A new minimally invasive treatment for severe intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in small dog breeds is now being offered at the University of Cambridge’s Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH). This hospital is currently the only facility in the UK providing this procedure.
The treatment, known as percutaneous intra-discal chondroitinase injection, involves delivering an enzyme directly into damaged spinal discs. This approach dissolves part of the disc and may relieve pressure on the spinal cord, offering an alternative to open surgery that is both less invasive and more affordable for suitable cases.
IVDD is a serious condition affecting about a quarter of dachshunds and is also seen frequently in other short-legged breeds such as French bulldogs. The disease can lead to sudden paralysis, pain, and loss of bladder or bowel control due to ruptured discs damaging the spinal cord.
Since early 2025, 24 dogs have undergone this treatment at QVSH, with all regaining mobility within days after receiving the injection. The procedure was co-developed by Professor Paul Freeman from Cambridge’s Veterinary School alongside colleagues at Texas A&M University in the United States. Earlier this year, results from a clinical trial involving 54 dogs were published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The study found that recovery rates for walking were similar between dogs treated with injections and those who had other forms of intervention.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons now recognizes this procedure as routine veterinary practice, making it available outside its original trial setting. QVSH continues to accept eligible dogs into ongoing clinical trials.
Professor Paul Freeman, European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology at QVSH and lead investigator on the trial, said: “This is not a miracle cure, but it is an exciting new option for some dogs with severe spinal cord injury caused by a herniated disc. The injections are much less invasive than surgery and can offer similar outcomes for the right patients. Our aim is to give owners more choice, particularly where surgery may be difficult, and ultimately to help more dogs get back on their feet.”
One example cited was Milo, a dachshund whose owner sought alternatives to surgery. After receiving chondroitinase injections at QVSH, Milo showed rapid improvement. His owner Lani stated: “A massive thank you to Paul and his team. The fruits of your research have given Milo a new chapter full of hope. Every day there is something new and he’s steadier. He started walking without falling one week post-injections. Now, just a few days later, it is really hard to keep him still!”
Charlotte Baldwin, Founder of Dedicated to Dachshunds charity in the UK added: “We’re thrilled to see the improvement in dogs like Milo following this new enzyme treatment. Being able to refer owners to a less invasive and more affordable option at Cambridge is hugely encouraging. This gives owners real choice in how they manage IVDD and offers many dogs the chance to regain their mobility.”
Funding for this work has come from several dachshund welfare charities including Dachshund Health UK and Dachshund Rescue UK.
Lynn Hall, Chair of Dachshund Rescue UK commented: “We’re so proud to have played a part in supporting the ongoing IVDD research at Cambridge. IVDD impacts so many dogs and the families who care deeply for them, and progress like this wouldn’t be possible without collaboration. It’s wonderful to see a non-surgical, affordable solution emerging - especially when so many dogs are sadly euthanised because their owners can’t afford surgery.”