C O L D R I V E R V E T E R I N A R Y C E N T E R
Arthritis in dogs
CASE REPORTS
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Arthritis in dogs
What can you do for the dog who is crippled with arthritis? In this report we describe how natural therapies were used to relieve pain, improve function, and restore metabolic balance.
Brandy arrives at CRVC
Her good nature was intact, but walking just a few steps was slow, awkward, and visibly painful. Like other dogs with joint aches, Brandy reluctantly walked the short ramp into our veterinary clinic. She stopped short just after entering the front door, then turned slowly and stiffly to face it again, ready to leave just as soon as she had arrived. Brandy’s tail did not wag, her face wore a pained expression, and her head hung down. She looked depressed. Squatting to sit took halting motions, as if her joints were rusty links in a chain. Getting onto her feet was worse, with much thought and determination needed to position herself. Pity was the best way to describe our feelings for her.
Physical exam
We saw Brandy for the first time on February 7, 2001. On physical exam we observed a grade II/IV lameness, with noticeable limp on her left front leg. Her elbows bowed out, placing strain on both carpi (wrists). She had red, edematous gingiva with a purulent discharge (pus) from the upper right, fourth premolar tooth. Using traditional Chinese pulse diagnosis we found weakness in the liver and kidney. The clincher was finding many taut bands of painful muscles, especially along her left side.
Muscles of the neck, pectoral area, humerus, and stifles were affected more than other groups. Pain was easily elicited while palpating trigger points along the longissimus muscles (lower back); some knots were as large as a golf ball. She was painful over the spine from the tenth thoracic to the fifth lumbar vertebrae.
Acupuncture
Brandy began her first of six acupuncture treatments on February 7. We dry needled several acupoints to relieve pain, resolve stagnation, and promote circulation. Points too sensitive to needle were treated by aquapuncture (injection of a sterile liquid) using a homeopathic remedy for arthritis (Zeel, Heel GmbH, Germany) and superoxide dismutase (a natural antioxidant from liver tissue). She also received an intramuscular injection of glycosaminoglycans (Adequan, Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, NY) to promote connective tissue repair.
Home care
Brandy was started on nutritional therapy based on blood tests and a urinalysis (BioMedical Profile). We prescribed 6 nutritional supplements and recommended a diet of fresh, whole foods (sweet potato, kale, celery, lima beans, salmon, etc.). A traditional Chinese medicine for muscle ache and arthralgia was prescribed as a safe alternative to aspirin-type drugs (Clematis 19, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, OR).
Tooth abscess
The next week, Brandy’s caregiver reported that her dog had been much better for a few days, but relapsed with pain and stiffness. Brandy had a slightly elevated temperature, 102 F and an unresolved tooth abscess. We started Brandy on an antibiotic, and three days later she was feeling much better.