Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 6/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: bulldog joints are a problem, I know.  My little girl is just 2 and weighs 50 pounds.  Shes petite and very energetic.  She jumps around a lot and often over exerts herself.  She recently jumped off the bed the wrong way and has been limping for about 8 days now.  The vet prescribed her Rymadil for 5 of those 8 and luckily it went well with no side effects.  Now that she is off the anti inflammatory how long should we still wait for this to heal before we start to discuss surgery? Do you have any familiarity with injuries of this sort? at the knee?  She is verrry well cared for and we give her glucosamine every day.

ANSWER: Hello Kim - Oh, yes, bullies have a tendency to have knee and joint troubles...Sounds like you are doing a good job.
I was wondering what brand of food your a feeding this gal?
Also, any supplements besides the glucosamine?
I can give you some suggestions.
Also, she needs more time - about 3-4 weeks to heal...


Let me know the answers to my questions...

Thanks,
Marie Peppers LPN MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: She gets about a tablespoon, little more sometmes of fish oil, specifically Salmon oil, from Petco.  She eats Organix or UltraMix dry, or Natures Promise solid link food, and Newmans Own or Ultra or a few other all natural brands of wet food. CHICKEN only or she gets upset.  Theres a good brand from Dave's Pet City she really likes that we get a lot because its inexpensive and all natural.  The worst we ever feed her is Newmans Own wet when we're at S&S and we need to pick up some quick... its too fatty and it gives both my pups upsets sometimes. I wish I knew what all the names but we only have a can or two now and I dont remember the other name brands.  Our PETCO has an all natural section now thats really helpful...

Answer
Ok, thanks for answering my questions-
Seems like you guys are great pet parents!!

Here are some Q and As that I have addresses on this subject:
See if you have any questions after you read them...
I would refer you to the NuVET and NuJoint Plus - not sold in stores, this is thru a Holistic VET and manufacturer.
Also, even a little baby aspirin per day is better than Rimadyl.
You can ask your vet about the 81 mg baby aspirin.

SEE here:

1.  ACL repair / dog limping ( TPLO Surgery)
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Alternative-Medicine-Pets-3721/2009/4/acl-dog-limping

2.  This is about hip problems but much of the advice can be used for you, too...

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Bulldogs-2360/2009/6/OEB-Hip-Popping-canine-2.htm

3.  Luxating patella in bulldog ( trick Knee)

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Bulldogs-2360/2009/3/Luxating-Patella-bulldog-pet.htm

Please let me know if you have any questions..
All the above links have some Good insite for you and help....
Some of the products you can get at the pet stores and some are Holistic and only ordered on-line.

BEST wishes and send me a photo..
My private e-mail:
Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net