About Penny DiLoreto Expertise As a certified veterinary assistant and a dog breeder, with over 16 years of hands on experience, I am qualified to answer questions in the following categories; General pet health issues, dog grooming, puppy socialization, dog breeding, and basic dog training
Experience In accordance with the Veterinary Assistant program requirmements, I completed 200 hours of intern work under the supervision of a licensed Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine, and volunteered the Escondido Humane Society.
Organizations AKC, ACA, and ABA
Publications I have several articles related to; dog grooming, dog behavior issues, and medical topics, printed on various computer websites and free article content sites. If you would like to preview my articles, links to those sites, and articles, are posted on my website located at www.puppies-dot-com.com
Education/Credentials I have a Certificate of Competency from the San Diego Country Regional Occupational Veterinary Assistant Program, and attained Occupational Competencies in the following categories: Animal Handling and Restraint, Vaccines and Injections, Health and safety, Veterinary Laws/Ethics/Industry Data, Biohazard Waste Disposal Laws, Medicating and Grooming Procedures, Medical Math, Breed Identification, and Parasitological studies.
Awards and Honors I received an Outstanding Student Award for my accomplishments in these studies from the ROP program.
Past/Present Clients A partial listing of my past and current clients can be viewed on my website www.puppies-dot-com.com by clicking on the Testimonial Page.
Expert: Penny DiLoreto Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: Border Collie with stiff back legs
Question Hello Penny.
We have a 12 year old collie who is still in really good health.
Just lately we have noticed when she goes to ger up she has really stiff back legs & is very slow in getting to her feet.
She still runs & walks fine its only when she has been lying down for a while or in her bed.
Is there anything we can do to help her.?
thankyou.
Answer Hi Georgie. Your Collie might be suffering from a touch of arthritis. X-rays will confirm this and a medications such as: Deramaxx, Zubrin, Rimadyl, Metacam, Previcox, can help. K-9 Asprin is also available over the counter, which also helps but not as effective.
Vitamin supplements are also known to help with arthritis symptoms. Be sure to pick one that contains Omega 3 oils such as: fish oil capsules or cod liver oil.
Diet changes work best in the early stages of arthritis. Both Hill's (Rx j/d) and Purina (JM Joint Mobility) make formulas specifically intended for arthritic dogs, but be careful if you have your dog on weigh control.
Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions. Sincerely, Penny D.
