Treating Arthritis Naturally: Shockwave Therapy

Arthritis affects 1 in 5 adult dogs and a growing number of cats, especially as they age. If your pet is slowing down, struggling to climb stairs, or showing signs of pain after exercise, osteoarthritis could be the cause.

Common signs of arthritis in pets include:

• Limping or favoring one limb
• Difficulty standing up or lying down
• Reluctance to climb stairs or jump into the car
• Decreased interest in play or exercise
• Muscle atrophy or weight gain
• Behavioral changes (irritability, restlessness)

Shockwave therapy can heal arthritis in your pet

NSAIDS (such as carprofen, deramaxx, and galliprant) or steroids (like prednisone or prednisolone) are typically utilized in pets. These can have a horrible impact on the liver and kidneys of any pet.  Additionally, they do NOT reverse joint degeneration. Studies suggest that shockwave therapy offers more than just temporary relief—it can slow progression of arthritis and stimulate actual healing.

It’s  heartbreaking to watch our once-active companions struggle to move, play, or get comfortable. That’s why it’s so important to explore options beyond just medications—especially those that support natural healing and long-term comfort.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

In veterinary medicine, shockwave therapy is used to treat:

• Canine osteoarthritis (1)
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Non-union fractures or delayed healing bones
• Chronic PAIN – such as back pain
• Post-surgical healing – especially after a knee or hip surgery
• Tendon and ligament injuries – like cranial cruciate ligament tears (CCL tears)

This makes it one of the most promising natural arthritis treatments for dogs and cats—especially when combined with physical rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments!

How Does Shockwave Therapy Help Arthritis?

Shockwave therapy addresses arthritis at the source by:

• Reducing inflammation  Shockwave decreases inflammatory markers such as COX-2 and substance P, helping to reduce swelling and pain (3)
• Stimulating collagen production and tissue regeneration (4)
• Increasing blood flow to joints and surrounding tissues  This includes the growth of new blood vessels—which is critical for delivering nutrients to damaged joints (3)
• Modulating pain through nerve desensitization  By desensitizing nerves and decreasing local pain receptors, ESWT offers lasting relief without pharmaceuticals (2).

In summary, this holistic therapy doesn’t just mask symptoms—it promotes actual healing.

The Natural Choice for Pain Relief

One of the greatest advantages of shockwave therapy for pets is that it is:

• Non-invasive
• Drug-free
• Performed without anesthesia!
• Well-tolerated—even relaxing for many pets (including both cats AND dogs!)

For pet parents seeking a natural arthritis treatment without relying on long-term medications, shockwave offers real hope.

It’s also safe to combine shockwave with other integrative therapies, including acupuncture, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and nutritional support—making it a powerful tool in holistic veterinary care.

What to Expect: A Typical Treatment Plan

• Treatments take 10–30 minutes.
• Usually 4–8 sessions, spaced at least 72 hours apart.

• Improvements are often noticeable within the first few treatments and continue for several months as tissue remodeling progresses.

The pet lies comfortably on a mat or padded surface while the practitioner applies the handheld probe to the affected area.

Some pets even fall asleep during treatment—it’s that gentle.  Watch little Emi in the video during her shockwave treatments above!

Conclusion

Arthritis doesn’t have to mean a life of pain or pills for your pet. Shockwave therapy offers a safe, effective, and natural alternative that targets the root cause of joint degeneration and encourages healing from within.

At Healing Paws Center in Fort Lauderdale, we’ve seen incredible transformations. From senior dogs who couldn’t climb stairs, to athletic dogs with chronic elbow pain, to cats with hip dysplasia—we’ve witnessed pets regain their joy, movement, and vitality thanks to shockwave therapy.

If your pet is showing signs of arthritis, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how shockwave therapy can give your furry friend a new lease on life—naturally.

