One way I found to save some cash when Tucker had his CCL repair was to order his medication and other pre and post surgery needs (like Kong toys, bully sticks, and pet bedding) online. I purchased his collar, glucosamine and chondrointin supplements, pet pads, and special treats using PetCareRx. My veterinarian even ok-ed his antibiotic orders through their site, easily saving us a couple hundred dollars! Their web interface is really simple to use, and there was not a single product I needed that I could not find on their site. I highly recommend using them if your dog is going into surgery or is recovering from surgery, their prices are absolutely unbeatable. Plus, any order over $35 qualifies for free shipping - I have NEVER seen that on any of the other pet sites out there.
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Aug 18, 2008 | | Holistic Treatment, Joint Supplements, Anti-Inflammatory Medications

For surgical pain or injuries that your pet my be dealing with, there are some holistic alternatives which are extremely effective in dogs. Acupuncture has been shown to both relieve pain and relax your pet, helping him or her cope with stress better. For dogs, the herb white willow bark can take the edge off minor pain, but these should NOT be used on cats. The homeopathic remedy arnica can be powerful for post-surgical pain, or pain from injuries. For severe pain a typical dose of arnica is the 1M or 10M potency, but for exact dosages and directions, please consult your holistic veterinarian.
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Jul 05, 2008 | | Holistic Treatment, Arthritis, Anti-Inflammatory Medications
What are NSAIDs?
NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. These medications are most often prescribed to dogs for pain, inflammation and to aid in fever reduction. NSAIDs are most commonly used for the symptomatic relief of arthritic pain in geriatric pets. Aspirin and ibuprofen are well-recognized human NSAIDs, and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has approved specific NSAIDs for use in pets with osteoarthritis. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the body chemicals that cause inflammation, and can be highly effective for controlling discomfort in arthritic and post op pets. Read the rest of this entry »
Jun 10, 2008 | | Non-Surgical Options, Anti-Inflammatory Medications, Conservative Management
Conservative management is a non-surgical option for treating cranial cruciate injuries in dogs. Depending on the size of your dog, the severity of the injury and the duration of time since the onset of the CCL damage, your veterinarian may suggest CM in lieu of surgical intervention. Conservative management is focused around three basic principles:
- Weight management
- Exercise moderation/rest
- Using anti-inflammatory medications
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Apr 23, 2008 | | Non-Surgical Options, Anti-Inflammatory Medications, Weight Management, Conservative Management