Skookum wrote:

The Canine Intervertebrate Disc Disease link was terrific, Kathleen
and to the other responder, no, I had not thought of this and surfing
about after reading Kathleen's link led to some indication that
acupuncture might be excellent. Surgery is widely mentioned but in an
11-year old it's touchy.

So thanks to you both!

If the dog is in otherwise good health and if pre-surgical bloodwork is
done to confirm normal liver and kidney function I would not hesitate to
opt for a surgical solution. If there is a ruptured disk pressing
against the spinal cord, acupuncture is not going to solve the problem.
Be aware that if the dog has been on large doses of prednisone to try
to control pain and inflammation, healing of the incision will be delayed.