Does anypawdy have questions for Dr. Waldman?

Come on, I know you do! I'm about to send her some to discuss on the show this weekend, so please be sure to send them to us by this evening. Thank you!

Program Podcast

Many thanks to Dr. Waldman for making this another great episode of Tripawd Talk Radio! Listen to this program for lots of great information about:

• Important veterinary rehab credentials when seeking a practitioner
• How to determine if professional rehab is necessary
• Questions to ask a potential rehabilitation therapist
• Hydrotherapy and other rehab "tools"
• If and when to give hip/joint supplements
• And much more!

Use the widget below to listen to this program or download the podcast. Visit the Tripawd Talk Radio page for all on-demand episodes.

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Chat Highlights

Dr Waldman joined us in the Chat for some follow up questions with Tripawds members! Here's just a few highlights from our discussion…

"Rehab" For Dogs with Declining Health

‹jerry› I have a question that I would love answered, we didn't get to it during the show: When a dog is slowing down and having mobility issues because he's nearing the end of his life (whether due to cancer or old age) what can pawrents do to alleviate pain and help them feel better?

‹Dr.Waldman› That's a hard one. I really am not a believer in euthanasia for pain reasons, perhaps in some cases for mobility reasons if the pet isn't happy.  I really think there is so much people can do to make the pets more comfortable between stretching, supplements, strengthening (in small amounts as tolerated), keeping them thin, acupuncture, etc.  I think that the vast vast majoriity can improve…

‹Dr.Waldman› Plus, when combined with proper pharmaceuticals too…I don't know, I just feel like cancer or something like that should get them…I do realize there is a practical element too, but I can't help but always advocate for the pet…

‹admin› do the "tools" change for helping a degenerting dog from true "rehab"?

‹admin› meaning… how can maintenance, and pain relief differ from a rehab plan.

‹Dr.Waldman› I think the "tools" are different but I use more pain medication and more acupunture and am very conservative on strengthening and exercise, does that make sense?

Pain Medication

‹Dr.Waldman› Samson, make sure you do range of motion, and he is on proper pain meds, for chornic neck or back pain (which people often times think is just arthritis) Gabapentin is my drug of choice

‹admin› do you still recommend sam-e as a pain killer? is it ok for long term use?

‹Dr.Waldman› To me, Gabapentin is an excellent pain medication with little negative effects on the body. I use if ALWAYS for chronic or acute neck and back pain, dogs like Samson if the owner thinks is ailing significantly probably has a major component of these issues, not just arthritis. I think I have seen it save many pets lives. If the pet truly just has arthritits (rare for aging pet) it maywork as well

‹samson007› Can Gabapentin help OsteoArthritis? Sam was xrayed at Cornell when we thought he had OS but it turned out to be severe OA. Carpels, Back, neck, hips and knees. Elbows are good though!

‹Dr.Waldman› Always SamE short and long term. Remember it detoxes the liver too so win win situation, remember, must be on an empty stomach

‹admin› sam-e info for anyone interested.

‹Dr.Waldman› It can help osteoarthritis but I think it's better when there is a comb of neck and back issues too. I really have to guess that the vast majority of the time in senior and aging pets, both spine and joint issues are at play. Joint issues are much easier to treat, range of motion!

‹Dakota Dawg› So how do we ask our regular, old-fashioned vets to convert us over to this newfangled way of thinking? Like trying Sam-E?

‹Dakota Dawg› But I mean even thinking of a switch to Gabapentin from what he's on now. He is on an NSAID for supposed arthritis.

‹Dr.Waldman› First of all, most of your vets have the product Denamarin or Denosyl which have SamE in it, so you can definitely try it on your own or get that particular product from them. It's the Gabapentin that they won't use consistently, they can email me to ask doses though!! Just go through our website http://www.CalA…..lRehab.com

‹Dr.Waldman› You guys are funny. NSAIDS in general work better for joint disease alone, again super ailing pets usually have more than just joint disease. Remember that NSAIDS have all those deleterious effects on liver, kid, stomach, if using long term, use SamE and Milk thistle for liver protection, use Famotadine for help to decrease gastirc ulcers. 

‹Dr.Waldman› I really think that it's ok to be a "hippy" or be a true advocate for your pet. I learn lots from my owners too! We do phone consults as well…

Loose Stitches

‹kawimoto› One of Kawis stitches came un tied, not all the way out but it isnt bothering him at all. is that ok?!

‹Dr.Waldman› Yes, use that ecollar!!! look for redness or discharge if none, it's ok

‹admin› Or, consider these cone of shame alternatives.