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| Cookie can now enjoy short, low-key mouse hunting outings. |
Besides strict rest, it was important to manage pain and inflammation as well.
Inflammation is a tricky thing. It is an important part of the healing process unless it gets out of hand or becomes chronic. You want just the right amount for specific period of time so damaged tissues can heal. But you don't want it getting out of hand. That's why, when we were discussing pain management for Cookie, I agreed to short-term NSAIDs.
We agreed to short-term NSAIDs to relief pain and calm down the inflammation.
Because Cookie had her blood work done shortly before all this happened, I knew her organs were functioning properly. And as much as I am not a fan of this medication, this was the time and place to use it.
We also discussed other pain relievers such as Gabapentin and Tramadol.
Such things are often used together because they attack pain in different ways. While NSAIDs reduce pain by reducing inflammation, drugs such as Gabapentin or Tramadol bring pain relief by altering the brain's perception of it.
I consider these two reasonably safe. Jasmine was on them.
Tramadol brings immediate relief and with Jasmine it was used on as needed bases. Gabapentin works long-term.
While I didn't rule out the possibility of using these, we decided not to start them at that point. For one thing, Gabapentin takes quite a while before it takes effect. And while we did have Jasmine on these, and many dogs do find relief on them, we haven't seen them doing anything for Jasmine at any point she was on them. That doesn't mean it wouldn't have worked for Cookie, it works for many dogs. However, we decided to keep them as a plan B.
For our plan A I wanted to focus on more integrative approach.
Armed with the results of the orthopedic specialist's consultation, I discussed our options with Cookie's primary vet. I wanted to have laser therapy and/or acupuncture, together with TCVM herbs as our primary weapons.
We also discussed the fact than it one of the few papers on iliopsoas muscles injuries out there, long-term NSAIDs actually interfere with the healing process.
After a short-course, we replaced the NSAIDs with a muscle relaxant and TCVM herbs, while we started physical therapy and laser therapy for Cookie.
The muscle relaxant does what you'd figure, relaxes the muscles.
That helps in two ways. Injured muscles like to go into spasms which, of course, causes pain. And muscle tissue can only heal in a relaxed state. In people, muscle relaxants have been associated with better recovery.
So, beside Trazodone, that's what Cookie is on now.
From the TCVM herbs we considered two formulas, Body Sore which Jasmine used to get as well, and our new vet's favorite, DOK's Formula.
We got both but Cookie is getting the DOK's Formula and it seems to be working well for her.
Other than she hates the smell/taste. At first we got a jar with powder because that was the only one in stock and we didn't want to wait for a new order to come in. Jasmine had no issues having her herbs mixed directly into her food, in fact, I think she liked having her food "seasoned."
Cookie, however, figured her food was "contaminated" and didn't want to have anything to do with it. She was okay having it mixed with peanut butter but with the amount she was supposed to be getting she'd have to eat an enormous amounts of peanut butter. Which would be fine except she's already putting on some weight because of the drastic decrease in activity. Getting the weight out of control is the last thing we need.
I wanted Cookie start her herbs as soon as possible so while we were waiting for the capsules to arrive, we got creative.
We got gelatin capsules from our local pharmacy, emptied the gelatin and filled them with the herbs. Not fun but worked well in the bind.
It is a big difference for me, giving Cookie NSAIDs or giving her the herbs.
With NSAIDs I understand why she needs them and I hope that they won't do any harm. With the herbs I'm excited about all the good things they can do for her.
Cookie's favorite part of the treatment plan is the laser therapy but about that next time.
Related articles:
From The End Of A Lead Line To Casa Jasmine: Meet Cookie, Our New Adoptee
And So It Begins Again(?) Our First Health-Related Heart Attack With Cookie
I Didn't Know I Could Fly: Why Cookie Wears A Harness Instead Of A Collar
C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Chews For Dogs CAN Be A Choking Hazzard
Our First Health-Related Heart Attack With Cookie: The Knee Or The Foot?
Creative Solutions And An Incidental Product Review
Too Young For Pot: Cookie's Snack With A Side Of Hydrogen Peroxide
Taming Of The Wild Beast: Cookie's Transition To Civilization
Staying On Top Of The Ears: Cookie Is Not Impressed
Putting The Easy Back Into Walking
Cookie's Ears Are Still Not Happy
The Threat Of The Bulge Is Always Lurking
Today Is Cookie's Three-Months Adoptoversary
Cookie Meets The Electric Horse Fence And Her First Chiropractic Adjustment
Why Examine Your Dog's Vomit?
Why Is That Leg Still Not Happy? Cookie's Leg Keeps Getting Sore
Cookie Too Is Insured With Trupanion
Does Being Insured Mean Being Covered? Our First Claim With Trupanion
Is Cookie's Leg Finally Getting Better?
Is Cookie Going To Be Another Medical Challenge Or Are We Looking To Closely?
The Project That Is Cookie: Pancreatitis Up Close And Personal
Pancreatitis: Cookie’s Blood Work
Another Belly Upset: Pancreatitis Again Or Not?
Happy Birthday, Cookie
Incontinence? Cookie's Mysterious Leaks
Who's Training Whom? Stick And Treat
Don't Just Stand There, Do Something? Cookie's Mysterious Bumps
Cookie's Mysterious Bumps Update
One Vomit, No Vomit
Happy One-Year Adoptoversary, Cookie!
Cookie's Leaks Are Back: Garden Variety Incontinence Or Not?
Cookie's Leaks Update
Don't Panic, Don't Panic: Know What Your Job Is
The Continuing Saga Of Cookie's Leeks: Trying Chiropractic Approach
Cookie's Minor Eye Irritation
Regular Wellness Exam: Cookie's ALT Was Elevated
Cookie's Plantar Paw Pad Injury
How Far To Take It When The Dog Isn't Sick?
Cookie Has Tapeworm Infection
Cookie's Elevated ALT: The Ultrasound and Cytology
Cookie's ALT Update
The Importance of Observation: Cookie's Chiropractic Adjustment
Sometimes You Don't Even Know What You're Looking at: Cookie's Scary "We Have No Idea What that Was"
Living with an Incontinent Dog
Summer Dangers: Cookie Gets Stung by a Bald-faced Hornet
To Breathe or Not To Breathe: Cookie's Hind Legs Transiently Fail to Work (Again)
Figuring out What Might Be Going on with Cookie's Legs: The Process
Figuring out What Might Be Going on with Cookie's Legs: The Diagnosis
Cookie's Iliopsoas Injury Treatment: Trazodone
Your story can help others, maybe even save a life!
What were the first signs you noticed? How did you dog get diagnosed? What treatment did/didn't work for you? What was your experience with your vet(s)? How did you cope with the challenges?
Email me, I'll be happy to hear from you!