Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 4/13/2008

Question
Hi Marie! I am an herbalist, have my own line of Native Am. Herbals, don't even take aspirin myself, etc. My 12 year old German Shepherd Dog has had a chronic skin infection (groin) and ear infection and arthritis is getting worse. Marie, I have tried over 70 different natural products from every place I could find, to treat all the above for the past 2 years - his diet is excellent, as is his appetite. Three weeks ago, he wouldn't get up = so I caved and got him vet RX _ medrol for the hip pain and an anti-biotic...I had nothing left to try naturally. He bounced back and was enjoying life, crotch is clearing, ear infection gone, oh , and he has had the worst looking lesion (bed sore like) over right hip bone - nasty, I clean it several times a day. It is no worse.We were doing great then last night his hind legs were nearly worthless. Limp. weak. Today, I BARELY 'wheel barrowed' outside and back. This evening, he won't even stand up with me holding his backside in a towel sling.So I have www.HerNativeRoots.com Nerve Repair Formula in and on him, compresses of that and cayenne and lobelia with neem to hold it on his legs. He is reasting well, wants food, lets me do the accupressure 'zapper' except when I hit the 'right' spot. I JUST read a side effect of 'long term use of Medrol is weakness in hind legs' - great! Is 3 weeks really long term? Now what do I do? 1. to help him stand up again 2. to wean him off Medrol! Thanks ever so much.

Answer
Oh Amy - So sorry you two are having such a hard time!
The dexamethasone and Depo-Medrol ( Medrol) does hit the liver hard because it is a steroid.  He has not been on it too long.  With the hind leg weakness, the Medrol may have not filtered out of his liver.  His liver many be sluggish or starting to fail...Sorry

You can try to give him some Milk Thistle, to help cleanse the liver.
As far as the pain, a asprin would work and be less of a problem for his body to utilize.  

The ear infections, groin red areas, and hip must be systemic yeast.  I bet anything that he is full of yeast.  Did you ever use a probiotic on him...? Also, yogurt is great - The Activa Brand has the active culutres...

Wish that I could help you.  Sometimes with all the drugs, herbs and love we can't always help our pets.  You will know if and when it is time to have him cross the Bridge.  As for now, if he is eating and enjoying your company, you still have some time to help him.

Just remember that you are doing all that you can for your pal.
Thinking of you..


Marie of NuVET Plus and The Doggie Chalet Hotel
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html