Maltese Cross with a sore leg

Question
What natural remedy can I use to help my 8+ year old Maltese cross? He has trouble using his left rear leg. Only when he is walking slowly will he put it on the ground. When he runs he picks it up and speeds on three legs. He can't jump as well as he used to. The vet could find  no injury and gave him anti-inflammatories which seemed just to increase his speed.

I'm using an ice pack on what I think could be swelling in his groin area. Can he take natural fish oil which I use as an anti-inflammatory?

Answer
Hello Susan -

It soulds a little more like arthritis rather then an injury, given his age and your description of the soreness.

Yes you can give him the Fish Oil supplement. This is an Omega 3 essential fatty acid and will greatly benefit him and his joints. Veterinarian prescribed anti-inflammatories tend to take the pain and allow the pet to not feel anything which makes them think they have no pain. This allows the pet to run and jump until the medication wears off. A lot of times the pet will injure themselves further because they have done further damage due to the anti-inflammatory.

You may also want to try a supplement of Glucosamine Chondroitin. This supplement helps to support joint function and has had outstanding results in humans and animals with arthritis and arthritis related ailments. It takes a good month before the supplement really gets into the system but you will see an improvement in your pet's mobility. In addition to this you may want to also add a supplement called SAM-e. This supports the Gluc Chond and helps to retard further arthritis damage and helps to restore the cartilidge in joints. This supplement has had wonderful results as well and actually will prevent osteoarthritis.

This ice pack works well for swelling and you can continue do this when you see the area inflammed. Should you begin the Gluc Cond, you should not have to apply cold compresses, you will see the swelling dissolve naturally.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you. I also offer a catalog of home made herbal remedies which I can send to you as well.

Thank you and best wishes to you ad your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist