My family and I just rescued the sweetest golden retreiver from the pound. She has obviously been house trained and knows many commands. She has a loving, gentle disposition and wants to be around people. She limps when she first gets up, and gets more limber with movement, although remains with difficulty walking. From reading, I understand retreivers can develop hip joint problems. It begins with too rapid growth when young, so the joint doesn't develop in sync. and later develops into arthritis because the joint dries out. OUCH! She also has cataracts in both eyes, right larger than left. What can I give her to help her? The dog pound attendant estimated her age at 4-5 years. She came with no other history. Thanks.-K

[ 04 May 2001: Message edited by: karenss ]

Thanks. I will post more information after she sees the vet. I know nothing of her health history at this point. -K

For instant relief of the joint pain you can try a dose of Rhus tox 30.
It's very little to go on, but the chances are she is a Calc Carb since many dogs seem to be deprived of it, not being able to bury their bones as GM used to describe on this forum - they need beef bones that they can bury, dig up after the soil bacteria have broken down the calcium into an assimilable form.

Thanks for your interest. I chose to do nothing until she saw the vet. What he surmised is that she is older than we thought, probably 8-10 years. The whitish discs in her eyes are coagulated cholesterol. Never heard of this before in my life. And, she does indeed have cataracts, although not really progressed. She has sclerosis (?) of the eyes as well. It has to do with the lenses drying and hardening, I believe, and is age related.He believes her vision to be adequate.
Now that she is no longer so terribly sleep deprived, she is much more relaxed. Still very obedient and gentle. Her limping is better and the vet. said it was from an old knee injury, not due to hip dysplasia from growth issues.
So, now THAT'S all I know! Any opinions? I am somewhat familiar with prescribing for people. Do you follow similar symptom matching for animials, or are they different? My thanks, K

Thanks. In a way, animals could be easier, as they also cannot ad~lib symptoms. They are, inherently, more honest.

I also notice my dog flusters with lots of activity...Probably afraid, but she stays calm...I personally don't see rhus. tox. at this time... but will look into calc. Any ideas would be appreciated... -K

karenss, I don't know if Allen Schoen will be listed in the homeopathic lists as he is mainly considered an "alternative" vet (he does use homeopathy) but after reading his book, Love, Miracles and Animal Healing, I would think him a great choice! His practice is in Sherman, Ct. It is a wonderful book and he sounds like a terrific person.

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Thanks for the information. Unfortunately, my dog must have over done it yesterday and is limping. So, I will go ahead and give her the rhus. tox. Other than that, she seems fine! -K