How many of you use a holistic vet?

[sjdavenport]

One of my non-mastiffs Mazey was particularly painful last night, so I finally took her in to my normal vet for radiographs. She's ten years old, so I figured it was arthritis, but wanted to confirm via xrays. She has visible signs of DJD in her right elbow, right hip, and some spondylosis at her lumbosacral junction and at a few other vertebrae. With her previous health issues, long term NSAIDs aren't an option for us to manage her pain, so with my vet's support, I made an appointment for Mazey on Monday at a holistic vet about an hour away from us. I made the appointment with acupuncture in mind, but I'm not sure what else she will suggest (in the way of diet changes, herbal remedies, etc). I've heard her lecture, and I know she's very capable, but I think I'm just apprehensive because I don't really know what to expect. It's way out of the realm of what I'm familiar with, and I'm not used to that. I'm praying that it will be a godsend for us and bring her some relief. I really want to see her live a long, long, comfortable life. I'm feeling a little guilty that maybe bringing Rhaegar (who is always trying to get her to play rough) home has been part of the problem. Has anyone used acupuncture on their dogs? If so, how often are the sessions needed? It's going to be quite a drive for us to make. I'd love to hear anyone's experiences with their holistic vet.

 

[QY10]

Dr. Jean Dodds' Pet Health Resource Blog | Reduce Inflammation, Improve Detoxification and...

^^This is a good article on natural anti-inflammatory remedies

I don't typically see a holistic vet, but one vet in Angus' "team" sort of rides that line. She is a regular vet, but very open and knowledgeable on alternative treatments. The last time Angus was at the centre, she was actually away taking a course on acupuncture.

She is very supportive and encouraging of the natural ways I have chosen to treat Angus' injury.

 

[scorning]

I went to a holistic vet to help with my dane's recovery from Wobblers surgery. She was awesome, did both regular and e-stim acupuncture, which my dane loved and it really helped him. She recommended some herbs, which I tried but didn't see any improvement so I stopped using them. My normal vet did laser therapy, which didn't help my dog, but I know several people who used it on their dogs and did see improvement.

 

[danielleconn]

I haven't yet....but it is always on the back burner of my mind. No different than Western/Eastern medicine for humans...I think what's good for the goose is good for the gander. At 10 years of age, I would have no hesitations of trying something new. I have read many, many success stories with holistic treatments.

 

[danielleconn]

And I bet Rhaegar is keeping her young at heart...don't feel guilt. She is aiding in making him a well behaved boy!

 

[NYDDB]

Similar to what QY10 has said-- Mateo's team of therapists and vet at the hydrotherapy clinic are of a holistic bent. Although the vet there is traditionally trained, he is also a strong believer in holistic methods of treatment- best of both worlds, really.

Prior to starting water therapy, I did have a session with a well-known and recommended animal acupuncturist and was very impressed. He only does house calls, so the dog is not stressed by an unfamiliar environment, and was so subtle and stealth with inserting the needles, I could hardly believe it. Mateo's reaction was a positive one; he relaxed into it, and seemed to benefit, even though it was the first session.

I would consider using him again...but right now my finances are tied up into his other therapies- and neither are cheap!

Definitely keep an open mind-- this may be the universe's way of seeing an alternative way to treat your sweet girl.

Let us know what happens.

 

[sjdavenport]

Dr. Jean Dodds' Pet Health Resource Blog | Reduce Inflammation, Improve Detoxification and...

^^This is a good article on natural anti-inflammatory remedies

I don't typically see a holistic vet, but one vet in Angus' "team" sort of rides that line. She is a regular vet, but very open and knowledgeable on alternative treatments. The last time Angus was at the centre, she was actually away taking a course on acupuncture.

She is very supportive and encouraging of the natural ways I have chosen to treat Angus' injury.

Thank you for the article! It had some great info. Several of the things Mazey is already on, some I knew of but hadn't considered for her, and quite a few were completely new to me.

 

[sjdavenport]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will, of course, keep an open mind to anything she suggests. It's good to hear of other's positive experiences. Mazey is easy in that she is relaxed with any sort of procedure as long as I'm there with my hands on her. I will certainly let everyone know what the doctor suggests and the (hopefully very positive) results.

