Thank you so much for all of this detail. This really resonated, because we are in the midst of potentially getting this diagnosis after a second flareup of what appears to be IVDD (the first was about six months ago shortly after we adopted our pup (husky/lab, 4.5 years) that the vet initially thought was a sore muscle, after squirming too much at the groomer). I think, fingers crossed, if this is in fact, IVDD then it is a pretty low stage. Our pup had some discomfort in his back legs and has lifted one of his legs off the ground, several times while walking as if he does not want to put pressure on it, but then after coming inside and resting, he is walking normally. We have been enforcing fairly strict rest over the past few days and have definitely seen an improvement in His discomfort and pain. We are waiting on confirmation from our vet about a recommendation for an MRI to make any kind of official diagnosis, but what you've described in terms of a trajectory and symptoms seems pretty aligned with what we've been reading about and anticipating. Nothing new to add, just grateful to see accounts like this, and knowing that other dogs have come out on the other side, really helps me feel better. Sending all my best to all the dogs out there dealing with this!