If your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), your vet may mention surgery as an option. It’s completely normal to feel anxious and unsure about what that means. IVDD surgery is designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by a damaged or slipped disc - helping your dog regain movement, reduce pain, and prevent permanent paralysis.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about IVDD surgery in dogs - when it’s needed, how it works, the success rates, recovery time, and what to expect afterwards. This article will also help you understand what to do if surgery isn’t possible and how mobility aids, like the Furria small dog wheelchair, can give your dog a second chance at an active life.
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is IVDD surgery, and when is it necessary?
What is IVDD surgery for dogs?
IVDD surgery is a procedure used to relieve pressure on a dog’s spinal cord caused by a slipped or ruptured disc. When a disc between the vertebrae bulges or bursts, it can press on the spinal cord, leading to pain, weakness, or even paralysis. The goal of surgery is to remove the damaged disc material and give the spinal cord room to heal and recover.
Vets usually recommend IVDD surgery when a dog’s symptoms are severe or not improving with rest and medication. In these cases, surgery is often the only way to restore mobility and prevent permanent nerve damage.
If your dog hasn’t yet been formally diagnosed with IVDD, it’s important to confirm the condition before considering surgery. Learn more in our detailed guide on IVDD diagnosis and testing.
When is surgery needed for IVDD?
IVDD surgery is usually needed when a dog’s spinal cord is under serious pressure and the symptoms are too severe to be managed with rest or medication alone. Surgery is often recommended if your dog is unable to walk, has lost control of their bladder or bowels, or is in constant pain that doesn’t improve after a few days of conservative treatment.
The sooner surgery is performed after paralysis begins, the higher the chance of recovery. That’s why quick and accurate diagnosis is essential. Before surgery, most vets will confirm the condition with advanced imaging such as an MRI or CT scan to locate the affected disc and assess the level of damage. You can learn more about this process in our guide on IVDD diagnosis and testing.
In short, IVDD surgery is considered when there’s significant nerve compression or when other treatments have failed to bring improvement.
What types of IVDD surgery are there?
There are several types of IVDD surgery, and the choice depends on where the damaged disc is located and how badly it affects the spinal cord. The most common procedure is hemilaminectomy, where the surgeon removes part of the bone around the spinal cord to relieve pressure and clear out the disc material. This technique is widely used for dogs with thoracic or lumbar IVDD.
If the damaged disc is in the neck area, vets often perform a ventral slot surgery. In this procedure, the disc material is removed through an opening made from the underside of the neck, helping the spinal cord decompress safely.
Another less common method is dorsal laminectomy, which involves removing a small portion of bone from the top of the vertebra to access and release pressure on the spinal cord.
Each of these surgeries aims to restore mobility and prevent further nerve damage. Your vet or specialist surgeon will decide which approach is best based on the MRI results and the exact location of the affected disc.
How successful is IVDD surgery in dogs?
The success rate of IVDD surgery in dogs is generally high, especially when treatment is carried out quickly after symptoms appear. Studies show that around 80–90% of dogs who still have some feeling in their legs before surgery regain the ability to walk afterwards. Even dogs that are paralysed but still have deep pain sensation have a 50–70% chance of recovery with timely surgery.
However, the outcome depends on several factors - how severe the spinal damage is, how long the dog has been paralysed before surgery, and the quality of post-operative care. The faster the pressure on the spinal cord is relieved, the better the chances of full recovery.
While no surgery can guarantee complete success, most dogs that undergo IVDD surgery and follow a proper recovery plan go on to live active, pain-free lives.
What is the cost of IVDD surgery in the UK?
The cost of IVDD surgery in the UK typically ranges between £3,000 and £8,000, depending on the clinic, region, and the severity of your dog’s condition. Prices can be higher if advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans is required, or if your dog needs intensive post-surgery hospital care.
Specialist veterinary hospitals in major cities, such as London or Manchester, often charge more than smaller regional clinics. It’s also worth remembering that aftercare - including physiotherapy, medication, and follow-up visits - adds to the total cost.
If you have pet insurance, some or all of the expenses may be covered, depending on your policy. For owners without insurance, it’s worth exploring plans through UK providers such as Insure Your Paws to protect against unexpected veterinary costs in the future.
While IVDD surgery is a significant financial decision, many owners find it life-changing for their dogs, restoring their ability to walk and improving their overall quality of life.
