Laser Therapy and Cancer...What's the Latest on its Use and Safety?
There is a lot of confusion about how laser therapy, and its mechanism of action, photobiomodulation, interacts with cancerous lesions and tumor growth. While multiple studies over the years provide evidence that laser therapy can be a benefit in relieving symptoms associated with chemotherapy treatments, such as in the case of oral mucositis (Bjordal, Bensadoun, et al) and lymphedema (Baxter, Liu, et al), does it increase or decrease the proliferation...
Releasing the Natural Athlete: An Excerpt From ‘Core Conditioning for Horses’
Releasing the Natural Athlete: An Excerpt From ‘Core Conditioning for Horses’ In this excerpt from his book Core Conditioning for Horses, Simon Cocozza tells us why we can’t always blame ourselves when we can’t sit the trot, get the horse in front of the leg, or get him under control cross-country … and how we can start to fix these problems. Photo via “Core Conditioning for Horses” by Simon Cocozza....
Food for the Senior Dog: Eat Well Be Well
There are many things we can do to support dogs in their senior years to enable them to have lives as long, happy and healthy as they can. They rely on us to meet every single need for them and food for the senior dog is no exception. We know how important it is for us to have a good diet to maintain our health and it has become much...
An Ancient Art: The Benefits of Pet Acupuncture
Acupuncture has a long history, but it hasn’t always been exclusively for humans. Believed to have originated in India, ancient Chinese legends describe the successful use of acupuncture in battle-worn horses. Over time, other animals, such as camels, chickens, cattle, elephants, monkeys, goats, and sheep were also treated. Since its adoption throughout Europe in the late 17th century, pet acupuncture has continued to heal and treat pain and chronic disease....
The Correct Way to Exercise a Mature Dog
Do you have an older dog? Have you noticed changes in their mobility? This is common, just like it is with us when we age. Muscles can weaken and become less flexible, joints can get stiffer and sorer. These changes may progress slowly – you may just feel like your dog is slowing down- but knowing the correct way to exercise a mature dog can have a positive impact on...
Cervical Spondylomyelopathy - Exploring the Diagnosis and Complexities of Wobbler Disease
1. What makes cervical spondylomyelopathy a challenging diagnosis? Cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), often referred to as ‘wobbler disease’, is a multifactorial condition affecting the cervical spine in larger breed dogs – resulting in progressive compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. Morphologic and biomechanical abnormalities of the cervical spine have been classified as either Disc-Associated Wobbler Syndrome (DAWS) or Osseous Associated Wobbler Syndrome (OAWS). Dobermans are predisposed to DAWS, but...
Everything You Need To Know About Leg Braces for Tripawds
When a Tripawd shows signs of slowing down, many people immediately start shopping for a leg brace. But on today’s Tripawd Talk Radio podcast with Ben Blecha of Hero Braces, we explain why it’s important to follow the right steps before buying a leg brace for Tripawds (and potentially injuring your pet!). Tune in to learn everything you need to know about choosing braces for Tripawds and other furry companions.....
Do dogs really need special shampoo?
A reader was looking for mild alternatives to canine-formula shampoos for her dog. Here’s what I had to say. Q: Is it OK to use Dawn dishwashing detergent to bathe my dog? What about baby shampoo? I want to use something mild. A: We turned to a couple of coat and skin experts to find the answer. Amelia White is a veterinary dermatologist at Alabama’s Auburn University, and Julie Ellingson...