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"Dogs and Slipped Discs"
Dear Dr. Lee,
My dog was recently diagnosed with a slipped disc in her back. Is there a holistic way to take care of her?
L.G.
Dear L.G.,
I always take an integrative approach to slipped discs. If the injury just occurred, and your pet can not feel its hind feet, even when pinched, this is considered a surgical emergency. In this case, the faster we relieve pressure on the spinal cord, the better the prognosis for return to normal function. However, sometimes the injury is not as severe. In other words, the dog may be able to feel its toes and pull its feet away from a pinch, or may be painful but still able to walk. In these cases we have a little more leeway in choosing treatment options. Please remember that each case is individual, and surgery may still be the best option, but for people who choose not to pursue surgery, or for pets who don’t need it, acupuncture and herbs can be very helpful in controlling pain, swelling, and getting the pet back on its feet. So keep an open mind and don’t give up hope!
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