Pet Insurance Covering IVDD: What You Need to Know

Did you know treating a dog’s Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) can cost over $13,000¹? This serious condition can cause a lot of pain in dogs and cats. It can even lead to paralysis if not treated. Luckily, pet insurance like Fetch Pet Insurance can help, covering up to 90% of vet bills¹.

In this article, we’ll explore IVDD in depth. We’ll look at its causes, symptoms, and why good pet insurance is key. This guide is for pet owners and anyone curious about this serious condition. It aims to help you make smart choices for your pet’s health.

Key Takeaways

• IVDD is a serious condition that can hurt dogs and cats, leading to paralysis if untreated.
• Fetch Pet Insurance covers IVDD, paying up to 90% of vet bills, including tests, surgery, and ongoing care.
• Some breeds, like Dachshunds, are more prone to IVDD, with treatment costs over $13,000.
• Pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and breed-related issues like IVDD is vital for financial protection.
• Knowing the signs and symptoms of IVDD is key for early treatment and managing the condition.

What is IVDD in Dogs and Cats?

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common spinal condition in dogs and cats. It happens when the discs between vertebrae start to break down or rupture. This puts pressure on the spinal cord².

This can cause symptoms like back or neck pain, weakness, and trouble moving. In severe cases, it can even lead to paralysis².

Causes of IVDD

IVDD can be caused by genetics, trauma, or aging². Some breeds, like Dachshunds and Corgis, can start showing signs of IVDD as early as two years old³. But, we don’t fully understand how IVDD is inherited, making it hard to prevent through breeding².

Signs and Symptoms of IVDD

The symptoms of IVDD can vary. They include back or neck pain, a swaying gait, and dragging limbs. Other signs are reluctance to jump, holding up a paw, and sudden paralysis³.

IVDD comes in different forms. Type I is common in young, dwarfed dog breeds, and can happen in multiple areas². Type II is less common and affects only one area of the spine, happening later in life². Doberman Pinschers are also at risk, and it’s called “Wobbler’s disease” in them²³.

Breeds Prone to IVDD

Some dog breeds, like those with long backs and short legs, are more likely to get Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)⁴. Chondrodystrophic breeds, such as Dachshunds, Corgis, and Beagles, are often affected⁴. Larger dogs, like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Dobermans, are more likely to have Hansen Type II IVDD⁴.

IVDD can happen in any dog, but some breeds are at higher risk. This includes Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingeses, and Beagles⁵.

The most common place for disc ruptures in dogs with IVDD is the midback, making up 65% of cases⁴. The neck is affected in 18% of cases⁴. Dachshunds are at the highest risk, making up 45-70% of IVDD cases⁴.

It’s important to catch IVDD early and treat it quickly. This can greatly improve a dog’s chances of recovery and avoid needing surgery⁵. Dogs with IVDD have a 90% chance of full recovery after surgery for grades 1-4⁴. But, this success rate drops to 50-60% for grade 5 cases, and even lower if surgery is delayed⁴.

In summary, some dog breeds, like Dachshunds, Corgis, and Beagles, are more likely to get IVDD⁴. Larger breeds, like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Dobermans, are also at risk, but less so⁴. Knowing which breeds are at risk and getting them medical help quickly can greatly improve their quality of life⁵.

IVDD Treatment Options

Pet owners have several ways to manage Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in dogs and cats. The choice depends on how severe the condition is and how well the pet responds to treatment⁶.

Medical Therapy

For mild to moderate IVDD, medical management is often the first step. This includes pain meds, anti-inflammatory drugs, and crate rest to help the disc heal⁶. About 50% of dogs with Stage 2 IVDD get better with this approach. The other 50% might need surgery⁶.

Surgical Intervention

Severe IVDD cases, Stages 3, 4, or 5, may need surgery. This surgery removes the damaged disc and eases spinal cord pressure. The success rate for Stage 3 is almost 100%, but it drops to under 90% for Stage 4 and about 50% for Stage 5⁶.

