calliecritturs
Posted : 10/27/2008 9:30:03 PM
A ramp isn't expensive -- you can rig up a ramp with just a piece of plywood and some nails.
If you email me (NOT a pm -- but an email -- I need to send you an attachment) I will send you my arthritis article.
The pain meds the vet gives you will reduce inflammation but they can be super hard on the liver and kidneys -- there are a LOT of things you can do that aren't expensive. Peppermint oil or wintergreen oil (not flavorings but the essential oil from a health store) are pretty cheap and can give a WHOLE LOT of relief.
Run your hand from the top of Brownie's head down the neck and down the spine (don't quite touch him -- just have your hand barely touching the coat) very slowly and you'll find one or more areas that are actually quite hot. THOSE are usually the sore areas and the places to massage gently and massage in one of those oils. It's like BenGay but not gunky on dog fur.
When Brown first wakes up give him a very short massage to help get the blood moving. It will make it easier for him to move.