London Veterinary Neurology · Specialist spinal care
IVDD Clinic
for Dogs
From understanding risk to managing an emergency.
Specialist assessment, treatment and ongoing care for dogs at risk of, or affected by, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). A single point of contact for every stage.
One condition · Every stage
Who we see
Three pathways. One specialist service.
Whether you have a healthy Dachshund, a dog with recurrent back pain or a dog with a suspected slipped disc, the first step is an assessment appropriate to their circumstances.
Healthy dogs with a predisposition
For owners who would like to understand IVDD, recognise early signs, discuss practical management and consider whether spinal radiographs could help estimate risk.
Historical or recurrent back problems
For dogs with previous suspected or confirmed IVDD, including recurrent pain or intermittent mobility problems. We assess the history and discuss investigations, treatment and future risk.
Dogs with current suspected IVDD
For dogs with pain, weakness, changes in walking or loss of mobility and suspected or confirmed IVDD. Specialist assessment, imaging and treatment when appropriate.
Emergency consultations are available when appropriate at £720, subject to clinician and facility availability. All consultation prices shown include VAT; investigations and hospital charges are additional.
Continuity of care
A familiar point of contact, before and after a problem.
After your first consultation, LVN retains your dog's neurological history, assessment and care plan. If concerns arise later, you know where to begin, and we can help coordinate the next appropriate step.
Review breed-related risk, clinical history, examination and existing investigations.
Clear advice about monitoring, everyday management, appropriate investigations and when to seek urgent help.
Specialist consultation, CT/MRI, hospitalisation, surgery and follow-up through suitable partner facilities.
Practical guidance
Understand IVDD. Know the signs. Have a plan.
Advice is tailored to your dog's age, breed, clinical 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 arrange radiographs
Everyday management
Practical discussion about lean body condition, appropriate activity, 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 pain, ataxia, weakness and paralysis; when to limit activity, telephone for advice or seek urgent emergency treatment.
- Signs that require prompt assessment
- Safe handling and transport
- Who to contact and where to go
Investigation and treatment
The right investigation, when it changes care.
Not every dog requires imaging. When it is appropriate, LVN can arrange investigations through partner hospitals and interpret findings in the context of the individual patient's presentation.
Disc mineralisation and risk
Whole-spine lateral radiographs can identify mineralised discs and may help stratify risk, particularly in Dachshunds. Estimates from this evidence cannot automatically be applied to every breed or age.
Investigation of suspected disease
Advanced imaging may be recommended to investigate clinically significant spinal disease, define the affected region and inform treatment planning. Normal radiographs do not exclude IVDD.
Medical and surgical care
Management may include medical treatment, structured recovery and rehabilitation, hospital care or spinal surgery. Decisions are guided by neurological findings, imaging and clinical urgency.
View published IVDD surgical outcomes →Transparent pricing
Consultation and imaging fees
LVN charges separately for its specialist consultations. Where radiographs or other investigations are appropriate, the hospital providing them issues its own estimate. You can attend the IVDD Clinic without booking imaging.
For currently healthy dogs without a previous suspected IVDD episode.
For previous or current suspected or confirmed IVDD.
When LVN can accommodate an emergency assessment.
Indicative outpatient X-ray costs, varying by the preferred hospital site and the individual patient.
Recommended where clinically appropriate and estimated separately.
Optional spinal radiographs
What the imaging estimate covers
Whole-spine lateral radiographs performed under sedation at a suitable partner hospital, with same-day outpatient care where appropriate.
The expected cost depends on the preferred hospital site, your dog's size and the sedation and imaging required. The range reflects currently available estimates for a four-view examination; additional views may be needed for larger dogs. Blood tests, anaesthesia or other patient-specific requirements may also affect the final amount.
Pricing and booking: LVN's consultation fee is separate. We will explain the expected charges and arrange an individual hospital estimate before imaging is booked. Any additional LVN imaging interpretation or report fee, if applicable, will be disclosed in advance.
Indicative hospital estimates received October 2026. Radiographs are optional and not required before an IVDD consultation; the final imaging protocol, suitability 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. Eligible owners whose dogs are undergoing 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.
Common questions
Questions owners often ask
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 specialist assistance 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 specialist neurological advice 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).
Arrange specialist care
Start with a conversation.
Tell us your dog's breed, age, previous history and whether you are concerned about current symptoms. We can advise which IVDD Clinic consultation is appropriate.
Urgent enquiries: +44 7598 539723 · London Veterinary Neurology · 88 York Street, London W1H 1QT. Specialist assessments may be arranged at other LVN partner clinics.