Surgery for IVDD can cost between $2,000 and $12,000, based on the procedure’s complexity⁶. Luckily, pet insurance often covers most of these costs, making surgery more affordable for owners⁷.

In some cases, surgery is the best choice to improve a pet’s life and future⁶. But, the severity of IVDD can affect the outcome and recovery⁶.

Choosing between medical management and surgery for IVDD should be a vet specialist’s decision. They consider the pet’s condition, health, and the benefits and risks of each option⁶. With the right treatment, many pets with IVDD can live well and enjoy their activities⁶.

pet insurance that covers ivdd

Pet insurance can greatly help with the costs of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in pets. Companies like Fetch Pet Insurance cover IVDD, as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition⁸. This can ease the financial stress and ensure your pet gets the care they need.

AKC Pet Insurance is a top choice for IVDD coverage. They cover curable and incurable pre-existing conditions, including IVDD, after 365 days of continuous coverage⁹. You can also add extra coverage for wellness, exams, and hereditary conditions. This lets you customize the policy to fit your pet’s needs.

The cost of treating IVDD can be high. Diagnostic tests can cost between $150 and $3,000, and surgery can range from $3,000 to $8,000⁸. Plans that cover spinal conditions like IVDD can help with these costs, ensuring your pet gets the best care.

When picking a pet insurance provider, read the terms and conditions carefully. Look for any exclusions for pre-existing conditions, coverage limits, and deductibles. Choosing a plan that covers IVDD means you can focus on your pet’s health without financial worries⁸⁹.

Cost of IVDD Treatment

The cost of diagnosing and treating intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs can vary a lot. Tests like x-rays, MRI, and CT scans can cost between $150 and $3,000¹⁰. IVDD surgery can cost between $1,500 and $4,000¹⁰.

The total cost for treatment, including surgery, can go up to $12,000 for small or medium dogs. For larger breeds, it can be $14,000¹¹.

Diagnostic Tests

Figuring out the cause of IVDD often needs several tests. X-rays can give a first look, but MRI and CT scans are key for a full check-up¹⁰. These tests can add a lot to the cost, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars¹¹.

Surgery Costs

IVDD surgery can cost between $3,000 and $9,000. There are also costs for anesthesia, meds, boarding, and rehab¹¹. For a dachshund’s surgery, the total bill was $8,600¹¹.

The success rate of surgery varies, from 50% to 95%. It depends on how bad the condition is and how fast the dog gets help¹¹. Owners should be ready for a big financial investment¹¹.

Pet insurance can help with the costs of IVDD treatment. But, coverage can vary and might not cover pre-existing conditions¹¹. It’s important to research and plan well to get the best care for your dog without breaking the bank.

“Successful IVDD surgery requires prompt intervention, ideally within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms for optimal outcomes.”¹⁰

Pre-Existing Conditions and IVDD

Pet insurance for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) has rules about pre-existing conditions. Most providers won’t cover IVDD if it’s a pre-existing condition for your pet¹². This means if your dog or cat has IVDD or shows signs of it before you get insurance, it might not be covered¹².

But, some companies might cover pre-existing conditions in certain cases¹³. For example, AKC Pet Insurance covers both curable and chronic pre-existing conditions after a year¹³. ASPCA and Spot Pet Insurance might cover cured pre-existing conditions after a few months without symptoms¹³.

When looking at pet insurance, it’s key to read the policy details and understand the company’s view on pre-existing conditions¹². Even without a formal diagnosis, symptoms before coverage starts can be seen as pre-existing¹². Insurance companies also check medical records before you enroll to spot any pre-existing conditions¹².

Even with a pre-existing condition, getting pet insurance is worth it¹². It can help with accidents, new illnesses, and other unrelated issues as your pet gets older¹².

Understanding pre-existing conditions and pet insurance can help protect your pet¹². By researching and comparing different providers, you can find the best coverage for your pet’s needs¹²¹³¹⁴.

Different Types of IVDD in Dogs

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common spinal condition in dogs. It can show up in different ways. The main types are Hansen Type I and Hansen Type II¹⁵.

