Need advice

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ski
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Need advice

Post by ski »

Has anyone had laser therapy for their chow? Our vet has recommended this treatment for Loki for his back leg.
A short history...when Loki was rescued he was unable to walk on his back leg. His first trip to the vet revealed that he had pins in his back leg. He was only about a year old when we rescued him so whatever happened to this leg must have taken place when he was a puppy. We had surgery on his back leg to remove a pin that was protruding. His back leg has always been weak because of this. He is now 11 and has severe arthritis. The orthopedic specialist said the best treatment would be to remove the remaining pin but because of his age and other factors, he is not a candidate for surgery. He has been on pain meds for sometime but it still bothers him. I am willing to try anything to make him more comfortable and have scheduled an appointment for the laser therapy next week.
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WyoChowDad
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Re: Need advice

Post by WyoChowDad »

I don't have experience with the laser therapy. I thought you should know that my Chow Peekaboo had ACL surgery just before she turned 12 years old. The risk with anesthesia goes up with age but a good vet should be able to take out a pin without getting him too far under. I know my vet uses a reversible anesthesia so as soon as the procedure is over the patient comes out of it much faster. I hope you find something to make Loki feel better. It's so difficult when our Chow kids grow old. I lost my Peekaboo in May but she made it to 16 years. I hope you get much more time with your dear Loki.
ski
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Re: Need advice

Post by ski »

Thanks so much for the reply. We are into our second laser treatment and I am giving it a chance. I hate to see him struggle and I don't know how patient I can be before we come up with a more aggressive solution. I know my vet is very conservative and I appreciate that but I want Loki to have a good quality of life. Seeing our pets go through the aging process is never easy but Loki is my first chow and holds a very special place in my heart!
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WyoChowDad
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Re: Need advice

Post by WyoChowDad »

Have you tried any supplements?
I had great success with a supplement called "Fresh Factors". It's made by Springtime Inc. My girl Peekaboo responded so well that her story is in their catalog. It's a joint supplement that's loaded with the good stuff our Chows need as they age. I can't say enough about the product or the company. You can reach them at http://www.springtimeinc.com When Peekaboo got real bad, I added their " Joint Health Chewables" in combination with the Fresh Factors. It amazed me how much better she felt in just a week or so.
I know so well the heartache watching our Chows grow old. I did everything I could to make Peekaboo comfortable in her old age. I wish you the best of success with Loki. Our old Chows deserve the best we can give them. Most of all your Loki has your love and caring and that is the most important thing in his life right now.
I've been giving my 11 month old girl Misha Fresh Factors for awhile now just to give her the added benefit as her joints grow. I think you'll find the products are worth the money and I know they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If surgery is required, I hope your vet can get the pin removed with as little anesthesia as possible. It's always a scary situation and I know how hard that decision is to make. I hope you and Loki can find a successful treatment real soon. - Mike
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