On March 15, 2026, the University of Tehran's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine released a comprehensive review of modern vertebral column disorder treatments in small animals, 

revealing that minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is revolutionizing how veterinarians manage intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and other spinal conditions in dogs and cats. 

The review, published in the Eltiam Journal, synthesized data from 26 peer-reviewed studies spanning 2015 to 2025, 

examining diagnostic advances and treatment outcomes across more than 1,500 surgical cases.

According to the findings, traditional hemilaminectomy and ventral slot procedures, while effective, are associated with significant soft tissue trauma, postoperative pain,

 and extended recovery periods lasting 8 to 12 weeks.

 In contrast, minimally invasive techniques utilizing endoscopic instruments through small incisions (1–2 cm) reduce tissue damage by an estimated 70%, 

decrease intraoperative bleeding by 50%, and shorten hospital confinement from an average of 5 days to just 2 days. 

A comparative study cited in the review found that dogs undergoing endoscopic spinal decompression returned to normal

 ambulation 18 days sooner than those receiving conventional open surgery (p < 0.01).

Dr. Arfeni Karamyan, Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine at RUDN University, who was not involved in the review, commented,

 "The shift toward minimally invasive spinal surgery represents the most significant advancement in veterinary orthopedics since the introduction of locking plates. 

However, widespread adoption requires substantial investment in endoscopic equipment and specialized training, which currently limits availability to referral centers".

The review also highlighted emerging adjunctive therapies. Regenerative treatments,

 including autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cell injections administered epidurally, 

showed promise in 11 clinical cases, with 73% of treated dogs demonstrating improved proprioception and motor function at 6-month follow-ups. 

Additionally, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is now enabling custom-designed vertebral implants and surgical guides,

 increasing pedicle screw placement accuracy from 82% with freehand techniques to 96% with patient-specific 3D-printed templates.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Postoperative complication rates for MISS, including incidental dural tears and recurrent disc herniation, range from 6% to 12%, 

comparable to open surgery. Nevertheless, the review concludes that the benefits of reduced pain, faster return to function,

 and superior cosmetic outcomes position minimally invasive spine surgery as the future standard of care for canine vertebral disorders.