Comments on NSAIDs, Inflammation, And A Cautionary Tale

All of the vets I contacted through the Resources link so far have shown no inclination to want my money, None have contacted me with even a slightest bit of interest. It is possible they are all overworked, can't handle another dog, but at least a response saying so would be appreciated. Is there a link that gives a DIY procedure that gives information on where to start? I prefer a link that leads to a paid resource because the link provided is far more likely to give me clues on where to start, whom to contact, etc. It is not necessary for the contact to be a veterinarian (although that would be preferred) since I have quite an extensive medical background, so even though I am doing investigation for a dog, the conclusions I have drawn have turned out to be correct most of the time. Those that didn't work led to no harm.

Many of the more alternative solutions that I have received through my own deep dives I have tried on myself and after adjusting for dose, and most, if not all, showed improvements, some marked improvements (such as no more spells of vertigo) and others just so-so, but no adverse effects.

I called the vet today with a suspect UTI in my Raw fed, intact male italian greyhound. He has only had his puppy series of shots and one rabies - no heartworm meds or flea and tick. Mostly indoors except for walks. He is 3 years old and 15.5 lbs.
They have not called back and I'm sure they will want to see him. I'm trying to get a clean urine sample for them. Pretty certain they will prescribe an antibiotic because finding a true holistic healer is near impossible here. What should I do? My dog seems pretty quiet.. not too fussy, yet I know he is not 100%. I found some small urine spots and one had a tiny tinge of pink. Can I treat with Mercurius? Any advice is so appreciated!!!
Thank you for your time & expertise.
Christine

Hello Doctor! Thanks for your information. I am looking for some more information about cartrophen and possible side effects. My little Italian Greyhound has arthritis in one of her front legs that was previously broken. She was on metacam for quite awhile, but still limping quite a bit. Our vet prescribed cartrophen injections. Since we began cartrophen (once a month) our little dog has had THREE episodes of fibrocartilaginous embolism. The first one was quite severe, causing her to lose the use of her back legs for a couple of weeks. They slowly came back and she returned to about 95% mobility, which we were very happy about. The second episode was milder, and caused her to lose her back legs again only for a few hours. After that she dragged her legs a bit for a few days, and then again returned pretty much normal. The last one was the mildest, and she only lost mobility for an afternoon, and then returned to normal again.
Each of these attacks has followed a cartrophen injection by about a week. Our vet assures us that these things are not related, just a coincidence, and encourages us to continue the cartrophen. However, we are suspicious there is a connection.
Do you know anything about this, and are you able to shed any light on this question?
Thanks for your help,
Lisa

Dear Dr. Falconer;
My 9 year old Lab is currently on Transfer Factor and Krill Oil. I was giving her Dr. Wysong's multivitamin used with raw food and was told that if using Transfer Factor there is no need for additional vitamins, do you agree? I am also not familiar with your Raw Support, what exactly are its benefits. I am very happy to say that she is my last baby out of 4. She is also the only one that only had her Core Vaccines and Rabies at 1 year. I understand that the LAW states otherwise but I will indeed take on that responsibility to keep them healthy.
P.S.: Are you familiar with any articles written about over-vaccinating horses. I am especially interested in the WNV risks. My two horses were vaccinated in 2006 and had a booster in 2007. Six months later they BOTH were diagnosed with respiratory issues/COPD. My beautiful quarter horse passed last year after a 6 year battle. My Arab continues to have minor issues but am now treating her with Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Transfer Factor and blue green algae. I am convinced that the WNV vaccine was the trigger, this is not a coincidence as my traditional vet likes to call it. My Quarter Horse passed due to hepatitis from all the steroids she was given and my lack of knowledge but her death has not gone in vain. I will be treating her sister with Whole Foods and Supplements and allowing her body to heal her. Thank you for your time. You are a blessing

I have given my dog subcutaneous Cartrophen Vet injections, as prescribed by his elbow surgeon. Have to get it sent down from Canada, where he got his surgery but I'm back in the US where it is not sold. He also sees a physical therapist regularly and does plenty of swimming most of the year. I recommended homeopathic Zeel as a pain reliever for another person's little dog who couldn't jump up on the bed and he's done well on it.

One modality that has worked well for my female who suffered an F.C.E.
A few years back, is cold laser therapy along with acupuncture.
Years ago, I had used Metacam, but had seen a clear drop in appetite, and realized it offered more of a cover up then true benefit, so I took her off it.
Instead, preferring, Turmeric along with a good glucosamine product.
I am very interested in Raw Support, Dr. Falconer, would I be able to purchase this from you?
I love the idea of a whole foods based supplement.
Would this be a replacement for her current glucosamine supplement?

