Study Design An investigation of the use of intervetebral disc allografting as a potential alternative to intervertebral fusion was performed. In 13 adult mongrel dogs, intervertebral disc units cryopreserved after slow freezing were grafted. Objectives To evaluate the morphologic and biosynthetic damage caused by cryopreserving the canine intervertebral disc before allografting. Summary of Background Data Cryopreservation did not alter the normal histologic appearance. The metabolic activity, measured by 35S-sulfate incorporation, was observed to be 44% of the fresh control. Methods Transplanted intervertebral discs were examined histologically and radiographically at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery. Results The allografted disc had preserved anular and nuclear architecture with moderate loss of chondrocytes 12 weeks after grafting. However, the intervertebral disc showed evidence of progressive disc degeneration 1 year after transplantation. Conclusions More investigation of storage methods in needed to enhance the viability of the intervertebral disc for successful intervertebral disc allografting.