References:

1. Haussler, K. K., et al. “Short-term clinical effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal11 (2012): 1187–1191.
2. Kieves, N. R., et al. “Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in veterinary medicine.” Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice5 (2017): 1161–1175.
3. Wang, C. J., et al. “Biological mechanism of musculoskeletal shockwaves.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research6 (2003): 983–989.
4. Dahlberg, J., et al. “Extracorporeal shockwave therapy increases subchondral bone porosity in osteoarthritic joints.” Veterinary Surgery4 (2005): 359–364.
5. Lopes, M. A. F., et al. “Clinical use of shockwave therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis.” Veterinary Record17 (2014): 438

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Treating Pet Allergies Naturally

As pet owners, watching our furry friends suffer from allergies can be heart-wrenching. Whether it’s from seasonal changes, food sensitivities, or environmental factors, allergies can lead to persistent itching, digestive issues, and overall discomfort!

While conventional veterinary medicine often relies on medications (like Apoquel or the infamous Cytopoint injections) and steroid treatments (like prednisone and dexamethasone injections), holistic veterinary medicine offers a comprehensive approach to managing allergies by addressing the root causes and treating the body as a whole.

Understanding Allergies in Pets

Allergies in pets typically manifest in several ways:

1. REPEATED Skin irritations or infections or hot spots or rashes – this is seen in pets who are SUPER ITCHY and constantly scratching or licking themselves.
2. REPEATED Ear infections
3. Gastrointestinal upset. – Think about it – 90% of our immune system IS in our gut! So it makes sense that any type of immune response could result in diarrhea or any other GI sign!
4. Much, much more!

The Holistic Approach to Pet Allergies

Holistic veterinary medicine integrates various practices that aim to treat the whole animal rather than just the symptoms.

Here is a brief list of the holistic practices that we currently utilize:

1. Diet and Nutrition

Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing allergies!  We often recommend a holistic diet tailored to a pet’s specific needs. This might include:

• SPECIFIC PROTEINS: Identifying and removing allergenic ingredients from the diet to pinpoint food sensitivities.
• HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Ensuring the diet is free from fillers, artificial additives, and preservatives that might exacerbate allergies.
• ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS : Incorporating ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties!

2. Supplements

Supplements can support the immune system and reduce inflammation. Some commonly recommended supplements used in holistic medicine include:

• Probiotics: To support gut health, which is linked to immune function and allergic responses.
• Herbal Remedies: These can naturally soothe skin irritations and support overall wellness.
• Fish Oils: To reduce inflammation and improve skin health.

3. Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance.

For pets with allergies, acupuncture can:

• Reduce Inflammation: By improving circulation and promoting the body’s natural healing processes.
• Enhance Immune Function: By stimulating the body’s regulatory systems.

4. Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are based on the principle of “like cures like,” using highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s healing responses. A holistic vet might use remedies to:

• Address Specific Allergy Symptoms: Such as itching or diarrhea.
• Support Overall Health: By boosting the pet’s resilience and reducing sensitivity to allergens.

5. Environmental Modifications

Holistic care often includes recommendations for reducing environmental allergens.   Individual recommendations always depend on the environment that the pet is exposed to on a daily basis – from daycare, to carpet, to grassy areas! 

6. Veterinary Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy involves administering ozone (O₃), a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms, into the body. The therapy utilizes the unique properties of ozone to promote healing and boost overall health.  

Ozone therapy:

• Targeting underlying inflammation: A BIG component of ANY allergies is the immune system in overdrive!
• Boosting the immune system: Ozone therapy stimulates the immune system to reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Ozone therapy could be administered subcutaneously, rectally, or topically depending on what is going on with the pet.
• Enhancing Skin Health: Ozone has anti-microbial properties that can eliminate infections and promote healthy skin recovery.

Conclusion

Managing pet allergies doesn’t have to be a one-dimensional process. Holistic veterinary medicine offers a rich array of tools and strategies to support your pet’s health in a comprehensive way. By focusing on diet, supplements, acupuncture, homeopathy, environmental changes, and ozone therapy, you can help your furry friend find relief and improve their overall quality of life.

If allergies are causing your pet distress, call us! We can help!

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You can Treat Kidney Disease in Dogs and Cats Naturally

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease and kidney failure in dogs and cats are extremely common diseases in dogs and cats. The kidneys in pets function to help to filter water as well as other nutrients in the body.

How do you know if your dog or cat has kidney disease?

