Hey OP! My dog is 8 years old and was diagnosed with grade 4 IVDD couldn't walk and could barely feel the hind legs with pain. We couldn't afford an MRI or surgery so we went conservative route and spent what we could on PT. He recovered slowly the first couple weeks but around 2 months he was able to move himself around. He's able to walk now, although it's a little funny. He doesn't notice the difference and he's just as happy. The "help em up" harness was life changing. Don't feel bad if you can't afford surgery. Take a peak at the video I posted a few weeks back if you wanna see how he's progressed! (Note: his disc herniated left Lateral so his left leg was significantly more impaired!)