Herniated disc (IVDD) surgery for a dog in Spain costs, in 2026, between €1,800 and €4,500. It is a referral-centre surgery, common in breeds like the dachshund and the French bulldog, because it needs advanced imaging and a specialist neurosurgeon. With Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) you recover 100% of the bill up to €3,100/year (€45 excess) at any vet, from €20/month.
Key facts
- Indicative cost 2026: €1,800–4,500.
- One of the priciest surgeries: needs MRI or CT and a specialist surgeon.
- Common in dachshunds, French bulldogs and other chondrodystrophic breeds.
- Petplan reimburses 100% up to €3,100/year at any vet.
What does the price include? Breakdown
- Advanced imaging (MRI or CT): the item that raises the cost most.
- Decompressive spinal neurosurgery.
- Hospitalisation and post-op intensive care.
- Rehabilitation / physiotherapy, often prolonged.
What makes the price vary?
The type of imaging needed, the severity of the spinal compression, the length of the hospital stay and the rehabilitation afterwards. Being a referral surgery, it is concentrated in a few centres and its price is high. Many clinics do not publish a tariff because each case is assessed individually.
How much does Petplan cover?
Petplan España reimburses 100% of the bill up to €3,100/year, with a single €45 excess, at any veterinary clinic. On such an expensive surgery, it fully covers most cases and decisively cushions the most complex ones. From €20/month, for dogs, cats and rabbits. Group-wide, Petplan pays over £9 million in claims every week (Petplan UK, 2025).
Frequently asked questions
Does a herniated disc always need surgery?
No; mild cases can be treated with strict rest and medication, but severe ones or those with loss of mobility need urgent surgery.
Does insurance cover a herniated disc?
Yes, Petplan reimburses 100% up to €3,100/year, provided it is not pre-existing when taking out the policy.
Sources
- Referral veterinary neurosurgery prices in Spain for 2026.
- Study of real vet invoices (2026), via El Debate.
See also the full real cost of the vet in Spain 2026 and the best pet insurance.
Indicative prices; Spain has no official price scale and costs vary by clinic, imaging technique and severity. Cover: Petplan España; claims figure: Petplan UK, 2025.
