-Interesting Fact: Have you ever torn your ACL or know anybody who has? Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are very common in large, active dogs. The ACL is the key ligament that allows dogs to bear weight on their knee joints. Injuries to the ACL are diagnosed by physical exams and x-rays. Your vet will check whether the top of the tibia (the lower bone in the knee joint) can be pulled forward abnormally. This motion is called the "drawer sign" and is only possibly if the ACL is torn. Treatment: surgery to stabilize the knee joint. (peteducation.com)
-In The Vet World: The following are all "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" (NSAIDS); Carprofen (Rimadyl), Etodolac (EtoGesic), Deracoxib (Deramaxx), Ketoprofen, and Meloxicam. Developed for use in dogs with osteoarthritis, they are strong and effective pain killers and anti-inflammatory agents. They are prescription products and because of potential side affects, careful adherence to dosing quantity and frequency must be followed. Manufacturers recommend periodic blood work be done to monitor any developing liver problems or other problems resulting. Often used initially with glucosamine therapy and eventually the dog can be weaned off of them. Any NSAID should not be used with aspirin, corticosteroids, or other NSAIDS. (peteducation.com)
-Vet Term: Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy- Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy is a bone disease that usually affects young, rapidly growing large breed dogs. The disease has several names including skeletal scurvy, Moller-Barlow's disease, Osteodystrophy ||, and Metaphyseal Osteopathy. The cause of the disease is currently unknown. It usually strikes puppies between the ages of 3-6 months. Dogs that are stricken with HOD often show symptoms of lamness and mild to moderate painful swelling in the growth plates in the leg bones and usually multiple limbs are affected. It most commonly affects the ends of the radius, ulna (long bones from the elbow to the wrist), and tibia (long bone from knee to hock). Diagnosis is based on the history, symptoms, physical exam showing pain and swelling at the growth plates, and with x-rays. Treatment is generally supportive- anti-inflammatories and pain killers are given. Also, the animal is usually given a broad spectrum antibiotic and strict rest on a comfy, warm bed is recommended. (peteducation.com)
-Breed Spotlight: Cane Corso (http://dogbreedinfo.com/canecorsoitaliano.htm)
-Holistic Spotlight: This blog we are beginning a section on flower essences. As a believer in both holistic and standard veterinary care, I prefer to balance general animal care and veterinary care on a comfortable level between the best of both worlds. The use of flower essences for psychological and emotional healing in humans and animals has been going on for thousands of years. Today we are going to take a look at a long-time favorite of natural healers; Star of Bethlehem. Star of Bethlehem is for physically or emotionally traumatized dogs. It can help with rescues, those suffering grief after losing a human/animal companion, animals who are traumatized after a serious accident or injury, etc. Since preperation of flower essences varies and is most commonly purchased in a pre-prepped, diluted form, I cannot really give any information as to how to prepare it. However flower essences can be purchased all over the internet, and google is a wonderful tool. In the next blog we are going to take a look at Star Of Bethlehem in conjunction with several other essences, the grouping commonly known as "Nature's Rescue" or the "Rescue Remedy".
-Daily Herb: Dandelions! Dandelions..? Could it really be? Yes, it could! This pesky weed is actually proving to be quite the useful plant. Dandelions make a wonderful (and healthy!) addition to your dog's diet.. aiding in digestion, improving liver health, and flushing out impurities. High in antioxidants, carotenoids, minerals, and they are also a rich source of beta-carotene, or Vitamin A. Spring and fall dug roots contain insulin, which balances blood sugar levels. Dandelions also help with absorption of calcium. For dogs on blood thinners, be more cautious about not varying daily dosing so as not to upend the dog's level of Vitamin K.
***FOR YOU!*** Bloodroot: Bloodroot, named for the plant's bright red roots, is used in herbal medicion for bronchial problems and severe throat infections. It can be mixed with other compounds to treat hearth problems, dental applications (to inhibit plaque), and to treat migraines. Bloodroot paste is used externally for skin disease, warts, and tumors.. and also used in ointments and salves to ATTACK and EAT AWAY AT cancer cells. For ringworm apply the fluid extract. Bloodroot is said to repel insects. The root is used as an anesthetic, cathartic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, stimulant, and tonic. CAUTION: Use interally with caution, as it contains toxic opium-like alkaloids and can cause mucous membrane irritation, an overdose can be fatal.. do not use when pregnant or lactating. Not edible. Listen to what researchers and critics have to say about this root! "Research is very promising for Bloodroot constituents. One is sanguinarine; it is showing results as an anesthetic, antibacterial, anti-cholinesterase, anti-edemic, anti-gingivitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, antioxidant, anti-periodontic, anti-plaque, antiseptic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, fungicide, gastrocontractant, hypertensive, pesticide, respiratory stimulant and more. Another important constituent is Berberine (also found in Goldenseal, Oregon Grape and Honeysuckle) which is showing promise in fighting brain tumors and many other cancers." (http://www.altnature.com/gallery/bloodroot.htm)
Pictured: The Bloodroot Flower
UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!! More will be added later ;D.. happy reading!
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