Thanks for all the information on different policies chaps, once this is sorted I will start looking round.
I spoke to my vet today and she will write a letter stating that with the previous neck problem there was no hint of disc problems whatsoever, it cleared up quickly and is not considered to be related. We also have to get a letter from the vet who referred Parker (she's in the same practice, but not the one I normally ask to see) but she's away for a few days, so it may be a week se so until I'm in a position to send paperwork back to them.
However, we are making progress so I'll keep you posted!
They are, however, paying out the £381 for the tummy and bowel problems he had just before this neck business, so at least they've got something right!!
Bottom line though, Parker is the happiest little dog imaginable, so even if we get not a penny back, going bankrupt will have been worth it to see him so happy and pain free