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At Northwest Referrals, we understand how frightening an IVDD diagnosis can be. Our experienced veterinary team is dedicated to providing compassionate, specialist care for dogs affected by Intervertebral Disc Disease, from advanced diagnostics and surgery to rehabilitation and recovery support.
Characterised by their long bodies and short legs, dachshunds have massively grown in popularity due to their cheeky personalities and affectionate nature. Originally bred with these specific characteristics to aid humans when hunting, their long backs and short legs place the breed at higher risk for spinal conditions as well as limb deformities.
IVDD or Intervertebral Disc Disease is a common spinal condition where the discs between the vertebrae herniate into the space where the spinal cord lives. This causes severe pain, damage to the nerves or paralysis.
IVDD can be diagnosed by either a CT or an MRI scan as gold standard. These scans allow us to look at the spinal cord in a lot more detail in comparison to your typical X-Ray. It allows us to assess the severity of the compression and plan for treatment going forward. In Dachshunds, disc issues are more commonly found in the thoracolumbar junction in comparison to the cervical spine. However, that isn’t to say that neck problems don’t occur in this breed.
Other signs to look out for are issues with their mobility such as wobbly walking, stumbling, dragging back legs and knuckling. In more severe cases, total paralysis and incontinence (loss of bladder/bowel control) can be seen. All of these symptoms are cause to see the Vet and get further advice.
Depending on where the disc is located in the spine, surgical options vary. Cervical (neck) discs usually require a ventral slot. A ventral slot is a surgical method that removes herniated disc material from the underside of the neck. This relieves pressure from the spinal chord and reduces pain. If the disc is located further down the spine then a hemilaminectomy will be required to remove herniated disc material from the spinal canal, to reduce pressure and pain.
Dachshunds are more prone to inheriting these developmental abnormalities because they are chodrodysplastic (genetic dwarfism). Their short legs sometimes cause them to have abnormal cartilage development which can lead to growth plate issues. This causes the forearm (radius/ulna) or hindlimbs (pes varus) to bend or twist as they grow.
Angular Limb Deformities are usually diagnosed within orthopaedic consult, however for a definitive diagnosis, CT would be required to assist with surgical planning. Typically we would use the CT images to create a 3D image of the affected limb which would then assist us with creating 3D printed guides that enable incredible accuracy during surgery. Surgery is often needed when patients are painful even with medical management. Prognosis post-surgery is good and quality of life is greatly improved post recovery.
Hear from veterinary professionals and pet owners who rely on our team for seamless referrals, clear updates, and expert care.
I am so grateful to Northwest Referrals for operating on my dog who had IVDD of the neck for 10 weeks and was in a lot of pain.
We have been seen the next day, CT scan confirmed slipped disc already suspected after quick examination. Surgery was the same day, he has been recovering amazingly quick and well, his cut healed perfectly and we cannot thank all the team enough!
I honestly cannot rate this referral centre highly enough!
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Had an MRI for my chihuahua. Results came back quickly. The vet was professional, and all the staff was very nice to us. The price was reasonable as well.
It’s always going to be expensive when it comes to being referred by your own vet. The great thing about Northwest Referrals is the costs are all up front.
If I could give 20 stars I would. I spoke to Amanda who was super helpful and gathered as much info as she could after speaking to the vets/surgeons.
We travelled from Birmingham… The bill was exactly what we had been quoted.
Not only were they a third cheaper, our assigned vet was professional and explained everything in detail.
Restriction from running, jumping, access to stairs or rough play is essential so that your pet has time to heal. Slippery floors should also be covered with rugs to avoid accidents.
Walks should be limited to toilet breaks only and a belly sling can be used to support your pet until they can walk unaided. Keep an eye on your pets paws during this time and regularly check them for abrasions. Booties or socks are great for preventing scuffs and sores whilst your pet recovers and gains coordination post surgery.
In the early stages of recovery, your pet may need help with bladder expression. This is something that our dedicated nurses will go over with you upon discharge. Bladder expression prevents urinary tract infections. Six to eight weeks post surgery, we can complete neurological assessments and see if hydrotherapy or further physiotherapy is warranted.
We've streamlined our referral process to make advanced care accessible and efficient for your practice.
Your pet is seen by a named specialist who reviews their history and carries out a thorough clinical examination. We’ll discuss what we’ve found and what we recommend, in plain English.
Before any procedure begins, we provide a written, itemised estimate covering all costs: the procedure, anaesthetic, imaging, and follow-up. You’ll see exactly what you’re approving.
Once you confirm, the price is locked. We don’t add to it. If unforeseen clinical complications arise during a procedure, we discuss this with you before proceeding, we never present a surprise bill after the fact.
The prices below reflect the full cost of advanced-level diagnostics and treatment at our Wigan facility. Prices are shown all-inclusive of everything so what you see is what you get. No surprises. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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£1,195
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
£1,500
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
£2,000
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
Imaging
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£3,995
Neurology
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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
Bilateral TPLO
£4,800
£2,500
Orthopaedics
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night. If bilateral it is an extra £800.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
With CT Scan
£3,000
£1,995
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,995
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,295
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,800
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£1,800
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£3,000
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£800
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Soft Tissue
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,000
Soft Tissue
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£1,495
Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging
£1,895
For both brain or spine, this includes general anaesthetic.
Imaging
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£3,995
Neurology
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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£4,500
Neurology
Click to toggle
This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£4,500
Neurology
Click to toggle
This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).
Plus, a post operative CT scan
£4,500
Neurology
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(Double plate, Y fracture and angular limb deformity) This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£3,000
Orthopaedics
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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
With a CT Scan
£3,000
£2,000
Orthopaedics
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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, all implants, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£5,800
Orthopaedics
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(Pin, Wire, Plate and single plate) This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.
£2,500
Orthopaedics
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Cost
£4,000
Orthopaedics
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Cost
£3,800
Orthopaedics
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Cost
£2,000
Orthopaedics
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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night. If Bilateral it is an extra £800.
£1,200
Orthopaedics
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£500
This includes sedation if needed and interpretation from a RCVS practitioner or a RCVS advanced practitioner in Cardiology
£500
This includes sedation if needed and interpretation from a RCVS practitioner or a RCVS advanced practitioner in Cardiology
£1,000
Full cardio work-up including x-rays, echocardiogram and consultation
Add-on CT Scan: £1,000
Imaging
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This includes all sedation (or general anaesthetic), as many views as needed.Including an interpretation from one of our 4 RCVS advanced practitioners
£595
Imaging
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Cost
Case dependent
Neurology
Whether you're a veterinary professional seeking advanced support or a pet owner looking for expert care, we have a clear pathway for you.
Fast online referral, 24-hour response, detailed reports, and a dedicated WhatsApp line for case queries. Your client is in specialist hands from day one.
Submit a referral →
You can come directly to us, no GP-style referral required. Get a fixed-price consultation with a named advanced practitioner, with full support throughout your pet’s care.
Book a consultation →
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