Question:
Last July, I was presented an adorable little female part-Pomeranian dog. She was (and is) a great companion, but no pets are allowed at my condo, so I left her in the capable hands of my son.
Last week he took her to the local vet because she was holding up her right rear leg and walking on three legs. The vet gave my son Rimadyl. My son looked it up and worried about side effects to the kidney and liver. At Wikipedia (a free online encyclopedia), he found a description of luxating patella and thinks this is what's happening to our dog, although the vet did not mention that.
Please tell us how to treat her so she won't have to limp. She is about 1 year old and weighs 8 pounds or less.
A.G., Naples, FL Jul 11, 2011
Answer:
I have expressed concerns in this column repeatedly over the widespread prescribing of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl, especially to young, small breeds like yours. That is not to say that this class of drugs cannot give older animals much relief when safer alternative medications and therapies such as acupuncture, low-intensity laser and massage therapy do not help. A relatively new anti-inflammatory herbal product, resveratrol canine, is on the market, but I am not sure of published studies of safety and effectiveness.
I think your son may be right -- that your dog has a "trick knee," which is common in small breeds and should be surgically corrected. Seek a second opinion, and if this is the case, then the first veterinarian should be fully questioned and possibly reported to the state board of veterinary examiners and Better Business Bureau.
DIABETES IN PETS ON THE RISE
Over the past four years, diabetes rates in the United States increased roughly 33 percent among dogs and 16 percent among cats, according to a national analysis of pet health by the Banfield Pet Hospital complex. This is associated with obesity, as many pets are overweight. Smaller dog breeds are becoming more popular and are especially prone to develop dental problems and possibly associated diabetes. According to the report, outer ear inflammations are prevalent. In my opinion, these are often associated with food allergy since the best preventive is a change in diet.
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