A dear friend of mine has a very large Husky mix, adopted from a shelter around 7 weeks old, who is now about 10.5 years. Bella is a gentle soul, a true happy doll of a gal. About two years ago, she jumped and landed wrong - and compressed a disc in her back - right above where her rear legs are approximately and a bit back towards her tail. She gets around great, can climb and descend stairs, etc. but sometime has trouble get up from a prone/lying down position. Her owner, his roommate, and the rest of us have no problem helping Miss Bella rise from time to time. She is not on any pain meds and has worked rally well with this all. Once she is up and takes a few steps, she gets around very well. The vet did not recommend surgery, in light of the above and perhaps her age, but I am wondering if there is anything other than massage/T-touch that can help her mobility when she intially wants to get up. She is not on glucosimine-chondritin (sp?) and I am also wondering if that may not be a bad idea. Your thoughts?

Any holistic advice? She does swim during the warmer months, too.

Lorr, there are holistic versions of cortisone, etc, that are plant derived and very benign compared to their allopathic counterparts. If you think she would be interested, send me a pt and I can give you some info on where to go.

Will do, thanks Anything to help her mobility over time, especially during those intial rising and first few steps would be great.

Glucosamine would do her no harm, given her age. What it actually does is allow the tissue in joints to continue manufacturing the fluid that cushions it and keeps it moving. It does not repair damage, but helps to cope with whatever condition the joint is in.

Thanks, PA - sounds like it can't hurt.

Ya know, Ank - I think you have a winner there. He's got a jacuzzi/whirlpool thing - and Bella does love the water. Cool, thanks!

I agree with the above, but noticed you said "very large" in your initial post. Weight can always be a key factor, regardless of age.

Big, large Bella - large. And did I say... large? Thanks, all. We are going to run with the glucosamine and the jacuzzi/whirlpool tub there vs. the hot tub. The jacuzzi is easier to regulate and it is big enough for person and dog - as Bella is one of those dogs that won't stay in unless someone is in there with her. LOL Her owner has been an avid, life-long swimmer... and is debating the cost/benefit of getting one of those 'endless pools' now. They are small enough to fit on a good-sized deck and just have a current one swims against - in a space of about 12-14 feet. K9 - thanks, too, for your tips; Bella was on a type of cortisone for a while but did not take well to it so I have passed along the natural/holistic ideas, too. Bella gives all a big, wet kiss.

Bel's been getting around well since this happened - except for when she first gets up from napping, etc. She sometimes needs a bit of encouragement to get going when it comes to coming upstairs or going back downstairs but can 'do it herself'. A bit wobbly at first, then fine and dandy. She only seems to need our help rising when she has been sleeping for hours or when it is rainy/humid. Re: the latter - that's one reason we're going to try the glucosamine right quick. I think continuing the massages (as you mentioned, too) along with some water/jacuzzi 'therapy'/play will give her more ease of motion/range of motion. If my pal decides to look into the holistic treatments again (thanks to K9, I was was able to pass along a great source), all the better. We really appreciate all the input! Thanks!