SPRINGER SPANIEL-THANKS (NOT TOO OFF-TOPIC)

["JOHN AYERS" <ayers@plainfield.bypass.com>]

Last spring I asked Ridecampers if the joint supplements that
we use on horses work for dogs.  Before my hard drive failed
I had over 100 posts.  And YES they do work and on humans too!

Jenny, my Springer Spaniel stopped using her right rear leg.
My vet diagnosed it as arthritis and hip displacia and virtually
gave her a death sentence.  This dog had been my constant
friend and companion for eight years.

My thanks to all of you who responded, particularily Abby Bloxsum
who suggested accupuncture. We have not yet done accupuncture,
but the accupuncture vet correctly diagnosed the problem as a
ruptured knee ligament (ACL).  A week after the diagnosis, Jenny
had surgery and two months later we were doing our walks in the
woods again! The vet DID say he had very good results with
accupuncture for hip problems.

After doing the research for Jenny, I started taking joint supplements
myself.  Now age 69, I think they have added years to my riding
career.  I have not used Ibprofen since six weeks after starting the
joint supplements.  Some research suggests that Ibprofen offsets
the effectiveness of the supplements (Chondroitin Sulfate and
Glucosomine). 

Knowing the *inevitable* will happen, I got a Springer puppy (Suzie) in
July.  Jenny treats her like her own daughter,  and seems years younger
as they play together.  If you want to feel younger, take a bird 
hunting puppy for a walk in the woods!!

Again thanks! Not only did you help Jenny, but I was glad to have
so many Ridecampers to appreciate my agony.

Happy Holidays!  Life is good again, and we have a CTR in January!

John, Jenny, Suzie and Meshack 
http://www.bypass.com/~ayers (Vermont Equestrian Activities) 


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