The project will investigate dachshunds and other small breed dogs with intervertebral disc disease.

Money will be used to help further understanding of the disorder 

A clinical study on disc herniation in dachshunds has been awarded £5,000 in funding from BSAVA’s PetSavers with support from The Debs Foundation.

The money will be used to help researchers at the University of Cambridge further their understanding of the disorder and develop effective treatment strategies.

Project leader Paul Freeman from the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital said: “I am delighted to have received the support of PetSavers and the Debs Foundation for this important study. We will start work as soon as possible, aiming to recruit at least 40 dogs over the next two years.”


The project, Recovery of ambulation in medically managed non-ambulatory dachshund dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation, will investigate dachshunds and other small breed dogs with intervertebral disc disease.

Researchers aim to identify a group of affected dogs that may be able to recover the ability to walk without the need for decompressive surgery. Instead, they will be given nursing care and appropriate pain relief.

The study will also explore how the type of intervention affects the extent and speed of recovery, and how often the body may remove disc material by natural processes.


Mr Freeman continues: “Study participants must have suspected thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation or “slipped disc” in the back and be unable to walk, with their owners being unable to afford referral for an MRI scan and surgical treatment.”

Veterinary surgeons with clients they may feel might fit into this category are urged to contact Paul at Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital on 01223 337621, or by email to pf266@cam.ac.uk.

The BVAVA’s PetSavers Clinical Research Project grants are awarded to veterinary surgeons to enable them to carry out small-scale research projects in small animals kept as pets. Projects are selected with the hope that study results will have a rapid and positive impact on the way diseases are diagnosed, managed and treated in general practice as well as at a specialist level. 


The Debs Foundation charitable trust was established two years ago in memory of veterinary surgeon Debbie Gittleson. The Foundation aims to support the causes that Debbie believed in and advocated for, in particular, those with an emphasis on animal welfare.