Simon had his first acupuncture treatment today
It's been since early October that Simon began to show the weakness in his rear left leg. My regular vet xrayed him and found little arthritis, no spondylosis. Simon is 7. We then went to the Veterinary Neurologist, who recommended strict rest for 6 to 8 weeks and a course of prednisone and if no improvement, then an MRI and possible surgery. The predisone did not help at all and made him crazy. It's been 6 weeks on strict rest and he is no better and no worse. I'm really trying to avoid the whole surgery route if possible, just as I would for myself. Another vet at our usual clinic called me to discuss the results of his thyroid test, but this guy specializes in canine rehab and initiated a long conversation with me about Simon's issues. He had reviewed all Simon's xrays and the Neurology clinic report and wanted to delve into his issues with me. I was really impressed since I had never seen this vet before although I knew his reputation as a skilled canine rehab guy. He recommended either cold laser or acupuncture or both, then said best to start with acupuncture and recommended another vet for that. He had his first acupuncture treatment today. I really liked the vet who did it and Simon liked her, too and was quiet and never flinched once during the treatment. She said I wouldn't see a difference in his weakness right away, but maybe his demeanor. I will say he is calmer today than he's been in the last two weeks. He'd been panting and pacing and seemed anxious for the last two weeks. She also recommended two short 10 minute easy leash walks a day for the next week. We go for another treatment next week when she will focus the needles a bit differently. She did a very thorough exam before starting the treatment. I do T-touch with Simon. She said normally when they have weakness like that on one side the other side gets really tight, but his is not and probably because of the T-touch...gosh, I'm hoping I'm doing the right things. Wish he could talk to me.... I sure hope this helps him. He eats and drinks and pees and poos normally, he just can't alway get purchase under that left leg. The downside is after the long rest, his coat is a matted mess and sadly I'm gonna have to shave him down at the time of year we usually enjoy a longer coat, but whatever it takes to make him more comfortable and possibly rectify the problem.....I'll do. I'm finding it all very interesting as we explore alternative treatments. If he starts to show improvement with this, we'll advance to additional rehab, underwater treadmill, but she said to wait awhile for that. Prays for my boy are appreciated! |
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I hope this will help him. A lot of agitation in dogs can come from pain, so being calmer is a really good sign.  T-Touch is great too! |
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