Treating Dogs with TCM
by jeanie mossa kraft, L.Ac. with Norman Kraft, L. Ac.

We did it! Our book is at the publishers and we are anxiously awaiting the proof copy for final editions. This book should be available to TCM practitioners by the first week of May.

This is a guide for the acupuncturist practitioner on the treatment of arthritis, pain and bi syndromes in dogs.

Includes:
Diagnosis
Western Veterinary Medication
Chinese Herbal Medicinals
Acupuncture
Canine Nutrition
Supplements & Lifestyle Recommendations
Laser Acupuncture
Tips on Working With Dogs and Their Owners

If you are interested in ordering a copy of this book or would like info on the recently approved NCCAOM class “Treating Painful Canine Disorders with TCM” please email us at woof at fourpawsacupuncture dot com.

The class is 3 CEU/PDA units and will be available to licensed acupuncturists late May. We will have more information on the cost soon.

Max, is a 7 year old Briard who was injured last year during an agility training session. Working with Max was so much fun. He is full of personality and is larger than life. Although his owners claim he is a full bred Braird, I am certain he is part Wookie (from Star Wars).

The Briard is a large breed of dog, one of many herding breeds. They are very intelligent and quite stunning to see in person. For more information on Briards visit wikepedia.com

Traditional Chinese Medicine includes incorporating good nutrition, acupuncture, herbs and change of lifestyle. Fortunately Max’s owners feed him a well balanced and healthy diet. I was very happy that I did not have to give them my usual lecture on the importance of good nutrition for dogs. Max was treated by using a combination of acupuncture, tui na ( a form of Chinese massage), laser acupuncture and Chinese herbal liniments. His owners made sure he was completely recovered before allowing him to resume agility training.

After several treatments and lots of extra love from his owners, Max is now able to jump and attend classes again.

Below is his story told by his owner.

“About 4 months ago our 7-year-old Briard Max slipped off a 4-foot high dog walk during an agility training session. The next morning he could not walk on his front left leg. The verdict from the vet was ‘this might require surgery.’

Fortunately we heard about the possibility treat the torn ligaments using the Chinese Medicine. After consulting with Jeanie Marie Kraft of Four Paws Acupuncture we started Max on a regimen of acupuncture and massages with a Chinese liniment. Needless to say there wouldn’t be any jumping in the foreseeable future for Max, a tough task for the highest titled obedience performance Briard in North America
(11 US and Canadian titles).
Now it is 3 1/2 months later and CH Glendrovers Sir Maxwell UDX, CanOTCH is back to doing what he likes best – obedience and agility performance.

Thank you Jeanie Marie for getting our baby back in the performance competition arena!”
Marion and Team Briard

Most of us have been on antibiotics at some point in our lives. Some of you may have even experienced a yeast infection, diarrhea or constipation during or after your course of the medication.

Dogs and cats also have similar side-effects from taking antibiotics. Some may experience diarrhea, constipation or more gas. Others may develop yeast infections which can manifest in the intestine, genitals or the ears.

After a course of antibiotics it often helps to take probiotics. Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria which cause infection. The down side is that they also kill the good bacteria in the intestine as well. Probioitcs help to put the friendly bacteria into the body.

Some of the important benefits of taking a probiotic supplement can include:

* Keeping constipation and diarrhea under control.
* Reduction of internal gas.
* Suppression of candida yeast.
* Suppression of a number of intestinal disorders.
* Reduction of bad breath
* Counteracting lactose intolerance by its association with lactase

One of my favorite probiotic products for both humans and pets is PB8.

PB 8® Pro-Biotic Acidophilus is a combination of 8 types of beneficial bacteria that favorably alter the intestinal balance, promote healthy digestion, inhibit growth of harmful bacteria and support immune system function.

PB 8 can be found at places which sell supplements such as Whole Foods, The Vitamin Shoppe and on-line.

Jeanie Marie Kraft, Lic.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with veterianary acupuncture house-calls. FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.

Safety Warning Notification
COMFORTIS® and ivermectin interaction

The Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine and Elanco Animal Health are advising veterinarians that dogs receiving extra-label doses of ivermectin should not receive concurrent treatment with Comfortis® (spinosad) flea preventive and treatment.

For more information, go to this page:www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/ComfortisSafety.htm

Ivermectin is sometimes used in the treatment of demodicosis (generalized demodectic mange), and as a wormer or heartworm preventive. Please speak to your vet with any concerns you may have about your own dog and the use of multiple medications.

Jeanie Marie Kraft, L.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA in towns such as Marblehead, Swampscott, Salem, Beverly, Peabody, Danvers, Ipswich and more with K9 acupuncture house-calls. FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.