Spine

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Degenerative myelopathy	Degenerative myelopathy or degenerative radiculo-myelopathy of German shepherds (and German Shepherd crosses) is a disease of the spinal cord where the sheath surrounding the spinal cord progressively deteriorates. This means that the transmission of nerve impulses becomes gradually worse. Initially dogs with this disease show progressive weakness and incoordination in their back legs, later there is knuckling of the feet, swaying of the hind legs and sometimes incontinence. This disease looks very similar to disc disease and also arthritis so needs to be diagnosed carefully. Most dogs with this condition do not seem to be painful or uncomfortable. One of the problems is that the muscles of the hind legs gradually waste away, so even though dogs with this condition walk ‘funny’ they should still be encouraged to exercise. The stronger and more active your dog is, the longer he will be able to continue moving about. In conventional medicine there is very little that can be done unless there is concurrent disease like arthritis or disc disease. Corticosteroid use may worsen muscle atrophy and should not be used. This is basically a non-treatable disease in conventional medicine. However, besides exercise and diet, complementary therapies may be used to help prolong health and delay progression of the disease. view products
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Disc Problems	Conservative therapy of disc problems consists of painkillers, rest (confined for four weeks), corticosteroids and muscle relaxants. Approximately 30%–50% of mildly affected pets may respond to this treatment. Surgical treatment consists of removing some of the bone or disc material around the spine to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. Approximately 85 per cent of pets can respond to surgery. Cervical, thoraco-lumbar and lumbo-sacral disc disease responds well to acupuncture. One study on dogs reported 83 per cent success with thoraco-lumbar disc disease (63 per cent had received prior medical treatment with no response for two weeks) with an average of three to four treatments a week apart. In another study 69 per cent of dogs with cervical (neck) disc disease responded well over two weeks. Acute spinal disc prolapse needs to be assessed quickly. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, acupuncture may be used to alleviate pain and inflammation either with or as an alternative to conventional medicine or surgery. view products
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Wobbler	Wobbler syndrome describes a condition where there is compression of the spinal cord around the neck region. Conventional treatment depends on when it is first diagnosed. Surgery and the use of glucocorticoids early on is one approach. Mildly affected pets may respond just to glucocorticoids. Weight control and restricted exercise is also recommended. view products

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Healthy Dogs: A Handbook Of Natural Therapies

This excellent, easy-to-follow and comprehensive handbook shows how you can extend the benefits of natural therapies to your dog, with diet plans, a guide to all the major therapies and treatments for specific problems and conditions.

AUS$ 29.00

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Online Consultation: Dr Barbara Fougère

Holistic consultations with Dr Barbara Fougère BVSc to help you and your vet work together for a more naturally healthy pet.

AUS$ 195.00

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Value Plus Organic Calcium Powder (450g)

Ideal for dogs with a calcium deficiency, Value Plus Organic Calcium Powder can also be used as a supplement to enhance your dog's diet.

AUS$ 11.00