A Game Changer for Small Breeds!

Small breed dogs, such as dachshunds and French bulldogs, are notoriously prone to herniated disks in their middle back, leading to terrifying outcomes like partial or total paralysis in their hind legs. Until now, the only option for those who didn't respond to standard rest and therapy was an expensive decompressive surgery to remove the herniated disk.

A New Affordable Solution!

Thanks to groundbreaking research by Dr. Nick Jeffery at Texas A&M University, a more affordable treatment has emerged that could change the lives of countless dogs across the United States. This innovative approach involves injections of a specialized enzyme directly into the dog's back, marking a significant shift in how herniated disks are treated.

From Scar Tissue to Disk Relief!

Dr. Jeffery previously utilized this enzyme to dissolve scar tissue in severely injured dogs. It was through this work that he discovered its potential to break down the core component of intervertebral disks, leading to its use in treating herniated disks. This breakthrough has already paved the way for a clinical trial involving 54 dogs, demonstrating remarkable efficacy.

First Success Stories!

In January 2023, the first participant in this clinical trial was a dachshund named Oscar, and since then, the injection treatment has been successfully offered at the Texas A&M Small Animal Teaching Hospital as a non-surgical alternative.

Hope for Dog Owners!

The results have shown that for dogs still able to perceive pain in their hind legs, the enzyme injections are just as effective as traditional surgery. Remarkably, these dogs regain their ability to walk independently in about the same timeframe.

Financial Relief!

Dr. Jeffery emphasizes the financial benefits: "Disk decompressive surgery costs about six times more than the enzyme injections. We aim to alleviate the financial strain on dog owners and ensure herniated disk treatment is accessible to many more dogs."

Faster Recovery!

Not only is the new treatment more budget-friendly, but the recovery time is dramatically shorter. Unlike surgery, which typically requires a hospital stay of three to four days followed by additional rest, most dogs can return home the same day they receive the injections.

Veterinary Thanks!

Dr. Stacy Eckman, associate dean for hospital operations at VMBS, expresses gratitude for the dedicated teams providing these life-changing procedures: "I am so thankful for the innovative and life-saving treatments available for our beloved pets."

Eligibility Criteria!

To qualify for this revolutionary treatment, dogs must be between 2 and 10 years old and weigh less than 33 pounds. Additionally, treatment must begin within three days of the onset of symptoms, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.