Fixed-price spinal package introduced

The Neurology and Neurosurgery Service at the Hospital for Small Animals has introduced a new initiative to help simplify the treatment process for dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE).

Image

The Service’s fixed-price ‘spinal package’ is designed to make care more accessible and transparent for pet owners, while also providing clarity for the referring vets. This package covers the essentials of managing thoracolumbar IVDE, including the initial consultation, routine pre-anaesthetic bloods if required and advanced diagnostic imaging by CT or MRI, surgical intervention (hemilaminectomy over one or multiple intervertebral disc spaces, as required), anaesthesia, post-operative hospital care including in-house physiotherapy with our trained nurses, analgesic drugs at home, and one follow-up consultation.

Transparent package

While the package is extensive and covers all sizes of dogs, please note that it is limited to IVDE and does not cover some costs such as ICU care (e.g. oxygen therapy in severe Fixed-price spinal package introduced For more information or to enquire about referring a dog with IVDE,  please contact hfsareception@ed.ac.uk Enquiries brachycephalic dogs), costs related to comorbidities (e.g. urinary tract infection) or extended hospitalisation beyond the standard post-operative period of five days. However, we will work closely with pet owners to provide clear estimates and tailor treatment plans to their needs.

By consolidating these services into one transparent package, we hope to ease the financial burden and cost uncertainty often associated with spinal treatments. The package is currently limited to thoracolumbar IVDE, but we may consider it for cervical intervertebral disc disease in the near future. We welcome any feedback about this initiative.

Current fees: Spinal package within working hours: £4900. Out-of-hours: £5800.

For more information or to enquire about referring a dog with IVDE,  please contact hfsareception@ed.ac.uk

About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies  

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos.  

The School comprises:  

The Roslin Institute  

The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems  

The Roslin Innovation Centre  

The Hospital for Small Animals  

Equine Veterinary Services  

Farm Animal Services  

Easter Bush Pathology  

The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education  

We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.