Tests that your veterinarian can utilize to evaluate your dog’s kidneys are bloodwork (specifically looking at the Creatinine and the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), urinalysis (analysis of the urine and how it concentrates), urine culture (culture of the urine to check for bacterial growth), and belly X-rays/ ultrasound.

Kidney disease appears in pets once at least 25% of the kidneys are no longer functioning.

Signs of kidney disease include but are not limited to:

• Increased drinking and urination
• Weight loss
• Decreased energy
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting and nausea
• Clear urine
• And more . . . .

What are some ways to treat dog and cat kidney disease naturally?

Holistic treatments for kidney disease in dogs can include:

1. Veterinary acupuncture and acupressure

Veterinary acupuncture for treatment of kidney disease in dogs can increase blood flow to the kidney to promote healing, increase appetite and energy, and decrease nausea. Renal disease in dogs and cats can make them feel terrible – which makes them not want to eat.

The goal of acupuncture for the dog is always to encourage the body to heal itself.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) theory of kidney disease involves the idea of moving Qi (energy) to the area of damaged or stagnated Qi. Your holistic veterinarian will be able to select acupuncture points such as BL-23 (Bladder-23), BL-39 (Bladder-39), KID-3 (Kidney-3), and ST-36 (Stomach-36).

2. Subcutaneous ozone therapy

Subcutaneous ozone therapy involves hyper-saturation of saline with ozone. Ozone rapidly breaks down into oxygen within the body. Thus, subcutaneous ozone therapy allows your holistic veterinarian to increase the level of oxygen with your dog’s body. Increased oxygen levels allow for improved mitochondrial function, and improved cell growth within the body.

3. Herbal therapy

Herbal therapy for treatment of kidney disease in dogs utilizes specific Chinese herbal blends to support the kidney’s functions. These herbs could included Rehmannia blends, Hindquarter Weakness, and much, much more.

4. Food therapy.

Food therapy for treatment of kidney disease in dogs allows the body to utilize foods that are naturally nutritious for the damaged kidneys. Particular foods can include kidney beans, brown rice, and more!

Your holistic veterinarian will select these foods based on the underlying Traditional Chinese Veterinary Pattern.

These holistic therapies for dogs can be combined with Western medications and more. At Healing Paws Center, we have treated many cases with integrative care (combining Western and Eastern therapies) to obtain the optimal results.

We recommend starting acupuncture, and all of these holistic methods as soon as possible!

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Watch our awesome Dr. Jessie discuss COVID-19 and your pet . . .

COVID-19 downloadable document

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Did you know that gut health of your pet affects your pet’s mental and physical health?  You are what you eat as they say!

Just like humans, pets benefit from nutritional supplements and a balanced, healthy diet.  For example, fish oils are beneficial for your pet’s coat, cognitive function, kidney, heart, and joint health.  They also help to reduce overall inflammation in the body.  A balanced diet made for your pet’s individual needs may help your pet that has a sensitive stomach or to meet the needs of your pet athlete.

OK, so what great nutritional supplements should my pet be on, and where do I find them?

As a veterinarian trained in holistic animal medicine, I select products that are specifically formulated according to the highest research-based standards, AND held to strict quality control standards.  It is very important that ANY supplement you give your pet follows strict quality control and go through rigorous testing to make sure what they say on the label is true to what is in the bottle!  We should hold our pet’s supplements to the same standard as our own supplements!

Additionally, I create an individualized pet supplement based on the pet’s health requirements and overall physical examination.  Here at Healing Paws Center, I recommend investing in the research-based products we select – each product is specially vetted, and chosen with your pet in mind.

Products we recommend include:

• Nordic Naturals Omega-3 fatty acids (fish based Omega-3-fatty acids with high dose of EPA and DHA)
• Yunnan Baiyo (Chinese Herbal Therapy)

Concentrated fish oil is a GREAT source of omega-3-fatty acids for pets. These lower inflammation in the body.

Yunnan Baiyo is a powerful anti-cancer herb.

How do I make a balanced diet?  I’m interested in home-cooking for my dog or cat, or creating a top dressing but I don’t know where to start. 

