Torn ACL- glad you ordered the NuVET supplement!

Question
Hi Marie,

My dog Maggie (11 years old, 37 lbs./obese) tore her right ACL a week ago.  My regular vet prescribed Rimadyl and tramadol and has recommended TPLO surgery at a specialty vet clinic.  (I have also started Maggie on glucosamine chondrotin.)

Since last week, I have been exploring non-surgical treatments for torn canine ACLs.  Due to Maggie's other health problems (congestive heart failure and respiratory issues), I am reluctant to commit to the TPLO surgery.  (The regular vet has done pre-surgery blood work and it checked out OK.  Also, the vet feels that her heart and lungs are strong enough for the surgery.)

So here are my questions for you.  What kind of non-surgical treatments do you recommend?  If I decide to go the non-surgical route, how long should I give the ACL to heal before considering surgery?  Any suggestions and advice that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer
___________ Follow up on Maggie and the TPLO ____________________

Hi - I am so glad you ordered the NuVET and NuJOINT....great!!!
Keep me posted and remember - leash walking - No runs or jumps...
I am here for you ...JUST ask Me....
Marie Peppers LPN MA
ask the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Nan- I am glad you wrote to me!  Wow, 11 yrs old with CHF and they want to do TPLO on her?????  
Oh boy, I would avoid surgery on Maggie, if possible.

Yes, the area will heal with time and supplements.
Good food ( low fat for her) and some quality supplements will help -Also, some much needed rest for the ACL in question.

Please follow the following:

1.  Only leash walking for the next 30 days - NO ball play and no FAST start and Stops...
( no stairs if possible or use stairs very little)

2.  Please use some Omega 3 - Nature's Sunshine has a wonderful one that is So FRESH and Quality - my clients love it:
order here:  ( give her 2 per day for 10 days and then go to 1 per day long term)
YOU may want to order 2 bottles of this -
http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=1515

3.  VITAMIN C, ASCORBATES (9 OZ) - HELPS with healing...
1/2 TEASPOON per day - mixed into some wet food- (no taste powder)
http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?StockNum=1606

4.  NuVET Plus wafers - 2 per day - for 30 days and then just 1 per day long term - GREAT for healing and reduces swelling and pain.
Helps to strenghten...
*they also sell NuJOINT plus - but you seem to already have that area covered with your supplements.
NuVET will help the area to reduce swelling and you will be able to Go OFF or reduce the Rimadyl -  ( Rimadyl is very bad on the liver for long term ) ---- so let's work on getting that tapered off...
YOU can also do (1) one 81 mg baby aspirin per day in place of the Rimadyl - Talk to the vet about this...
Tell him/her that you don't want to stay on toxic drugs for too long.
The Tramadol is a better choice for pain then the Rimadyl-
( Rimadyl mainly reduces the inflammation)

Please call the NuVET folks now at 1-800-474-7044. tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you for the NuVET wafers... use order code 81098 and ask about the 15% off on auto ship.
Call in for quick service and shipping.
NOT sold in stores , just thru Holistic vets and the manufacturer.
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

I know that I gave you a bunch of info... Also, you may want to start feeding your girl less of your dog food.  IN place of taking some food away give her :   1/2 can of green beans per day - rinse out the excess salt... Give her 1/8 teaspoon or less of pure garlic powder on the 1/2 cup or 1 cup of green beans... YOU can also use a 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil a few times per week on the green beans.
The green beans adds fiber and fills the belly.
I HOPE she likes them...Empty calories to fill her up.


Keep me posted!

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net

Here areas will heal but she will have some stiffness -  
also, no guarantees the surgery will help and prevent stiffness.