My own “Duckie Doodle” is “the pet you should know” today. Who would have thought it?.
Duckie is Dave’s and my five year old West Highland Terrier, or Westie.  He comes to the clinic with me each day, along with three of his brothers.  If any of you have seen him either at the clinic or on The Purple Heart Pets TV show, you know that Duckie is adorable, happy-go-lucky, and a real “wild and crazy boy”.  He is always into everyone’s business, especially at home, which is what got him into trouble, as his mom (your veterinarian) always told him it would.
            In December, Duckie decided that he should stand in front of the flap to our dog door at home when I asked our Australian Shepherd, “Asie” to come back indoors.  Asie responded as asked, coming into the door very fast and hit right into Duckie’s knee before I could stop it from happening. 
            Duckie came to Dave and me from a rescue situation and always had a mild problem with his kneecaps, but now the problem was a big one.  The poor little guy was hurting.  His left kneecap was dislocated.  I gently moved it back into position, and although I felt no fractures on palpation, I took him to the clinic for x-rays.  Luckily nothing was fractured.  Duckie was immediately placed on restricted exercise (a tough one for him because he’s a big pest and a tough one for me because I had to stop taking our daily walks).  We started pain meds only as needed so he doesn’t overdo on his activities and began a special Bach Flower Remedy Preparation for help with inflammation, healing and prevention of arthritis, and then prescribed Dasuquin, a supplement that supports joint and cartilage health.  Surgery was an option I considered, but Duckie already has a problem that affects his liver, and I wanted to avoid anesthesia and surgery if at all possible.
            Once Duckie began to improve, I went to Priscilla, my main veterinary assistant, Clinic Services Supervisor, and pet massage specialist.  Priscilla started daily massage therapy for Duckie and I did a second massage session at home each night.  Within a very short period of time Duckie improved.  Priscilla’s techniques and stretching therapies were very impressive.  She skillfully massaged each muscle group and carefully and gently worked his joints.  Duckie relaxed completely and enjoyed the massages.
            Results began almost immediately.  Within a few days he began to bear weight on his injured leg, and now, just two weeks later, he has almost completely recovered.  We have even begun our pack walks again, which makes me very happy indeed.
            Dave and I are grateful to Priscilla for helping our boy recover without the need for surgery.  He is a “wild and crazy” and pain-free guy once again with her help.  Priscilla and I will continue the massages until he’s 100% recovered, and we will continue to use the holistic Bach Flower Remedies, Dasaquin and massage therapy, too, in the future to keep his legs strong and hopefully prevent problems.
            I highly recommend these therapies and especially Priscilla’s massage techniques for dogs and cats suffering from arthritis, musculoskeletal pain or weakness and for older pets, too, to keep them comfortable.  Call the clinic and ask for Priscilla Hostman if you have any questions.  She is a great massage therapist and a great teacher of her techniques as well.
            Thank you, Priscilla, from Duckie Doodle and the whole Doering pack.