My 4 year old Maltese has a really bad limp. He won’t use his back right leg. He’s always been occasionally gimpy ever since he contracted Lyme’s when he was a year or two old, but this limp seems to be sticking with him. any ideas for healing him? I am thinking a vet might give antibiotics but i’m thinking that must be as bad for dogs as it is for people? I am not aware of any injuries that might have caused the limp, although he is kind of a klutz. -Facebook Post-
Lyme Disease is an incidius disease and should be taken VERY seriously… My 8 yr old Coonhound, Gus, almost died from the disease and it took us a while to get him healthy. Fortunately Gus is 12.5 years young now and doing fairly well. We’ve been taking him to our holistic vet for acupuncture every 2 months since the diagnosis in 2008. The Lyme Disease attacks the joints so it’s possible your dog is getting the intermittent limp from that. Lyme mimics and causes arthritis… Gus will go for long periods with no limps or issues…then a limp will come on for a month or so…then it will cease after a few weeks of rest.
I’ve been using Azmira Joint EZ’r (concentrated Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement) + Azmira Yucca Intensive + Prozyme + Pet naturals of Vermont Joint Treats for joint support. I also home cook for Gus every week using fresh chicken, turkey or beef along with The Honest Kitchen Preference Foundation mix and added eggs, pumpkin, cheese, herbs, and krill oil. He also gets different Chinese herbs, homeopathic remedies and prescription strength supplements as prescribed by my holistic veterinarian.
Blood (& Urine) Tests to Check for Presence of Lyme
I would have your dog blood tested for the presence of Lyme and use the test with the actual Lyme titer number (C-6 Peptide ELISA Test) as it is better than 4 Snap (Lyme/Erlichia/Rocky Mtn Spot, etc.). I don’t overuse antibiotics for myself or my pets, but the Doxycycline was a life saver for Gus who almost bled out from the disease (extremely low platelets (which help with blood clotting) is one of the very serious symptoms). Gus had to have the Doxycycline for eight weeks, but he finally got a clean bill of health (confirmed with C-6 Test, CBC Test, Urinalysis, and physical examination) within a year of his original diagnosis. Of course, I have never stopped all of the supportive measures since his battle with Lyme Disease began. Just use Milk Thistle and added Probiotics if you have to use antibiotics for a short time. Antibiotics can be life saving in some situations and should be considered. However, it’s the overuse of antibiotics that you should be careful of.
Sandail, a Mini Yorkie, has a Luxating Patella
Another thing you should research is a condition called, Luxating Patella also known as floating kneecap, floating patella or trick knee. Basically, the patella (kneecap) dislocates or slips out of its normal place. It is a very common problem with tiny and small breed dogs and is thought to be mostly congenital. My Mother’s five pound Yorkshire Terrier has lived with a Luxating Patella for many years and is approaching her 13th birthday soon. Your veterinarian will have to palpate the knee and may also recommend an X Ray to determine the severity of the condition. Depending on the severity, treatment options can include anti-inflammatory medications, herbs and/or supplements, weight loss program (if needed), resting the knees, and even surgical intervention in some cases. Note: The Maltese is one of the toy/miniature dog breeds that is commonly predisposed for medial patellar luxation.
It’s always a good idea to get your dog examined by your veterinarian first to see what, if anything, you are dealing with…then decide on the treatment.
