[Lena]

I would take to the hydrotherapy pool. Usually they like to start with twice a week but often have a self swim option that is cheaper where you take over some of the therapy.

[Lena]

Hi Andrea,

I have found the opposite. In my experience upping the meat and cutting all grain has made the largest difference in the animals I treat. This is a diet approach supported by Dr. Steve Marsden who is one of my favorite veterinary herbalist and teachers out there. He used to have some amazing lectures online but looks like they are not up anymore. I prefer over 50% meat and the rest veggies for my Cushing dogs.

[Lena]

Hi Betsy,

I have never used Resinalle before. I would check with the vet who prescribed on your questions about giving it as hopefully they should know. I have found that a combo of acupuncture, chinese herbs and hydrotherapy really can get these guys back on their feet. The chinese herbs I use are fairly animal specific. Usually I just have them on one herbal and then often they are also on western drugs but all vets work different in practice and have our favorite approaches. Here is a link to my favorite hydrotherapy pool in my area. http://wellspringsk9.com/ You may be able to find something similar in your area.

Here is a little article I wrote on paralysis a long time ago which may be helpful http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2009/05/01/the-mysteries-of-nerves-paralysis-seizures-and-old-age-neurologic-conditions-part-1-paralysis/

And another which talks about how Chinese herbs are used

http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2009/01/22/my-secret-world-of-plants/

Personally I do not use supplements on an empty stomach, even those which are said to work better that way. I think it is just too hard to give them that way. The only supplements I have people give without a meal are appetite stimulants since usually they are not eating well and we don’t have a choice.

[Lena]

I am in Seattle but have a closed practice right now. There is a good list of veterinary acupuncturists in Seattle on the resources and links page.

[Lena]

From my experience all dogs with SARDS I have seen do not have Cushings and Cushings does not normally cause blindness. There is still a lot we don’t know about SARDS including what causes it.

I think raw food is great for any dog unless they can’t tolerate it and esp those with inflammatory disease. You should check with your vet on the Si Miao San but dogs with symptoms of Cushings do well on it even if they do not have Cushings. The exception is the dogs that are very wasted – very thin, low energy, very old, etc.

[Lena]

Hi ,

You may want to do some research on SARDS

http://www.michvet.com/library/ophthalmology_SARDS.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_acquired_retinal_degeneration

as this sounds like what Mija has. Usually it is not from Cushings although they show all the signs of Cushings plus sudden blindness. There is not a great treatment for it but antioxidants and anti-inflammatory diet can help. Some vets have also had success with Si Miao San. For the diet make a full batch and then you will have about three meals.

[Lena]

I’m so sorry Christine. It sounds like she was able to tell you when it was time which I am glad of. They are amazing little fighters. My heart is with you. Thank you for adding your experiences here to share with others who are going through the same thing.

[Lena]

Hi Jake,

Sounds like step one would be clearing up the diarrhea. Has your vet found a reason for it or been able to suggest medications? It is probably that he has to go badly enough that he just can’t hold it for the time you are gone. Here are some natural suggestions. http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2012/05/13/natural-solutions-to-treat-acute-diarrhea-in-cats-and-dogs/

However with more chronic diarrhea sometimes you need something stronger – there are several antibiotics vets will use including metronitazole and tylosan. You might want to talk to them about prescribing something for him to help if the natural methods don’t work.

It is a hard issue. I hope you can find something to help.

[Lena]

Hi Marisa,

The anti-inflammatory should help with pain in the head as well however some headaches don’t seem to be as responsive to it as others – I’ve hear the same for people with headaches. Sometimes the straight pain killers such as tramadol seem to work better. Also depending on the dog doing some massage on the head may help – think of us when we have a headache.

[Lena]

Hi Christine,

I usually use a higher dose for dogs then some of the human suggestions so yes 3-4 mg per 50lbs. When the pacing is heading for dark corners I always wonder about headaches. They are not easily diagnosed but often the head will feel hot. Pain meds can help if that is the case as the morphine might be doing for her, acupuncture may also help with that. Not all pacing dogs head for the dark corners.

[Lena]

That is not a type of cancer I have worked with before. With his complex medical history I would highly recommend finding a holistic vet in your area to consult with. They are going to be able to better help and with cats it is even more important as I find that usually you only get 2-3 supplements before they start rejecting them.

http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/12/11/how-to-find-a-good-holistic-vet-to-work-with

[Lena]

Lung cancer is a hard one. I’ve gone through primary lung cancer with two of my own kitties. The first I did not know what I know now and the second one I used the protocol I mentioned in the article on lung mets and keep it from effecting his breathing. I always give herbs with food if possible, I think they go down better. I often use both XFZYT and XCHT in food together and with other supplements. The XCHT should also help with the liver enzymes and vomiting. I would recommend checking in with a holistic vet to see if there is anything else they would suggest (as they can see him in person) and see if you can find someone who does acupuncture in your area (may be the same holistic vet). I hope he does well!

[Lena]

I know it is very difficult but I can not legally tell you what to do for Booboo. You should be able to find dosages that I use for the animals I treat in all the herbal articles. I am a huge supporter of amputation just because I have seen so many dogs do so well. I have not had a dog have bad side effects with Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang and consider it a very safe herbal if not used in excess. It certainly sounds like you have a great protocol for him but if you want an opinion of someone who can see him you can check out some of the referral lists in this article. I also really like using acupuncture with the dogs I treat for osteosarcoma.

http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/12/11/how-to-find-a-good-holistic-vet-to-work-with/

best wishes,

Lena

[Lena]

Hi Diane,

My guess is that Hoxsey make not be the way to go if she has a sensitive stomach and is a picky eater. If there is anyway you can find a holistic vet in your area I think that is going to be your best course, esp if she is sensitive. Here is a few lists you can use, I esp like the veterinary botanical medical association list.

http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/12/11/how-to-find-a-good-holistic-vet-to-work-with/

The one nerve sheath tumor I worked with was about a month ago and was very, very aggressive. By the time we started treatment it was much more advanced then any of us knew and we did not learn that it was already extensively in the spine until after a surgery. We really didn’t have time for anything to work well unfortunately.

If you can’t come up with a holistic vet in your area you may want to talk to your regular vet about some of these supplements/herbals and see if you can find an acupuncturist in your area.

http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/12/29/a-mini-protocol-for-any-cancer/

best wishes,

Lena

[Lena]

I’m glad he is doing well Ayse and that you have someone good on board that can be there for you and him. I hope he continues to do well!

best wishes,

Lena

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