I'm posting this on the back forum as well as the pet forum. I'm thinking that anything that would work for a human would also tend to work for a pet.. so I'm looking for pet advice, as well as advice as to how humans are treating their own disk problems. :)

Long story short, I have two adorable pekingese.. and my oldest, Foo Foo, just had emergency back surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago due to a ruptured disc. He is in the healing process now, and seems to be making progress. My concern is for his future. The vet diagnosed him with degenerative disc disorder.. and said it was genetic.. and that he will most likely continue to have problems as he goes forward. (Foo Foo is only 4 years old). I love this dog, and want to keep him healthy, and keep his quality of life high.

The vet says there is no way to stop the progress of the disease. Personally, I don't buy that. Your body completely renews itself over the course of a year or so...so, I'm thinking that, give the right nutrition, exercise, etc.. we should be able to stop or reverse the degeneration... right?

My vet said we need to limit his activity. (no stairs.. no rough play, and no jumping off of furniture.) So, I've gotten baby gates, and he will no longer sleep on our bed with us... and we will just have to work on the whole furniture jumping thing..

I ordered some supplements on line this morning. it was from a natural pet site, and is rich in glucosamine and chondrioton, and lots of other good stuff. But, is there more I can do?

I'm thinking, chiropractic? acupuncture? maybe "doggie yoga"? (don't laugh, I'm already doing physical therapy with him which is part of his recovery protocol.. stretching.. and working his lower body through a full range of motion.. )

So, for people who have cured themselves (or are working toward curing themselves) naturally with their own disc problems, or pet owners who have had this problem in their dogs... what have you done to build healthy discs?

Any suggestions you would all have would be greatly appreciated.