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Post by Jan & Boe on Jul 7, 2014 6:23:20 GMT -7
Hello,
I have a question on which works better Acupuncture or Laser treatment. My dog had surgery 2.5 years ago and seems to have pain about every year or so. I don't know if its a flair up again with a disc or just back pain. The Dr think he just over does it but I do cage him for the eight weeks along with pain meds. and sometime I also give him the Rimadyl with the stomach protector. My Dr has me taking Boe for Acupuncture every 4 to 6 weeks even when he has no issues. He say I should do this just for maintenance. Does it really do any good if he isn't having any issues or pain. I understand taking him when he seems to be in pain but I am questioning the maintenance part. If it helps I'll continue but wonder what you think.
My Vet is retiring soon and he is the only Vet close that does the Acupuncture but I do have other Vets that offer the Laser treatment. Is one better then the other. Thanks for your help. |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 7, 2014 10:27:47 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name is Paula what is yours?
So at this time Boe is NOT have a disc episode, no pain?
Acupuncture or laser therapy is used to not just to control pain but also to stimulate nerve cells to regenerate. I'm not sure what the vet is "maintaning" do you?
Does Boe walk, wobbly walk? Is he on any meds at this time?
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Post by Jan & Boe on Jul 7, 2014 16:41:35 GMT -7
Hi,
My name is Jan.
Boe had disc surgery about 2 years ago then about 8 months later he seem to have another
Disc episode and was put on pain meds and rimadly and crate rest for 8 weeks he started acupuncture every 2 weeks for about 2 months.
He continued after that with acupuncture about every 4 to 6 weeks. Boe recovered nicely walking and pain free.
Boe had another episode about 3 months ago he was put back on pain meds, rimadly and a stomach protector and crate rest for
8 weeks. Boe is pain free and walking now. He is not taking any medicine. He continues to go for acupuncture every 4 weeks.
My Vet believes that even thou he is fine now I should continue with treatment on a regular bases every 4 to 6 weeks. He has been going for
Acupuncture for a couple of years now.
Does it help if I take him every 4 weeks even if he is not having any issues or should I only take him when he has a episode?
Is acupuncture better then laser treatment?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 8, 2014 7:07:49 GMT -7
My thoughts are that acupuncture and laser therapies should be used to address a problem. If Boe has no problems, no pain, no neuro function diminishments, then what is the purpose of buying these therapies? Using one or more therapies would depend on what/why the problem is. This article is a good one to start your investigations about acupuncture, laser therapy: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingacupuncture.htm |
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Post by Jan & Boe on Jul 8, 2014 16:10:51 GMT -7
Thanks for the information.
Is one treatment better then the other. Laser vs acupuncture?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 9, 2014 13:23:04 GMT -7
One therapy is not better than the other they are a bit different. It depends on the problem, which or even both at the same time.
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Post by Jan & Boe on Jul 12, 2014 4:10:06 GMT -7
Hi,
I have a question if I can use Rescue Remedy long term. I had Boe on this after his surgery then stopped after a few months. Boe gets crazy when the door bell rings, someone enters the house and forget about outside. My concern is if I'm using this every day and there is a need for Boe to go back on Rimadyl will I have to wait or can I continue to use both?
Also, my Vets wants to do a blood test every time Boe finishes Rimadyl. Is this necessary?
Thanks again for all your help. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,579
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 12, 2014 8:53:46 GMT -7
A blood test normally is taken before the start of meds to verify the health of organs, to know if it is safer to start the use of meds. Find out what the thinking behind your vet's doing a blood test after. As the captain of your Boe's health care team, you need to fully understand about the whys on all treatments. Do your own reading on Rescue Remedy is the best to verify there is no contra indications with other meds. To know all the ingredients and if any indicate not to be used long term. Your vet, a very important member of Boe's health care team, should be in the loop about everything you give Boe too. A good place to start is the list of ingredients at the manufacturer's web site, then you can Google each herb in the formulation to be in the know. bachflowerpets.com/rescue-remedy-pets/Work with Boe to desensitize him to doorbells, retrain on an acceptable different reaction, etc. Boe is acting in the way dogs naturally do things, he needs to learn how you want him to act in your human family environment. Maybe to kick off the training, hire a trainer to give you ideas and demonstrate how to practice the new training concepts. This page will give you an understanding of the type of training and that it is always done with a positive and happy attitude: www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/how_to_stop_barking.html |
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