Submitted by J. Hudson on Mon, 15/06/2026 - 13:39
When Amy Kershaw took her dachshund Pepper on a long walk, she noticed that something wasn't quite right. Pepper seemed more tired than usual and, over the following hours, began to lose movement in her back legs.
Amy had heard of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and immediately feared the worst.
"I knew how serious IVDD could be," she said. "The thought that Pepper might have it was devastating."
After an emergency visit to her local vet on the Sunday, Pepper was given pain relief while Amy began researching the options available. Like many owners faced with an IVDD diagnosis, she was worried that the only solution would be major spinal surgery under general anaesthetic.
Instead, she discovered the pioneering work of Professor Paul Freeman and the Neurology Team at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH), here at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.
The team has developed a less invasive treatment using an enzyme called chondroitinase, which is injected directly into affected intervertebral discs to help relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The treatment, currently only available in the UK at the QVSH in Cambridge, has already helped over 190 dogs and has attracted national media attention.
Amy contacted Professor Freeman directly and quickly felt that this was the right path for Pepper.
"We thought our options were limited to invasive spinal surgery," she said. "As soon as we spoke to Paul, we felt reassured. He took the time to explain everything and, whatever the outcome, we knew this was the right decision for Pepper. We didn't hesitate to make the three-hour journey from Manchester to Cambridge."
For Amy, one of the most important parts of the experience was having someone who could help guide her through an incredibly frightening situation.
"When you hear the words IVDD, it can feel overwhelming. You immediately worry about whether your dog will ever walk again and whether you are making the right decisions. Professor Freeman's work is so important because it doesn't just offer a new treatment option, it gives families hope at one of the most difficult times they can face as a pet owner.
"Knowing that this research is being carried out, and that owners have access to expert advice and less invasive options, takes away some of the fear and uncertainty that comes with an IVDD diagnosis. This treatment has been life-changing for Pepper and for our whole family because she is one of the family."
Professor Paul Freeman, European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology at the QVSH, said:
"IVDD is one of the most common neurological conditions we treat, particularly in breeds such as dachshunds. Our aim has always been to develop evidence-based treatments that give owners more choice while achieving the best possible outcomes for their dogs. It's incredibly rewarding to see patients like Pepper benefiting from this work."
The treatment is the result of years of clinical research at the QVSH. Recent studies have shown that chondroitinase injections can achieve recovery rates comparable to surgery in suitable cases and may also reduce the risk of future episodes of IVDD.
For Amy, however, the science comes down to something much simpler.
"Seeing Pepper happy and enjoying life again is all we could have hoped for. We are so grateful to Professor Freeman and everyone at the QVSH who made that possible."
To find out more about chondroitinase treatment for IVDD and the research behind it, visit our IVDD information page or contact the QVSH Neurology Service: neuro@vet.cam.ac.uk
Read our previous stories about Professor Freeman's IVDD Treatment here >
The QVSH Neurology Team have new paper published on IVDD treatment
The QVSH leads the way in pioneering enzyme treatment for dogs with IVDD
To find more details about the chondroitinase injection treatment for dogs with IVDD click here >
Chondroitinase injection treatment for dogs with IVDD
