Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 6/21/2010

Question
My 8 year old Siberian Husky started limping on his left front leg on Thursday 06/17/2010. Strangely, he can stand, walk, etc. on it.  Huskies are very high energy dogs so even though he has this limp he wants to run and play, which I have not let him.
He is eating fine, bowel movements are normal.
I have examined his paw and leg and there is no swelling.  It seems that it may be his shoulder because when I try to move/rotate his left front leg to far back he does give out a little yelp.  

HISTORY: He has had a pinched nerve in his neck in the past which we addressed through alternative medicine, Acupuncture.  The Holistic Vet told us that Dakota's personality is obvious that he is the Alpha male over our other Husky but he also is a worrier.

If I take him to our regular non-holistic Vet I know that he will prescribe Rimadyl.  The holistic vet is not a close drive for us so I would like to take the holistic approach if possible with this limp on his left front leg.  What natural alternative can we give him to relieve pain or inflammation?  What else should I look for?   

Thank you for your time,
Mercedes Foley

Answer
Phone consultation:  It was a pleasure talking with you...
HOPE you use some of my suggestions!  Best wishe,
Marie Peppers LPN MA

Hi Mercedes,  I have some ideas for natural anti-inflammatory treatment for your Husky.
First off, go to your local vitamin/health store and get some Turmeric pills -

Turmeric Typical Dosage for a Husky ---( your male's size):

A standardized extract of turmeric supplying 400 - 600 mg of curcumin can be taken three times per day in capsules or tablets for a large sized dog...  
( or at least 2 capsules per day)
( *I would start him on 2 per day :)
Make sure you always serve this herb with food....
( it can upset the belly)
I am sure your Holistic vet knows all about the Use of Turmeric in canines:

Turmeric can be found at many stores that carry vitamins and herbs for Humans.

Dogs take Turmeric all the time...
Turmeric can be taken long term.

Also, Most of my clients take NuVET Plus supplements and also NuJoint

The NuVET Plus is an immune system booster and over-all great vitamin.

The NuJoint help to reduce inflammation and aids in repair of joints and bones.
see here:
From the web site:

NuJoint Plus®
Pets are just as susceptible to joint diseases and ailments as their human companions, which is why we created NuJoint Plus®.  
Senior pets aren’t the only ones that can suffer from Arthritis, Osteoporosis, joint inflammation and aching bones.
In fact pets of all ages often become afflicted with joint problems due to contaminated food, household and environmental toxins, injury and breed genetics.

No matter what age or breed, your pet will find relief and long lasting health benefits from NuJoint Plus®, our specially formulated nutritional pet supplement.
We’ve designed NuJoint Plus® to be a premium natural anti-inflammatory hip and joint therapy and use only the highest quality pharmaceutical, human grade ingredients that are specifically compounded in our FDA approved laboratory for maximum potency and effectiveness.

You can go here to order:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
It would be best to call in your order and get the Fast shipping and 15% off Program:
1-800-474-7044  Use order discount code : 81098
Tell them Vet Nurse Marie sent you.
The NuVET is 39.00 or 55.00 per bottle
I am not sure on the NuJoint - I believe it is around 50.00 for a good size bottle.


HOPE the Turmeric and the NuVET/NuJOINT help!  They should work wonders.

BEST wishes

Sorry, I was out when you called...CARING for my little farm - I have goats, pigs, dogs and cats.

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net