Question:
Before I ask about my beloved cairn terrier, Judy, I want to thank you for saving my life.
I am 77 years old and have been very ill for the past three years. I went to four doctors, and all they could come up with was a bad gallbladder. I was at my wits' end, when I read your column in our local newspaper. Someone had written that he had celiac disease and wanted to know if his dog could have it, too. Their description detailed every symptom I had. I went to the Internet, read what I could and could not eat, and went on a completely gluten-free diet. My health is back, I am free of all symptoms, and I couldn't be happier. I owe all that to you, and thank you from the bottom of my healthy heart.
Now to Judy, my precious canine companion. She is small, only about 13 pounds. She had an X-ray because she will not put her left back paw completely down. The vet wanted to do surgery, but I lost a dog during surgery once. I would like to know what you think. I have put her on glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, a multivitamin and salmon oil. This small creature means the world to me.
B.R., Colleyville, TX Jun 14, 2009
Answer:
I am glad that my column helped you find the correct diagnosis that four doctors failed to recognize.
Many health conditions in our animal companions mirror those in humans. More and more people and pets are coming down with immune-system disorders such as allergies, digestive problems and autoimmune diseases. Check my Web site, www.twobitdog.com/DrFox, for immune-system-enhancing and other beneficial supplements for your dog. Defer surgery until the dog has been given various natural anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals such as turmeric (1/4 teaspoon in food twice daily) and beneficial herbs (as tincture or tea) such as comfrey, nettle and horsetail. Continue giving the other supplements that she is already receiving, ideally just before a meal. Small dogs with torn cruciate ligaments in the knee -- sometimes brought on by an adverse reaction to distemper vaccinations (aggravated when a dog is overweight) -- often heal well without surgery after three to four months. Your dog should not be allowed to run while she heals. Massage therapy and acupuncture may also help significantly.
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