[danjbright]

Shiba Inu Update
Akira, 8 mos. old, 20 lbs

My vet did a drawer test on Akira 4 weeks ago and found some movement in his right knee. The severity of the injury could not be made. He prescribed and I have since been using Conservative Management practices including rest, limited activity, continued proper nutrition with Innova Evo kibble, supplements including Ligaplex I and Ligaplex II, Tuna Omega-3, Cosequin, and Traumeel (a homeopathic anti-inflammatory). I will begin using Dasuquin MSM in about a week.

Akira has never displayed any limping or observable favoring of his leg. It was only after observing Akira stop and nibble at his right leg during walks over about a 2 week period that prompted me to check with the vet.

We are 4 weeks into the healing process and things seem to be going well. He sits squarely on his haunches, stands on his back legs without hesitation and on those occasions he gets a "wild hair" and begins racing around on the carpet before we quickly calm him down, he doesn't show any signs of discomfort or irritation. His only "irritaion" seems to be that we have caused him to cool his jets!

He is not "protective" of his knee when massaging or brushing the area. On the short walks we have taken in the past couple of days he has not displayed the "fussing" with his right hind quarter that he did before we started the treatment.

I would greatly appreciate any comments, success stories, considerations, tips in regards to helping a young pup back to full or nearly full throttle following a positive "drawer test."

Thanks for your thoughts.

Dan Bright