It's all downhill from here...

literally.

Sarah and I took the tri color girls to see a specialist today. You can read about Gyp's appointment on her blog.

Dr.Devall, at Western Veterinary Specialist Center, is a Holistic vet that deals specifically with Sport Rehab, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, aswell as Chinese Herbal Medicine.

I made the appointment in hopes that she could give me an official diagnosis and treatment plan for Wicca's long term health. It was a fabulous appointment and I got a lot of information.

First off Wicca's diagnosis- her right bicep is very sore. Probably an old injury that she keeps re-injuring. This explains her weave issues. She also had two "ouchie" spots on her lower back. Her neck was great though- which is good news!

Treatment

After the Chiropractic adjustment you could actually feel the heat in her back. The heat is essentially caused by the release of tension.

She had acupuncture done for the first time and didn't mind at all. She had a total of 8 needles- mostly on her back.

Therapeutic Laser on her bicep and on her spine. It helps to release the tension and reduces inflammation in the tissue under the skin.

Wicca tends to stand like a mountain goat- with her back feet pulled up under her and her front tucked in. This can be caused by long nails- the longer nails (even if they are just barely ticking on the floor) make the dog walk differently, which can affect them long term. I knew short nails were important, but will make more of an effort to keep them super short...Wicca's are too long even though I cut them religously. I will be pulling out the dremel more often to get them shorter.

We talked about diet. I recently switched the dogs from Acana to Innova. She likes Acana more than Innova because of the grain. I guess I will be switching back! The dogs did well on Acana, I just wanted a change for them! She actually prefers raw, but Acana is grain free so it is one of her favorite kibbles.

Weight. Wicca is fat. Geesh. And I just blogged about that didn't I?! I need to take a few pounds off of her- Dr.Devall likes her sports dogs thin, thin, thin. I normally keep my dogs thin but Wicca somehow has managed to pack on a few extra pounds.

Supplements. Wicca is on Recovery right now, which is a good supplement. But Cosequin is better. I'll be calling my clinic tomorrow to see if they can get it for me. Also Dr.Devall said that the green lipped mussels which are popular in supplements right now aren't as good as Chondroitin. Interesting I thought. She also really likes Elk Velvet Antler as a joint supplement.

She also suggested I put Wicca on Arnica for two weeks straight. Twice a day. I usually give Arnica starting a week before a trial, and a week after.

Exercises and Strengthening.

Dr.Devall is a big fan of "the ball" and suggests that all agility dogs should be doing ball work. I used to do this a lot with the dogs but lately haven't been. I guess it's time to bring the ball back out! It is the best way to strengthen those core muscles that are so important.

Downhill- Wicca needs to do lots of downhill walking. This will help with her sore Bicep. I should limit the uphill with her though.

Keep doing the warm ups and stretching, and cool downs that I have been doing. Backing Up is a super exercise, as is teaching the dog to stretch on cue (like a bow).

It was a very full hour long appointment! I hope I remembered everything and can't guarantee the accuracy of anything I just wrote! lol I am sure there is something I've forgotten. It will come to me as soon as I publish the post no doubt!

I am going back for a follow up appointment in two weeks, and then hopefully can go every three months to maintain what we've done. I am glad to have an official diagnosis, and was very impressed with the clinic, and Dr.Devall. She was very knowledgable and was very good with the dogs.

It is a good feeling to know that I am doing the right things with my dog. :o)