What happens after IVDD surgery?
After IVDD surgery, your dog will usually stay in the veterinary hospital for a few days for monitoring and pain management. During this time, vets keep a close eye on neurological function, bladder control, and wound healing. Your dog may receive medication for pain relief, inflammation, and infection prevention.
Once home, strict rest is essential. Movement should be limited for several weeks to prevent re-injury while the spine heals. Short, supported toilet breaks are allowed, but no running, jumping, or stairs. Some dogs may need help expressing their bladder or using a harness for support.
Full recovery can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the spinal injury. Physiotherapy and gentle rehabilitation exercises play a key role in rebuilding strength and mobility. You can learn more about this in our detailed guide on IVDD rehabilitation and recovery.
Proper post-surgery care greatly improves the chances of your dog walking again and enjoying a pain-free, active life.
What if surgery doesn’t work or your dog can’t walk again?
Sometimes, despite the best efforts and successful surgery, a dog may not regain full mobility. This can happen if the spinal cord damage was too severe or if too much time passed before surgery was performed. It’s understandable for owners to feel heartbroken in these situations, but it’s important to know that many dogs still go on to live long, happy, and fulfilling lives even if they can’t walk on their own.
Dogs are incredibly adaptable. With the right care, they can learn new ways to move, play, and enjoy life. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs can give them freedom and independence again.
For dogs that don’t regain full mobility, our Furria small dog wheelchair - priced at £109 with UK-wide delivery - can make a life-changing difference. It supports your dog’s back legs, allowing them to walk, run, and stay active with confidence.
If your dog is facing mobility challenges after IVDD surgery, using a wheelchair can help restore their quality of life and keep their spirit strong.
Can IVDD come back after surgery?
Yes, IVDD can come back after surgery, although the risk is relatively low. Studies suggest that around 5–10% of dogs experience a recurrence, usually in a different disc rather than the one that was operated on. This happens because IVDD is a degenerative condition that can affect multiple discs over time.
To lower the chances of recurrence, it’s important to keep your dog’s weight healthy, avoid jumping or climbing stairs, and use supportive harnesses instead of collars. Regular, gentle exercise can also help strengthen the back muscles and stabilise the spine.
While surgery can’t completely prevent future episodes, proper care and lifestyle adjustments make a big difference. You can find more practical tips in our guide on IVDD prevention and long-term spinal health.
Conclusion
IVDD surgery is one of the most effective ways to relieve spinal cord pressure and help dogs regain their mobility. While recovery takes time, patience, and proper aftercare, many dogs go on to live active, pain-free lives after surgery. Even in more severe cases, modern treatment options and mobility aids can give them a second chance at independence.
If your dog already struggles to walk, visit the Furria store for mobility aids that help dogs get back on their paws.
FAQ Section
How long does recovery take after IVDD surgery?
Recovery time after IVDD surgery can vary depending on the severity of the damage and your dog’s overall health. Most dogs start to show improvement within a few weeks, but full recovery can take 6 to 12 weeks. In more severe cases, it may take several months. Strict rest, physiotherapy, and regular check-ups are key to a successful recovery.
Can a dog walk again after IVDD surgery?
Yes, many dogs walk again after IVDD surgery, especially if they still had some leg movement or pain sensation before the operation. The earlier the surgery is performed, the higher the success rate. Rehabilitation and patience are essential, as nerves take time to heal.
Is IVDD surgery painful for dogs?
Your dog will be under general anaesthesia during the procedure, so they won’t feel any pain. After surgery, vets use strong pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication to keep your dog comfortable. Most dogs adjust well and experience far less pain after surgery than before it.
What should I do if I can’t afford IVDD surgery?
If the cost of IVDD surgery is too high, talk to your vet about payment plans or charity support. Some UK organisations and clinics offer financial assistance or reduced rates. You can also explore pet insurance options like Insure Your Paws for future protection. For dogs that can’t have surgery, conservative treatment and mobility aids can still improve their quality of life.
How do I care for my dog at home after IVDD surgery?
After IVDD surgery, your dog needs strict rest, a safe, padded area to lie in, and help with mobility during toilet breaks. Avoid stairs and slippery floors. Follow your vet’s instructions on wound care, medication, and physiotherapy. You can find a full step-by-step recovery plan in our IVDD rehabilitation and recovery guide.
We focus on helping owners support dogs with mobility and comfort issues.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary care.