 

[sjdavenport]

So thankful our appointment is tomorrow. Our walk today was about the same length as usual, but tonight is the most painful she's ever been in a hind leg. Her right front has always been the worst, and her right hip is where the most arthritis was on her radiographs, but tonight it's her left hind hurting her the most. My poor girl
[video=youtube;qiVEQtbfXyc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiVEQtbfXyc&list=UUs2Ybz8GRGsngTx7ZQib8Jw[/video]

[video=youtube;CQUDRmhOwPc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQUDRmhOwPc&list=UUs2Ybz8GRGsngTx7ZQib8Jw[/video]

 

[angelbears]

MHB3 Hyaluronan sold as:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CKVE74/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3077ZB2LWZZWN

I have seen this recommended a few times with rave reviews. I just ordered some. It will be here Tuesday. I will update.

I have tried 3 different modalities trying to help Cane. Traditional Western, Chinese Herbs & Homeopathy. None were the magic elixir that we had hoped for but each have some good components. Cane is a Fila, acupuncture really wasn't an option for us but I have heard nothing but good things about it. It is becoming much more mainstream.

You are educated and obviously know how to research. Trust yourself and decide what you think is best for Mazey. At the stage she seems to be at I don't think you can do much damage but you just might find something that could greatly improve her quality of life and extend it.

Good Luck!

 

[QY10]

Awe, the poor girl. I hope you find something that works for her.


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[CeeCee]

A holistic vet is also apart of our team. I love her and am blessed to be able to have her on our team. She uses everything from acupunture to Chinese Herbal Medicine. I have loved the results! One of the things she has given us is an herbal pain reliever for Zeek. A couple of grains whenever he is in pain and the next day Zeek is back to normal. Please be sure to let us know how it goes.

 

[vadersmom]

My Koloff had laser treaments to his hips and low back. My cat had acupuncture for a long while with great results. Look into canine massage therapy-there are books you can get so you can do it at home-I did.
Would it help with some carpet runners on the floor so she can get a better "purchase"?

 

[sjdavenport]

Thanks everyone for the replies, input, and suggestions! We just got back from our appointment. First of all, she's not quite sure all of Mazey's pain is due to arthritis. She felt that her range of motion was overall really pretty good and felt very little crepitus in her joints (just a bit in one elbow and she did find some tight areas around some vertebrae). This kind of fits in with my trouble accepting just how painfully arthritic Mazey has become in such a short amount of time. Five months ago, you would have guessed she was a 4 year old dog. The only other joint pain she's shown previously was a mild limp in her right front that went away with joint supplements and regular exercise. The classic cause of a shifting leg lameness is one of the tick borne diseases, so even though she has no fever and her white cell counts are fine, we went ahead and sent out a tick panel to rule those out. While we wait on those results, she decided to go ahead with the electroacupuncture, detox drops, a new supplement, and some chinese herbs for pain and circulation. Mazey didn't mind the acupuncture at all and relaxed pretty quickly (until I pulled out the camera, which she hates, lol). The doctor wanted to teach me how to do it so I could start doing it at home, but I wanted someone who actually knew what they were doing to do Mazey's first several sessions. The supplement she gave me is 4Life Transfer Factor, which is primarily for her vasculitis, but has several components that may help joint health as well. I don't know what mixture of herbs she gave me, but holy cow it is smelly! So although I can't say yet how effective any of it seems to be, but I was pleased with the visit and very comfortable with the doctor. I will definitely keep this updated with how she's doing. I'm supposed to talk to them later this week and discuss her results and how she's doing and schedule our next session.

I took some photos so I could try to commit the points to memory a little better (I have a feeling I will be quizzed on our next visit, lol). Here are a couple in case anyone is interested.

"Ok, enough poking, I'm ready to go home and nap."

 

[sjdavenport]

She totally zonked out as soon as we got home.

 

[sjdavenport]

MHB3 Hyaluronan sold as:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CKVE74/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3077ZB2LWZZWN

I have seen this recommended a few times with rave reviews. I just ordered some. It will be here Tuesday. I will update.

Please do let me know if this helps your boy!

 

[sjdavenport]

Would it help with some carpet runners on the floor so she can get a better "purchase"?

Thanks for the suggestion. It's been a while since we've had a senior, so this didn't even occur to me. I'll go ahead and get her some.

 

[NYDDB]

Electroacupuncture? I'm not sure what that is...

What is the difference between that and regular acupuncture?

It sounds as though you are on the right path- I am sure this will help your girl.

 

[sjdavenport]

It uses the exact same points and principles as regular acupuncture, but you attach electrodes to pairs of the needles. I think it's supposed to mimic the naturally occurring electrical currents in the body and provide more stimulation to the acupuncture points.

 

[sjdavenport]

But it kind of made me feel like we were trying to revive a dead car battery lol.