Question:
Recently, you asked about alternative medicine for pets.My dear, 15-year-old blue heeler dog, Whisky, has recently developed symptoms of stiffness in the back, inability to hold weight on her back legs (when she jumps up), and, of great concern to me, slipping down several steps when following me around the house.My vet was reticent to put an old pooch on medication so I looked for an alternative, and Nikken magnets seem to have done the trick. The theory of how they work is largely unexplained (though biomagnetic therapy is one of the alternative medicines currently under investigation in a multimillion dollar NIH study). However, it appears that blood vessels are dilated, reducing soreness and allowing blood and nutrients to flow more freely.Whatever the reason, I am very happy to have found a non-invasive way to provide my friend with reduced pain and a lot more energy and life.
C.B., Bethesda, Md May 08, 2005
Answer:
Many equine and holistic veterinarians use magnets for sprains and strains in horses, dogs and other animals. They also can help alleviate other conditions such as chronic arthritis, often in conjunction with acupuncture treatments, massage therapy and chiropracty.I would like to hear from other readers and veterinarians who have used magnet therapy, and I encourage more veterinarians to pursue this alternative/complementary therapy.RISKS OF LAWN AND GARDEN HERBICIDESI received a letter from the "Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D Research Data" stating that the research on which I based my concerns about this chemical (used in many lawn and garden chemical mixes) causing canine lymphoma has been "thoroughly discredited." A similar letter was sent to several newspapers that carry my column.Regardless, I urge all readers not to use any lawn and garden chemicals that include 2,4-D ("agent orange") because more recent research has shown that dogs do absorb this chemical when traveling across treated areas. Some do
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