Slipped disc surgery (intervertebral disc disease, IVDD) for a dog in Spain costs €1,800–€4,500 (2026), MRI included. Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) reimburses 100% of that vet bill up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 excess.
Key facts:
- Neurological surgery (with MRI): €1,800 – €4,500.
- It’s an emergency: operating early improves the outlook.
- Frequency: common in chondrodystrophic breeds.
- Breeds most at risk: Dachshund, French Bulldog, Beagle and Basset Hound.
- Recovery: 6 to 12 weeks, with rehabilitation.
- Petplan cover: 100% up to €3,100/year, €45 excess, any vet, from €20/month.
A slipped disc is one of the most common neurological injuries in dogs. A disc in the spine shifts and presses on the spinal cord, causing intense pain, weakness and even paralysis of the legs. When it happens, time and good imaging make the difference —and so does the cost.
This article explains what it is, which breeds are most exposed, how much surgery costs in Spain, and how pet insurance helps you face it.
What is a slipped disc?
Between the vertebrae are discs that cushion the spine. In a slipped disc, part of that disc shifts into the spinal canal and presses on the cord or nerves. Signs range from back or neck pain and lameness to loss of strength or paralysis. An accurate diagnosis needs an MRI (or CT scan), and treatment can be conservative in mild cases or surgical when there is significant compression.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is especially common in so-called chondrodystrophic breeds —short-legged, long-backed dogs whose discs degenerate earlier. The most predisposed include the Dachshund, French Bulldog, Beagle and Basset Hound. Keeping the dog at a healthy weight, avoiding sudden jumps and using ramps at home all help reduce the risk in these breeds.
How much does slipped disc surgery cost for a dog in Spain?
Operating on a slipped disc in a dog in Spain costs €1,800–€4,500 in 2026, depending on the location, the severity and whether an MRI is needed. Here are the reference ranges:
| Item | Reference cost |
|---|---|
| Neurological surgery (decompression) | €1,800 – €4,500 |
| MRI scan | included / essential for diagnosis |
| Emergency consultation | €80 – €100 |
The MRI, needed to pinpoint the disc, is an important part of the cost. On top come hospitalisation and rehabilitation that can last several weeks. Veterinary fees in Spain are not regulated, so they vary between clinics and cities.
What does the price of the operation include?
It’s worth looking at the whole process: the consultation, the MRI or CT scan, pre-anaesthetic blood work, anaesthesia, decompression surgery, hospitalisation, medication and —very importantly— rehabilitation (physiotherapy) to recover mobility. When asking for a quote, check what’s included.
Does pet insurance cover a slipped disc?
Yes. Petplan España covers slipped discs and reimburses 100% of the vet bill up to €3,100 per year, with a €45 excess, as long as it is not a pre-existing condition. It includes physiotherapy, which is key to recovery, and lets you go to any vet or referral centre.
The model is simple: you take your dog to the specialist of your choice, pay the bill and claim the reimbursement under the terms of your policy. Faced with surgery of, say, €3,500, having cover lets you decide on treatment by medical criteria. Petplan policies start from around €20 a month, and it’s best to take them out while the dog is healthy. The full list of cover and exclusions is set out in the policy terms.
Frequently asked questions
How much does slipped disc surgery cost for a dog?
Between €1,800 and €4,500, MRI included, depending on the location and severity.
Which breeds are most at risk of a slipped disc?
Chondrodystrophic breeds: Dachshund, French Bulldog, Beagle and Basset Hound.
Does pet insurance cover a slipped disc?
Petplan reimburses 100% of treatment up to €3,100 per year (with a €45 excess), including physiotherapy, if it is not a pre-existing condition. Check the policy terms.
How long does a dog take to recover?
The usual recovery is 6 to 12 weeks, with progressive rehabilitation.
Methodology: reference cost ranges compiled from public sources in the Spanish veterinary sector (2026). Prices vary by clinic, city, dog size and severity of the case.
