New & Emerging Treatments for Canine IVDD

Research into intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and spinal cord injury is moving quickly. Some newer approaches are now available for selected dogs, while others remain in clinical or early-stage research. This guide separates what is currently available from what is still experimental.

Important: New does not automatically mean better or appropriate for every dog. Treatment decisions should be made with the veterinary surgeon, neurologist or rehabilitation professional responsible for your dog.

Percutaneous intra-discal chondroitinase injection

Status: Available for selected patients / ongoing clinical research.

The Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH) at the University of Cambridge offers percutaneous intra-discal chondroitinase injection as a treatment option for suitable dogs with IVDD. The enzyme is delivered directly into affected intervertebral discs and breaks down part of the disc material, helping relieve pressure on the spinal cord without open decompressive surgery.

Cambridge reports that outcomes in suitable patients have been comparable with surgery, while the procedure is less invasive and dogs can often return home the same or following day. The technique has been recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as routine veterinary practice, although Cambridge continues to recruit eligible dogs to an ongoing clinical trial.

Research published by the Cambridge team in 2026 also reported recurrence of clinical signs in 13% of dogs treated with chondroitinase compared with 30% of dogs in the surgical comparison group. These are study findings rather than a guarantee for an individual dog.

Read the latest Cambridge QVSH information about chondroitinase treatment.

Eligibility matters. The original Cambridge trial had specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Current routine clinical treatment and trial eligibility should therefore be discussed directly with QVSH rather than assumed from information online.

Olfactory ensheathing cells modified to deliver chondroitinase

Status: Experimental / clinical research.

This is different from injecting chondroitinase into an intervertebral disc. Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College have investigated olfactory ensheathing cells harvested from a dog’s nasal tissue, modified so they continuously produce chondroitinase ABC, and transplanted into an area of chronic spinal cord injury.

The aim is to encourage nerve fibres to reconnect across chronically injured spinal cord tissue. Earlier work with cell transplantation and chondroitinase showed that some dogs improved, but responses were variable and unpredictable. This should therefore be viewed as research rather than an established treatment.

Read the Royal Veterinary College overview.

Regenerative biomaterials and injectable hydrogels

Status: Early-stage / experimental research.

Researchers are studying injectable biomaterials and hydrogels designed to create a supportive environment within damaged or degenerating discs and spinal tissues. The broad aim is to support tissue repair, hydration or delivery of regenerative therapies. These approaches are scientifically interesting but should not be confused with routinely available veterinary IVDD treatments.

Nanoparticle and antioxidant approaches

Status: Early-stage / preclinical research.

Another developing area explores nanoparticles and antioxidant strategies intended to reduce oxidative stress and protect cells within degenerating intervertebral discs. This research is at an earlier stage and is not a standard clinical treatment for dogs with IVDD.

How should owners approach emerging treatments?

If you find a promising new treatment online, ask your veterinary neurologist four questions: Is it currently available to patients? Is there peer-reviewed clinical evidence in dogs? What dogs were included in the research? And does your dog’s diagnosis, neurological status, lesion location and medical history make the treatment relevant?

For newer therapies, information can change quickly. We therefore recommend using the hospital and research links above for the latest eligibility and availability information rather than relying solely on summaries elsewhere online.

Aubenord will keep this page updated

We created this page because owners facing IVDD often discover new research while searching for options during an extremely stressful time. Aubenord does not recommend experimental treatment over established veterinary care. We will update this guide when meaningful clinical evidence or availability changes.

This page is educational information only and is not veterinary advice. Never delay urgent assessment, imaging, surgery or another treatment recommended by your veterinary team while investigating an experimental or emerging therapy.