Leslie, welcome to the Forum. When you can, do register and login, so we can move Hank to the proper board: GRADUATE!!!!!l
Very wonderful to hear Hank is now attempting to pushup into a stand position with the back legs.
BLADDER CONTROL
With his now attempting to push up with back legs, he may have some sort of bladder control already going on.
Give Hank the SNIFF AND PEE testThe only way for humans to know if there is bladder control is with the “sniff and pee test.”
Carry outdoors, set them on an old pee spot to sniff. Make sure the sling or your hands are not on the tummy area as that can press on the bladder.
See if they will release urine on the old urine area. If urine comes out after sniffing, bladder control is returning. You should continue to do a quick express check to verify there is full voiding until you are certain it is consistently happening.
Let us know what you observe. How often do you express his bladder? Does he stay dry expressing session to session?
It is important that each of us owners of a dog born with IVDD become educated on this disease. As you mention not all vets will have a good command of it. Your job is protection of Hank from those who might offer well- intentioned advice, but harmful to Hank.
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Take 10 minutes to get a good overview of this disease during a disc episode and living many happy years ahead: Shortcut Thru IVDD:
dodgerslist.com/2020/06/26/time-and-ivdd/🚩
Learn how to now handle: nail trims, dentals, harnesses, having fun: Lots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog:
dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips-2 SAMPLE SCHEDULE of slowly introducing Hank back to family life
Here is a sample schedule to safely and slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity:
dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/?highlight=sample%20scheduleDIY back PROTECTION around the house
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i1.wp.com/dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ramp-outside.jpg **
1) Good ideas in making your home back friendly:
dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/2) Ideas and products to provide improved traction for wobbly dogs :
dodgerslist.com/2022/10/08/traction-solution-improvements/3) Teach yout dog to be safe and not jumping up or down, but to use a ramp whether over steps leading outdoors or to furniture in the house.
Dogs are best at visual learning rather than verbal commands. Dog trainer Anna Jane Grossman says “Dogs learn in pictures. Inside your dog’s brain is a very simple algorithm – pleasant images in one place and unpleasant images in another."
Even a dog who can't yet walk how to use a ramp:
PT THERAPY AT CLINIC or HOME
Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog. For example, although senior dogs need to stay limber, severe arthritis might make certain movements inappropriate.
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Underwater treadmill if in your area and fits your pocketbook
The movement of the hip joints and muscles and the changes in pressure on the paws from the underwater treadmill triggers spinal cord communication with the brain.
Water buoyancy makes it easier than leg movements against gravity. There is not only the potential to regrow damaged neuronal path ways but also for neuron to muscle re-education to learn the art of walking again.
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Water therapy at home: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/28/surgery-dog-water-therapyGARMENTS TO PROTECT
Does Hank scoot around? Like a frog or like a seal?
You will want to consider how you will prevent rug burns from scooting and protecting bacteria from entering the bladder. Here are some sew and no-sew options:
dodgerslist.com/2020/06/13/garment-skin-uti-protection/ ** 
Please let us know if there is a particular area of concern, you would like us to comment on.
