured recovery, rehabilitation, hospitalisation or spinal surgery. Clinical urgency and the findings guide the decision.
Transparent pricing
Consultation and imaging fees
LVN's professional services are charged separately from the hospital facilities used for imaging, anaesthesia, hospital care or surgery. This gives you the opportunity to consider each stage before proceeding. Imaging is not required before attending the clinic.
For clinically healthy dogs without a previous suspected IVDD episode.
For previous or current suspected or confirmed IVDD.
When LVN can accommodate an urgent or emergency assessment.
Indicative outpatient cost, depending on facility, patient size and clinical requirements.
These costs vary substantially with the investigation or procedure, the facility chosen, staffing, anaesthesia and patient needs. We discuss available options and provide a patient-specific estimate before proceeding rather than publishing a potentially misleading single figure.
What the spinal X-ray estimate covers
Whole-spine lateral radiographs under sedation at a suitable partner hospital, usually with same-day outpatient care. The current estimate range is based on four-view examinations; larger dogs may need additional views. Pre-sedation blood tests, anaesthesia or other individual requirements may affect the final amount.
LVN's consultation and any additional imaging interpretation or reporting charges are separate and are explained in advance. The hospital confirms the final estimate before the investigation is booked.
Indicative hospital estimates received October 2026. Imaging is optional, and clinical suitability, protocol and price are confirmed for each patient.
Clinical research · In development
Improving future IVDD risk assessment
LVN is exploring a prospective study comparing disc mineralisation on radiographs with findings on CT and MRI. People whose dogs undergo advanced imaging may, in future, be invited to consider voluntary participation.
Any research-only imaging would require an agreed protocol, appropriate ethical and regulatory consideration and separate informed consent. Participation would not be required for treatment and would not delay urgent care.
IVDD questions and answers
Questions we are often asked
Is this clinic only for Dachshunds?
No. The clinic welcomes dogs of all breeds with a recognised predisposition, a relevant clinical history, or current signs of suspected IVDD. Radiographic risk estimates are best studied in Dachshunds, and this limitation is discussed when interpreting results in other breeds.
Can I book before my dog has ever had a back problem?
Yes. The £300 preventive assessment is specifically for clinically healthy dogs without previous suspected spinal episodes. It covers risk, warning signs, practical care and whether radiographic assessment would be useful.
My dog had back pain months ago but is well now. Which appointment should I choose?
Previous suspected or confirmed IVDD is assessed through a full neurological consultation (£480), even when your dog is presently comfortable. This allows proper review of previous episodes and decisions about further investigation or monitoring.
Is every dog with back pain suffering from a slipped disc?
No. Back pain, abnormal walking or weakness can have other causes. A neurological assessment helps determine whether IVDD is likely and which further investigations, if any, are appropriate.
Can spinal X-rays tell me whether my dog will develop IVDD?
Radiographs can identify mineralised discs, which have been associated with subsequent IVDD in longitudinal Dachshund studies. They cannot determine with certainty whether or when an individual dog will develop signs. The strength of evidence varies by breed, age and previous clinical history.
How much do spinal screening X-rays cost?
Spinal radiographs under sedation are estimated at approximately £750 - £1,350 including VAT, depending on the preferred hospital site and your dog’s requirements. This is separate from LVN consultation charges. Additional views, blood tests or anaesthetic requirements may change the final estimate, which will be confirmed before booking.
Do I need an X-ray, CT or MRI before booking?
No. You can book directly. We will review existing records and determine whether imaging is likely to provide useful information. Investigations can be arranged separately when indicated.
What if my dog suddenly becomes weak or cannot walk?
Seek emergency veterinary attention immediately. Call LVN to discuss urgent neurological assessment where available, but if you cannot obtain an immediate response, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Do not wait for an online booking confirmation.
Does LVN become my dog's regular vet?
No. Your primary-care practice continues routine medical care. LVN provides neurological care and coordinates investigations, treatment and follow-up for IVDD-related concerns, in collaboration with your usual vet.
Selected evidence: Lappalainen et al., 2014 (disc calcification and subsequent IVDD in Dachshunds); Mayhew et al., 2004 (postoperative recurrence risk and opacified thoracolumbar discs).
Enquiries and referrals
Book an IVDD Clinic consultation
Whether you're planning ahead, concerned about previous symptoms or seeking assessment for a current problem, you can request a consultation directly. Please include a brief history and indicate if your dog is currently unwell. Clinical advice is provided during consultations and established patient care.