Home-cooking for your pet is an opportunity to improve your pet’s overall health!  However, I strongly recommend consulting with us before starting your pet’s diet.  We work with a Board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist to create an individualized, BALANCED home-cooked recipe.  This means that the diet is balanced for micronutrients and vitamins – including Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium.

Your 10-month old Golden retriever puppy has different vitamin and micronutrient needs than your 10-year-old Boxer!  A lack of the appropriate micronutrients and vitamins can result in serious health conditions and problems.

If you are interested in making a balanced homemade diet and/or interested in beneficial nutritional supplements for your pet, call Healing Paws Center today to book an appointment with one of our holistic veterinarians!

Works Cited

EPA and DHA for Dogs: What are they and what are the benefits? (2012, December 20). Retrieved from https://petsci.co.uk/nutrition/epa-and-dha-for-dogs/

Linder, D. E., Linder, D. E., & Dacvn. (2018, October 25). Should I give fish oil to my pet? Retrieved from http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/06/should-i-give-fish-oil-to-my-pet/

Heinze, C. R., Heinze, C. R., & Dacvn. (2018, October 26). Should you make your own pet food at home? Retrieved from http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/07/should-you-make-your-own-pet-food-at-home/

Images

https://www.vetrxdirect.com/product/view/nordic-naturals-omega-3-pet-for-dogs-and-cats-otc

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The importance of physical therapy/rehabilitation after Canine ACL/CCL Knee Surgery

Did you know that pets have an ligament in the knee that functions similar to an ACL in people?  It is called a cranial cruciate ligament and, unfortunately, it can rupture.  If this has happened to your pet, you are most likely familiar with the many surgical options to stabilize the knee joint including TPLO, TTA, lateral suture procedure, and CBLO.  Each of these methods function to alter the joint mechanics of the knee.

Just like in people, post-operative rehabilitation is strongly recommended for your pet.

There are several reasons to invest in post-op rehab for your pet, including:

1) Relieve Pain and Get Back to Function Faster

One of the main occurrences in the post-operative period is pain!  If you have had orthopedic surgery, then you realize how much joint and muscle surgery can affect the way you can (or want) to move during daily tasks.   Oral pain medications are a start to treating the pain – but there is so many more holistic, safe therapies for your pet!

The first goal of rehabilitation is to lower pain and inflammation – we specialize in laser therapy, canine massage, canine acupuncture, and therapeutic ultrasound.  These modalities will help your pet get back to moving, running, and playing sooner!

Our next goal is strengthening and conditioning of the muscles – underwater treadmill (hydrotherapy) will allow your pet to only bear 20% of their actual weight.  With this buoyancy, your pet will utilizing full range of motion of the limbs.  This will help prevent further muscle loss while your pet is recovering.

Additionally, we will teach you therapeutic land exercises so that you can learn the safe way to rehabilitation your pet.  These are exercises that should be performed for the rest of your pet’s life in order to ensure muscle retention and proper gait.

2) “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Pre-rehabilitation of the other currently unaffected knee.

Unfortunately, more than 50% of dogs will rupture their OTHER cranial cruciate ligament within 12 months of rupturing their first cranial cruciate ligament. 

By utilizing targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and progressive conditioning of those muscles, we are better able to lower the chances of this all-too-common occurrence.

Veterinary knee surgery is expensive – we strive to avoid a second surgery!

3) A guiding hand

Your pet is your baby – an investment in rehabilitation is an investment to help protect your recovering child.  In human medicine, post-operative rehabilitation is mandatory.

Should we truly lower those standards for our furry children?

As pet rehabilitation veterinarians, we are well-versed in the way an animal should progress through their post-operative period.  By investing in rehabilitation, you are protecting your investment in your pet’s orthopedic surgery.

You will not be alone on this journey to returning to full function! 

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What is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or herniated disc in dogs?

Just like people, pets can develop herniated or “slipped discs.”  This condition is called “intervertebral disc disease” in the veterinary world.

The intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae of the spinal cord and function to

(1) keep the backbones from touching one another, and
(2) protect the spinal cord.

However, the outer portion of the disc can break down over time – when this happens, the inner part of the disc can break through and damage the spinal cord.  This results in PAIN, damage to the nerves, and even paralysis.

