How I treat orthopedic injuries as a holistic veterinarian
Nova is a special girl who first started seeing me about 3 months ago after tearing her cruciate ligament (CCL), a ligament in the knee. CCL tears are the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs, and often require surgery and extensive rehab.
Nova is a senior girl and also has a newly discovered heart murmur.
TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) pattern diagnosis:
Local Qi/Blood Stagnation: Stagnation = Pain
Liver Yin Deficiency: The Liver governs the tendons and ligaments. If deficient, there is less nourishment to these areas, making injuries more likely.
Heart Qi Deficiency: Decreased heart function over time.
The plan:
Chinese Herbal med to move Stagnation and treat pain in addition to traditional pain meds
CBD was also recommended for additional pain management, and to keep her a little quieter, allowing her body to heal
A less processed diet which promotes less inflammation in the body. Our plan was rich in Omega 3s which are anti-inflammatory in nature and contained foods like leafy greens that nourish the Liver and Heart.
Acupuncture for pain, tendons/ligaments, bone/joints, liver, and heart
Initial exercise restriction with a slow return to exercise to prevent a flare of inflammation or pain
Targeted at home exercises to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility
3 months later:
Nova is back to her full exercise regimen, meaning she gets to walk with Mom again
She has been weaned off of her anti-inflammatories and is maintaining well on just one herbal med
Her gait is almost completely normal with the exception of an occasional abnormal jump
Both hind legs are strong and she's got great energy
We've weaned acupuncture from every 4 weeks to every 6 weeks for maintenance
She's eating a mix of kibble, raw food, and whole foods. This diet plan is high in protein to maintain lean muscle mass and prevent weight gain on her senior joints. This mix is still manageable for her working mama
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