Avalanche’s history: Hip dysplasia, TPLO surgery for cruciate ligament tear at age one, lipomas, food allergies, intestinal symptoms.

Most recent symptoms: Horner’s syndrome, neurologic weakness left hind.

Conventional treatment: If treated according to traditional Western veterinary practice, Avalanche would likely be on a regimen of steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as narcotics for acute pain episodes. Each of these approaches runs a high risk of side effects, including liver and kidney compromise, and we have successfully avoided them thus far.

Current holistic therapy: Herbs, nutrition, vitamins, acupuncture, chiropractic, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture with vitamin B12 and adequan injections. Fish oil (Carlson’s), choline (a B vitamin), Coenzyme Q10 (antioxidant and circulation enhancer) as well as Chinese and western herbs for inflammation and backend strength, which has to do with the strength of his Kidney Qi.

Most important current therapy: Not sure there are so many. Chiropractic for his lower neck, upper thoracics and electroacupuncture along his lower lumbar spine.

Interesting Note: Avalanche’s symptoms of Horner’s and spinal weakness started a few weeks after his sister Snowdrift died. But Avalanche’s bloodwork (liver and kidney) is better than normal, it’s like a puppy’s. He runs and the facial collapse on the right side of his face is not currently noticeable. A problem with the recurrent laryngeal nerve as it courses the right side of his neck, Horner’s syndrome often gets better on its own, however the spinal problem often needs help.