What are signs of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in a dog?

You may notice that your pet cries out when picked up and keeps looking at their back, has difficulty walking with both back legs or all four limbs, demonstrates a hunched posture, or refuses to jump or go up/down stairs.  Your pet may demonstrate resistance to moving their head or neck and simply shift their eyes to look at you.

How does acupuncture treat herniated disc disease?

Acupuncture involves putting very tiny needles into precise locations that are anatomically known to have a junction of nerve bundles, arterioles, and venules – these points are the intersection of information for the nervous system and more in your pet!

In the cases of intervertebral disc disease, acupuncture points are chosen based on their location to major spinal nerves of the body.  By placing the needles at these locations, the body releases endorphins, norepinephrine, and anti-inflammatory mediators and allows the body to heal itself naturally (while releasing a “feel-good” sensation).  Like humans, most animals fall asleep during their treatments.

Why consider acupuncture for your pet with a herniated disc?

Studies have demonstrated that dogs with herniated discs recover more quickly from the event when acupuncture is added to their treatment plan, versus just Western treatment/surgery (1; 2).  In fact, in one of these studies, dogs who received acupuncture were able to walk sooner than those who did not!

Additionally, in many cases, your pet may have back pain and the suspicion of a herniated disc, but your veterinarian or veterinary neurologist may not recommend surgery at that time– acupuncture is a modality your pet needs in order prevent pain and help calm the nerves of the spinal cord! 

Also, it is important to note that not all pets are able to undergo anesthesia for surgery – acupuncture is a great option for these pets.

What if my pet has had IVDD/back surgery – can they still benefit from acupuncture or physical therapy?

Yes!  Studies have demonstrated that dogs with herniated discs recover more quickly from the event when acupuncture is added to their treatment plan, versus only Western treatment/surgery (1; 2).  In fact, in one of these studies, dogs who received acupuncture were able to walk sooner than those who did not!

Additionally, pets who undergo physical therapy after surgery heal and return to full ambulation more quickly than those who do not undergo physical therapy.

Why should I consider physical therapy for my pet with intervertebral disc disease?

Passive range of motion and massage can be exceptionally important in keeping your pet pain-free and physically comfortable.  These therapies can help promote circulation.

Laser therapy can encourage blood flow to the area – allowing for increased healing, as well as relief from pain.

Underwater treadmill therapy allows for a low-impact joint environment that is safe for your pet to exercise in order to regain muscle mass.  One minute working out in water is similar to 3 minutes of working out on land!

Should I consider a wheelchair for my pet?

We get this question a lot!  It really depends on how your pet is ambulating and your goals for your pet.  We provide wheelchair fitting and ordering services and can help you make this decision.

It is very important that the wheelchair is specially fitted to your pet in order to achieve normal biomechanics, avoid unnecessary discomfort, and avoid the formation of pressure sores.

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My dog is slowing down. Is it hip dysplasia, how do I know for sure, and how do I treat it naturally?

Puppies grow up incredibly quickly, with most dog breeds reaching their full size within 8 to 18 months.  Unfortunately, we’ve seen in our Fort Lauderdale clinic that this rapid development comes with an increased risk of certain diseases and injuries, including hip dysplasia —a degenerative condition that causes a dog’s hip joints to develop abnormally.

Hip dysplasia has serious symptoms including pain and mobility problems.  Fortunately, it is possible to treat hip dysplasia in dogs naturally — even without visiting our Fort Lauderdale office!  This blog post will explain the causes of hip dysplasia, how it is diagnosed, and the ways you can treat hip dysplasia in dogs naturally.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

A dog’s hip joint consists of a rounded hip socket which the ball of the femur (the highest leg bone) fits into.  Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket is too shallow or the femur head is deformed, creating a loose connection and abnormal cartilage wear.  This condition can also cause painful inflammation in the hip (osteoarthritis).

In the early stages of the disease, your dog may exhibit an unusual gait which looks similar to bunny hopping.  As the disease advances, they may struggle with mobility and can experience some pain.

