IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease).  Luke G. presented to our hospital at the age of 13 years for rear leg paralysis and crying out in pain.  Luke’s examination revealed moderate pain and discomfort on palpation of the spine at the level of the mid-back region.  A neurological examination was performed and revealed that Luke couldn’t feel his rear legs & feet.  Luke had decreased pain sensation in his paws.  Radiographs (x-rays) were taken and revealed narrowed disk spaces in the back at 2 different sites.  This means that the disk has herniated and putting pressure on the spinal cord. This has caused Luke to become paralyzed in the rear legs.  Luke was given steroids to reduce swelling and pain medication for the discomfort.  Luke’s owner did not want to operate on their 13 year old dog, but did want to do whatever medical therapy they could.  A Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine exam was performed by our doctor and Luke diagnosed with spinal cords stagnation and Kidney Yin Deficiency.  Electrical acupuncture was started.  Luke was also started on a Chinese Herbal Formula called Di Gu Pi San for the stagnation in the spinal cord.  A month after the initial presentation, Companion Animal Therapy Laser was added to the treatment plan.  There was some movement of the rear legs and Luke could stand for a small amount of time when he first woke in the morning.  Progress!  Luke’s treatments were continued for several months and slowly, with treatment and time (3 months of therapy), Luke regained his ability to stand and walk.  To this day, he has a wobble when he walks, but walking he is.