Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 6/10/2009

Question
Hello Marie.

I have a mastiff who injured his ACL the end of 2008.  I followed my vets advice and keep him quiet and separated from the other dogs.  After two months he seemed much better.  Then about 6 weeks ago he reinjured his right rear leg again and I don't have a clue how.  Since I have not noticed much improvement from rest this time, we went to the vet today.  He referred us to an ortho at Auburn for surgery.  In all my years of owning golden retrievers and now 2 mastiffs, I have learned to use surgical options as a last resort.  I would like to try some natural supplements along with a very strict exercise restriction program to see if we can heal this leg once and for all.  However, all the literature I have found about supplements and dosing is for small dogs.  While I am a paralegal and not the dimmest bulb in the pack, trying to calculate the proper dosage of glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin and fish oil has left me quite challenged.  Barkley has always been a healthy and athletic weight of around 165-170 lbs.  I have never let him get over weight and keep him on the lean side for the first few years. He turned 3 on May 25, 2009 and has just recently started to mature and fill out.  I feed a combination of Blue Buffalo fish and sweet potato along with raw chicken necks and beef heart. I also use the Missing Link supplement.  Since I started this combination his coat has never looked better.  He also has no bad breath and his teeth look great.  The odd thing is I discovered he is allergic to processed chicken in dog foods, but not raw chicken.  The processed chicken causes pimple like bumps on the underside of his jaw and hair loss on his rump. 

If you could please help me calculate the proper dosage of the supplements listed above or recommend another product that you think would be beneficial, Barkley and I would be most appreciative.
Sincerely,

Lisa

Answer
______________ update on ACL injury ________________

Hi - How is Mr. Barkley ?  Did you need more help with foods, oils and supplements?  
How is the activity level?
Give me an update if you would like : My private e-mail is :
Marie Peppers
mtnmom@gci.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Lisa and Barkley!  Yes, with some good supplements you may be able to avoid this costly and unpredictable surgery.

Please go with the NuJoint Plus supplement - Your boy will love the taste and it is guaranteed to work ( HOLISTIC) and they give you a 60 day money back guarantee.  The NuVET company and I, get testimonials in ALL the time... It is so nice to use something that is natural and works.
Not sold in any pet stores//// Thru holistic vets and the manufacturer.
CALL them for quick shipping and say PET Nurse Marie wants your Barkley on 4 per day - long term.... AFTER about 3 months he may go onto 3 per day.   1-800-474-7044  ( order code 81098)
You can review the product here but PLEASE call in the order:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

NEXT -
another very helpful product is the Nature's Sunshine Omega 3-
YOUR boy will need 2 long term / GREAT for his JOINTS...
SEE here:
Nature's Sunshine is always FRESH and Quality....
http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=1515


Sounds like your diet ( his diet) is VERY good !  Keep up the good work on that.......
Also, for any pain, ask your vet about a 325 mg of Ecotrin * coated aspirin each day.... MOST big guys do well with this-
AFTER about 2 weeks the NuJOINT will kick in and reduce any swelling and inflammation.... thus, not needing any aspirin for pain.




Good Luck -  NO BALL play and some good controlled LEASH Walking-
to control runs and jumps.
Control the exercise for at least 6 weeks - if possible.



Keep me posted!
Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net