Hip dysplasia is a multi-factorial disease, which means there are several possible causes, including:

The genetic makeup of the dog

Most cases of hip dysplasia are caused by genetic factors, with certain breeds being more likely to have the condition.  Unfortunately, because the hip dysplasia involves multiple genes, it is difficult to identify which dogs have a higher risk of the disease.  Even if a dog’s parents are completely clear of the condition, they may still carry the genes that cause it and pass it on to their puppies.

The breeds that often carry the genetic defects causing hip dysplasia include German Shepherds, Labradors, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, Neopolitan Mastiffs, and American Staffordshire Terriers.  It tends to be more common in fast-growing breeds but can also effect some smaller breeds, including pugs and bulldogs.  This form of the disease is usually referred to as early onset hip dysplasia and begins to occur in dogs as young as 4 months old.

Researchers are working to identify all of the genes that are responsible for hip dysplasia.  Scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover recently identified some of the genes that are responsible for hip dysplasia in German Shepherds.  There are also some services available to assess the risk of a dog having this condition, including the PeenHIP screening service.  Using these services can help you identify if your puppy has a greater risk of having the condition and allows you to take action early on.

Arthritic conditions

Late onset hip dysplasia is usually caused by osteoarthritis, an inflammatory condition that causes the cartilage in the joint to deteriorate.  As the cartilage in their joints deteriorates, the hip socket and joint become loose.  This form of the disease often occurs in working dogs who are very active.

Environmental factors

A wide range of environmental factors can cause hip dysplasia, including poor nutrition, poor muscle development, repetitive strain injuries, rapid weight gain, obesity, and pelvic injuries.

How do you know if your dog has hip dysplasia?

It is important to identify and treat hip dysplasia as early as possible, because it can eventually cause osteoarthritis and dramatically impact your dog’s mobility.  Some of the warning signs to look for include:

• Stiffness or pain
• Low exercise intolerance
• Bunny hopping or an unusual gait
• Struggling to get up after lying down or sitting
• Struggling to walk up stairs
• An audible click sound when walking
• Their thigh muscles begin to atrophy while the muscles their front legs grow larger
• Increased width between the sides of their hips

To diagnose the presence of hip dysplasia, your vet will perform a complete physical exam and may take some x-rays.  It some cases, it is possible to diagnose the condition based solely on the symptoms and looseness in the dog’s hip joint.  A laxity test is often performed, which assesses how far the hip joint can be rotated without causing discomfort to the dog.

What are some of the ways to treat dog hip dysplasia naturally?

Fortunately, it is possible to treat hip dysplasia in dogs naturally!  When these techniques are performed consistently, you can obtain some incredible results in dogs with this condition.  Your dog will feel more comfortable and can even regain some of the mobility they may have lost.

Controlling Weight

The single most effective and important treatment is maintaining a healthy weight.  If your dog is overweight, they will be placing more strain on their joints which increases the pain and inflammation they experience.  In fact, reducing weight down to a very lean, almost skinny level could go a long way to restoring more natural activity. Ask Dr. Jessie or your regular vet for some help creating a safe weight loss program for your dog.

Physical therapy

All dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia can benefit from physiotherapy.  It can make your dog more comfortable and help them regain their mobility.  Here at Healing Paws Center we can create a physical therapy regimen through our professional dog physiotherapists.  We can also provide you with some information so you can perform basic physiotherapy on your furry friend at home.

Physical therapy usually includes a combination of massages and joint mobilization movements.  It can also include the use of heat packs or cold packs to help with mobility and swelling.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can deliver excellent results for dogs with hip dysplasia.  This therapy involves the use of an underwater treadmill or exercises in a swimming pool.  The buoyancy of the water reduces the amount of pressure on your dog’s joints and allows them to exercise their rear leg muscles with much less pain.  As the rear muscles strengthen, they will regain some of their mobility.

Modifying Diet

The food that your dog eats has a significant impact on their health.  Some dog owners have seen some dramatic improvements in the condition of their pet by switching to wholesome diets that are focused on natural foods.  These diets include both cooked and raw meat, vegetables, and bones.  You may find our food therapy and nutrition programs are a great place to start.

