QuestionHello and thanks for your help! I have a 7 year old male standard poodle. He
has never been sick or injured... not even an ear infection... very healthy and
active. He loves to run and is fluid and agile in his movements. After his last
grooming appointment, almost three weeks ago, I notice when we were
leaving the salon that he was limping. I asked one of the grooming assistants
if something had happened to him, and she said she didn't know, and that it
was probably from clipping one of his toenails too short. I was doubtful, but
thought I'd watch him for a day or two. Once home he would yelp when
trying to go up the stairs and he just wanted to lay around. We visited family
for the weekend, and he refused to play with his best friends (two standards
owned by family members). My husband is a physical therapist, and he
advised that we keep him calm for a few more days since he might have
sprained or strained something (maybe getting in or out of the tub at the
groomers or on/off of the grooming table etc). I kept him inside and quiet
for over two weeks, and he seemed better. The last few days I have been
taking him for walks off leash on some private land owned by friends. He is
excited to go and jumps around and runs like crazy, just like he always has.
However, I have noticed that he has started limping very slightly again when
he is back home. When he is excited, he acts like nothing is wrong, but when
he is being quiet at home, he has a slight limp... especially just after getting
up when he's been lying down. I made an appointment with my vet today,
whom he adores, and of course he was jumping around at the office acting
like nothing was wrong. After looking him over and watching him for awhile,
she said she thinks he did something to his rear right ACL. She put him on an
anti-inflammatory, and wants to see him in two weeks. She said if it is a
sprain, he should heal up. If it is torn partially, he will likely tear it all the way
at some later dated, but we would not act until that time. If he is not better in
two weeks, she wants to do X rays to see if there is a complete tear, and then
go right in to surgery if there is. After reading on line about alternative
options, I am hoping to find a way to help him without surgery. I will admit I
am worried, because my brother's American Bulldog blew out both of his
back knees as a pup. He did not have surgery, and although he can walk
despite my brother's vet saying the dog would need to be put down without
the surgery, he is still not "normal" . He is stiff and cannot tolerate much
activity without becoming very sore and lame for a time. I don't want this to
happen to my dog! My brother didn't do anything beside wait, watch, and
restrict activity with his dog, and I don't like the results. I don't want to do
surgery either. Is there something I can do to help my dog heal fully? I have
ordered NuVets "NuJoint Plus" and will start giving it to him when it arrives.
Are there other supplements or exercises or a certain protocol that I should
follow? And for how long? Also, does it seem likely that his ACL is actually
torn? Would he be able to run and jump if it was? Three weeks after the
"incident" (whatever that was) he is able to run fast and jump around, he just
seems sore or stiff later when the adrenaline rush wears off. Any help you
could give would be greatly appreciated!
Answer_____________________Follow up on Acl _____________________________
Hello Julie - How is your kid doing? Is the NuVET and the NuJoint supplements helping the ? bruised ACL???
Let me know - updates are welcome!
Marie Peppers LPN MA
*****************************************
Hello Julie - Well, I am glad you contacted me... First, please call up the NuVET Folks and get your big boy onto the NuVET product, too. I am so glad you ordered the NuJOINT Plus but he needs the NuVET also for healing and re-building... Call 1-800-474-7044 and just say you would like to order the NuVET wafers to add to your current order. Make sure they know you are one of Pet Nurse Marie's clients at order code 81098 and ask about the 15% off discount program... YOUR baby will need 2 NuVETS per day and 2-3 NuJOINTS per day. MOST dogs only need 1 NuVET but in your case 2 will be needed.
VERY safe and natural.
Sounds like you have a good vet! And, yes, let's hope it is a slight bruised ACL and it will heal in a few weeks.
** I bet the groomer Let him hop out of the tub or table without guiding him.
Ok, Remember - He will always have the WEAK area - You can heal him with supplements but this is now a GRAY area on his body - YOU will need to watch him for this weakness in the future.
What should you do? REST and REST - Sorry - some folks that have a dog like this need to get a large crate and crate them when MOM or DAD can't be monitoring them.
Leash Walking with no FAST starts or stops...
No ball chasing for some time --- ( at least a month)
Swims are great if he likes to swim ..NO stress on the ACL with Water .. Your husband knows that as a Physical Therapist.
OK, the vet gave you an anti-inflammatory drug for 2 weeks / that is fine but LONG term bad on the liver...
NuVET and NuJoint plus were made for long term usage and are SAFE...
Check out the testimonials at NuVET
http://www.nuvet.com/81098 ( code 81098 for 15% off)
Many dogs have taken both and have Avoided surgery.
Keep me posted. I am here for you.
My private e-mail is ( mtnmom@gci.net)
Let me know how he does in a few weeks - WE can add a few more vitamins such as C and E to the program..
Oh, for now - Get some PURE salmon oil - give 1 tablespoon per day - Many pet stores sell the PURE salmon oil liquid.
Good luck - Don't let anyone push you into surgery unless you have given it a good Chance using NATURAL Options , first.
Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net