Hansen Type I IVDD

Hansen Type I IVDD mainly affects small, chondrodystrophic breeds. This includes Basset Hounds, Corgis, Dachshunds, and Poodles¹⁵. The disc material hardens and can suddenly rupture. This can cause symptoms from pain to complete paralysis¹⁵.

Hansen Type II IVDD

Hansen Type II IVDD is more gradual. The disc material collapses over time, pressing on the spinal cord. This type often affects larger breeds like Dobermans, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. It usually happens in dogs aged 5-12 years¹⁵.

Getting a proper diagnosis and quick treatment is key for managing IVDD in dogs¹⁵. Pet owners need to know the signs and symptoms of each type. This ensures their pets get the right care and support¹⁵.

Stages of IVDD in Dogs

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in dogs is a serious condition. It can be broken down into five stages based on symptoms and neurological problems. Knowing these stages helps decide the best treatment and how well a dog might recover.

1. Stage 1 – Mild Pain Without Neurological Issues: Dogs may feel mild pain but no neurological problems. Rest and medication can help at this stage.
2. Stage 2 – Moderate Pain and Minimal Neurological Deficits: Dogs may have moderate pain and some neurological issues like weakness. A mix of medicine and physical therapy is often recommended.
3. Stage 3 – Severe Pain and Significant Neurological Deficits: Dogs here have severe pain and clear neurological problems like partial paralysis. Surgery might be needed to relieve spinal cord pressure.
4. Stage 4 – Complete Paralysis Without Deep Pain Perception: Dogs are paralyzed and can’t feel deep pain. Quick surgery is key to restore function and prevent more damage.
5. Stage 5 – Complete Paralysis and Loss of Deep Pain Perception: This is the worst stage. Dogs are paralyzed and can’t feel deep pain. Surgery might help, but recovery chances are slim.

IVDD can progress differently in each dog, and acting fast is important for a good recovery¹⁶. Some breeds, like Dachshunds and French Bulldogs, are more likely to get IVDD because of their spine shape¹⁶.

The stage of IVDD is key to knowing how well a dog might recover. Quick action and the right treatment can greatly improve a dog’s chances of getting better.

Managing IVDD with Lifestyle Changes

Medical and surgical treatments are not the only solutions for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs. Making lifestyle changes is also key. These changes can slow down the disease and keep your dog moving comfortably¹⁸.

It’s important to cut back on hard physical activities. Avoid high-impact exercises like jumping and running. Instead, choose gentle activities that don’t strain your dog’s spine. Using ramps or steps for furniture and beds can also prevent injuries¹⁸.

Adding gentle exercise and physical therapy is very helpful. Activities like swimming and leash walking can be great. They help keep muscles strong and joints flexible, stopping the disease from getting worse¹⁸.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is also vital. Too much weight can harm their spine. A good diet and portion control can help keep your dog’s body in shape and ease the stress on their spine¹⁸.

By making these lifestyle changes, you can slow down IVDD and improve your dog’s life. Always work with your vet to create a plan that fits your dog’s needs¹⁸.

“Careful management of a dog’s activity and environment can make a significant difference in their quality of life and long-term prognosis when dealing with IVDD.”

Conclusion

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a serious condition that can affect dogs and cats. But, with the right care and pet insurance, many pets can live well despite it¹⁹.

Knowing the causes, signs, and treatments of IVDD is key for pet owners. Some breeds, like Dachshunds and Beagles, are more likely to get IVDD²⁰. Keeping pets at a healthy weight can also lower their risk²⁰.

Pet insurance is important for covering IVDD treatment costs, which can be high²¹. Getting pets insured when they’re young helps cover future health issues like IVDD¹⁹. Knowing what insurance covers and what it doesn’t helps pet owners make smart choices¹⁹.

Source Links

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21. Intervertebral Disc Disease In Pets: What’s Covered By Insurance? – https://petnotifications.com/does-pet-insurance-cover-ivdd/