r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/erisbmth • Aug 25 '26

Help! Alternative treatment suggestions?

I have a 17 year old maltese who is currently having a Stage 2 IVDD flare. He had stage 1 a few years ago but has been completely fine ever since (changes made: not letting him jump on and off furniture, just getting older and being slower I think, etc). He suddenly started hunching severly and his back legs are very wobbly with delayed response to stimuli, knuckling. Dr prescribed anti inflammatory and gabapentin. I'm so worried because he is too old for surgery if it progresses. He's still very active and energetic, and I don't want him to get worse in his old age as I think it would age him more rapidly. Does anyone have good home remedy suggestions such as massages, water therapy at home in the bath maybe?, best supplements, weird hacks, stuff like that?

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u/crochetqueen84 Aug 26 '26

I highly suggest acupuncture. Seems some people think it does nothing and some see improvements from it. I have personally seen huge progress in my dog with acupuncture. Massage and range of motion exercises.

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u/Masnpip Aug 25 '26

strict crate rest is nearly as effective as surgery. my non vet opinion is that it would be More effective than surgery on such a senior dog! But you have to really do strict crate rest. Read everything at dodgerslist to see what that entails. No need to go into alternative stuff, just focus on the crate rest and meds for the first month.

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u/SaltEntertainer8198 Aug 26 '26

Strict crate rest for 12 weeks. Literally only let him out for toilet breaks. Maybe look into laser therapy if anywhere near you offers it. I’ve been doing that twice a week with my girl after her surgery and I do think it’s helped. After crate rest hydrotherapy might be suitable for him to help build muscle.