If you have a puppy that has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, special diets designed for rapidly growing dog breeds may help to reduce the severity of their condition.  These special diets work by helping your puppy’s bones and muscles grow at an optimal speed.

Natural supplements

There are a variety of natural supplements that can reduce joint inflammation, increase joint lubrication, and help to rebuild damaged cartilage.

NOTE:  it is always recommended to discuss any medication with your vet before starting.

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine have the training and experience to deliver safe and effective results.  You can find a certified practitioner like Dr. Jessie by searching the American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine website.

Fun, appropriate exercise

Even though your dog may become reluctant to exercise, you should continue to encourage it.  It is important that the exercise is low impact and performed on a regular basis.  Avoid hard, slick surfaces and jumps — simply take them for a walk on a soft surface like grass.  Click here to read a helpful article on our blog, or try these other safe suggestions:

• Swimming and walking on a water treadmill
• Practice sitting and getting back up for both strengthening muscles and stability. It is important to start with just a few sits – don’t overdo it.
• Balance exercises are great. Smaller dogs can stand on a balance ball or board. You can also practice having your dog raise one front paw and then the other, and practice walking on uneven surfaces.
• Walking inclined surfaces is a simple way to increase muscle development. Upward inclines work the rear limbs, downward inclines work the front limbs.

Special mattresses

You can purchase special orthopedic mattresses that prevent the dog from placing all of its weight on its joints.  These mattresses can help your dog get more rest and makes it easier for your puppy to get up after resting.

Acupuncture

Many dog owners have turned to acupuncture to reduce the amount of pain their dog is experiencing.  There is a documented close correlation between the acupuncture points and the peripheral nerve pathways of the body.  Thus, stimulation of an acupuncture point can dramatically reduce the pain in the joint and limbs.  Dr. Jessie is a Certified Acupuncturist,  click here to learn more about how acupuncture for dogs and cats can help.

The key to successfully treating hip dysplasia is to diagnose it as early as possible.  Once diagnosed, your vet can help you create a plan of action that reduces any pain your pet is experiencing and helps them retain their mobility.  With the help of these natural treatments, your dog will enjoy a very long and happy life!

Sources

Fels, L. & Distl, O. (2014). Identification and Validation of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) in German Shepherd Dogs. Plos ONE, 9(5), e96618. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0096618

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It is not provocative to suggest that we can treat cancer in pets using acupuncture. The National Cancer Institute advocates the practice of acupuncture for human cancer patients and documents that it can be utilized to control pain and relieve nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, and more.  Additionally, the National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus Statement on Acupuncture in 1997 highlighted the efficacy of acupuncture for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and other ailments in humans (1).

Is it surprising that we would discover similar results for our four-legged friends?

There are two methods to treat cancer in pets using acupuncture:

1. As the primary and only treatment
2. In combination with conventional treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiation and/or surgery)

Why should I consider acupuncture as a treatment for my pet?

1. Reduced the potential side effects (such as decreased eating, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, etc.) accompanying chemotherapy or radiation, or during the advanced stages of cancer (1)
2. Support the immune system (increased number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, natural killer cells) (2, 3)
3. Increased the quality of life – By allowing for the two previously mentioned outcomes, your pet’s health will be improved and he/she will feel better overall!

Moreover, acupuncture is a safe therapy to relieve some of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatments and remedies. 

How often will my pet need treatment?

The frequency of acupuncture therapy will vary with every patient.  In some cases, patients will have treatments twice a week; in others, patients are seen once every two or three weeks.

My pet was just diagnosed with cancer.  When should we start acupuncture treatments?

I recommend starting acupuncture treatments as soon as possible.  My goal is to maintain a great quality of life for your pet.

Works cited:

1. NIH Consensus Conference.   J Am Medical Assoc.  1998. 280: 1518 – 24.  n https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9809733
2. Kim SK, Bae H. Acupuncture and immune modulation. Auton Neuroscience 2010; 157 (1-2): 38-41.
3. Johnston MF, Ortiz Sanchez E, Vujanovic NL et al. Acupuncture May stimulate anticancer immunity via activation of natural killer cells. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2011; Epub Mar 10.

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