Dr. Falconer,
It is sad to see how "we" pet owners have been brainwashed into thinking that any symptom our dogs show need to be stopped IMMEDIATELY. When in reality our bodies and theirs are wiser then any of us.
Lately, I've had a number of pet owners come to me with different acute issues, my response in most cases: If the dog is not suffering let "it" run its course. So many times we stop our bodies from healing us.
Thanks to people like you, those of us that are open to the truth will change the way we see things and at the end this will help our dogs and ourselves tremendously!!!!

Sorry, Dr. Falconer -- I had not checked the link you provided that took me to the same site to which I copied a link!

Thanks for this terrific article, Dr. Falconer. Here's a link to an article about the detrimental effects of NSAIDs found in human studies, from blog by a sports clinic in Chicago.
[Removed Broken Link From Comment]

Hi Dr. Falconer
You said acupuncture and homeopathy should not be used together.
Can you tell me more about that?
Thanks
Shari

Hi Dr. Falconer,
I'm new to you and your website.. oh how I wished I new about it a few years ago.. We went through rotator cuff surgery.. artificial tendon, hobbles for 6 weeks.. etc. Not sure if it was really worth it.... the $$ is one thing .. but the rehab was long road..
I too am usually *silent fan*.. but like other poster .. realized I better send feedback so we don't lose you ! : )
I will look at your recommendation of the Raw Support.. I started on Glycoflex.. then went to the GLC.... now am on Natures Pharmacy Phyto-flex.. cost is a concern these days..
How do you feel about Wobenzym protocol for agility dogs and myself? Its supposed to be work long term?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge for us out here...! Will share *you* with others..
Sherry Harding

Hi Dr. F.
Great post. I struggle personally with Chronic Inflammatory illness so this article hits close to home. In the article you mention a product called Raw Support that you recommend, but I don't see a link or manufacturer. I would love to read more. Is this something you like better than the WAG you recommended in a previous post?
Thanks so much for all you do.
Have a wonderful week.
Lori, Millie and Jordan :)

Yes! Great topic. I've had both a bad experience with Rx and great experience with Green Lipped Mussel Powder.
My youngster, Raylan (2.5yr old Great Dane) was given an Rx Tramadol shot when neutered. He had difficulty in waking up from anesthesia and acted drunk for 12 long hours afterwards. Too scary of a side effect. Never again.
Mona (turning 7 in June ) has done wonderfully on chicken feet and Green Lipped Mussel Powder.
Within about 3 weeks Mona showed a ton of increased movement that I hadn't even recognized was gone. She runs and plays with 2 energetic Vizsla's at the park. She doesn't quite have the stamina they do but she cuts and turns in the chase just like the youngsters. Its so fun to watch.
When she did step in a hole while running one day - I thought for sure she'd torn something. The amount of limping and frantic crying made me very concerned. Arnica given within minutes stopped the crying. That gave me space to take a breath and decide to take her home instead of the emergency vet. Next day gave some doses of Ruta and on the third day she wanted to go out for a meandering walk. 3 Days! Unbelievable.
I truly feel that her body (although aging) was prepared for something like this injury due to lack of toxin interference. Her joint become inflamed when injured but the inflammation did its job keeping her immobile and cognizant of the injury. The inflammation went away when no longer needed. That seems like the way it should work.
Thanks again Doc for sharing all your knowledge. Its real world stuff.

I tried to find the Raw Support joint supplement to order for my older BC/Aussie mix with some joint issues. When I go to the website (naturallynakedpetproducts.com) it doesn't come up and says the domain name is available? Is this company still in business? Where do you buy your supplement? Thank you.

I have been silently enjoying all of your articles but am realizing that this might mean you think nobody is reading and that would be a shame. So I'm getting bold and writing today. Mostly, I have some questions about anti-inflammatories/pain meds (not sure which is which quite often) for older dogs who have not been raised naturally and who are now suffering from moderate to severe pain with most movements without medication. Our dogs are now being raised naturally but our 150-pound 13-year-old old boy has been exposed to vaccinations, heartworm medication, flea prevention and a kibble diet for most of his life (now that we know better, we do better, but we didn't realize during most of his life). Can we really expect that acupuncture or homeopathy would be enough to keep him mobile? As it is, he is on a strong dose of metacam and still requires help getting up occasionally. Any thoughts?