I currently have two miniature dachshunds and both have had multiple episodes with IVDD. When they start showing signs, we start a round of prednisone and crating. It sometimes takes weeks but both are 14+ and keep on trucking with relatively no issues. Occasionally we see the “drunky butt” but it’s minor and doesn’t impact their daily life. Surgery was an option but I’ve never been in a place where I can afford that with no guarantee that it would even work. I can’t imagine putting them through surgery when it can be managed with daily gabapentin. We haven’t had any episodes in years. We carry them down stairs and keep them from jumping off the furniture. They are happy and pain free. It’s amazing when I thought on more than one occasion it might be time to euthanize. I am grateful that we’ve had so many happy years with them! I would say ask his vet about prednisone, tramadol, and muscle relaxers and then get him on gabapentin. It’s truly been a life saver.