| For The Times
No one can deny that 2020 has been full of emotional, physical, social and financial challenges.
Fortunately, there have been many blessings, Fur-Kid kisses, licks and paw hugs, and grateful pet owners who have brought joy, kindness and warmth to the staff and me throughout the year. We are so appreciative for having had the opportunity to offer hope and healing and share in our clients’ lives.
The dedication of pet parents, in assuring their companions stay healthy, has been a testament to the value animals have in supporting their people, especially during this pandemic. The entire veterinary community has noted the real commitment clients have made to keep pets healthy.
Highlights in my part of the veterinary world this year, include:
PRP and prolotherapy successes
More than 30 pets were able to avoid undergoing costly and invasive surgeries for cruciate ligament ruptures, with faster return to full functions. They achieved this through the use of a treatment that utilizes their own platelet-rich plasma, prolotherapy injections to cause proliferation of the support structures surrounding the injured joint and ozone injections to reduce pain and accelerate healing.
Many of the pets we treated were poor surgical risks, because of age, other illnesses and autoimmune problems. None of the pets treated had any negative side effects.
Another group of pets underwent the treatment combination for hip disorders, including dysplasia, chronic spinal pain and complications of prior surgical repairs which did not heal successfully. We are happy to see so many animals become pain-free, enjoying walks, runs and a return to health. As one owner said, “I never imagined there was a way to rewind the clock, but my dog acts at least 5 years younger. She plays and makes me tired from throwing the ball so much. For the past year, I couldn’t get her to go for a walk, and now, she wants to play every time I get up from the chair.”
Maya, an 80-pound Doberman, had torn both of her anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL). Her owner was hesitant to put foreign implants into her knees, because of the possibility of long-term reactions to the metal and exercise restriction concerns. Maya had a full recovery after her alternative prolozone treatments and laser therapy. And she has no foreign material in her body.
Swim therapy and physical therapy successes
The underwater treadmill and support exercises have helped post-surgical pets get fully back on their feet. When coupled with other alternative treatments, including acupuncture and chiropractic care, pets with slow or poor healing can get back to the business of protecting their families, patrolling the yard and entertaining the family.
Schatzi, a 105-pound German shepherd who had undergone TPLO surgery at a specialist’s office, never regained full function of his limb after his implant healing was complete.
His owner brought him to the office for physical therapy and treadmill exercises. After eight weeks, he was back to playing.
Cancer care successes
Breakthroughs in cancer care for several pets who achieved remissions of their cancer, both complete and palliative, due to a device called the Innovarius Sanawave. This treatment allows us to, non-invasively, treat pets with inoperable cancer.
One pet, who had a remarkable extension of life expectancy and pain-free quality of life with this therapy includes Vita, an 8-year-old brindle pit bull rescue. She was diagnosed with a large, invasive sarcoma of the shoulder that was inoperable. Within a few weeks of beginning Sanawave therapy, visible reduction in tumor size, increased mobility and decreased pain were all evident.
Daisy, a 10-year-old tabby cat, also benefitted from Sanawave therapy. She was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of her urinary bladder in March 2019. The non-invasive therapy has kept her comfortable without the use of pain meds and her tumor has not grown, thanks to management with a device that allows her to lay on a warm treatment pad, unaware that radio frequencies are causing tumor cell apoptosis. Without this treatment, her life expectancy would have been less than 6 months from the original diagnosis.
The use of Chinese herbs for cancer, in addition to dietary management, helps many patients enjoy pain-free time with their owners. My own dog (who I wrote about in my last column), Lollipop, is still thriving, at almost 16 years of age, after she was diagnosed with a hemangiosarcoma of the spleen in October this year. She has received nanotechnology-prepared herbs, clinical nutrition and nano-vitalight therapy. These non-invasive treatments got her stable enough to undergo surgery this past month. Not only did she make a full recovery, but my family will enjoy another holiday with our special pet.
Animals mean so much to us, and this year’s events have helped us all appreciate the lessons and love they share. I look forward to caring for these precious angels in 2021 and hope for a healthy coming year for you, your pets and families.
Dr. Cynthia Maro is a veterinarian at the Ellwood Animal Hospital in Ellwood City and the Chippewa Animal Hospital in Chippewa Township. She writes a biweekly column on pet care and health issues. If you have a topic you’d like to have addressed, email [email protected].
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