Hello Emmasmom,

This sounds like a stifle injury. The stifle joint in dogs, anatomically matches the human knee joint. It is made of ligaments and tendons that are easily stretched and occasionally torn. This injury is the number 1, most common musculoskeletal injury in all dogs! When stifle ligaments/tendons are stretched, the injury presents with classic signs: at 1st dogs hold up the hind leg and do not use it at all, then they begin to toe touch, then gradually they use it again. This is not painful, heals very slowly and tends to recur. Rest is quite helpful. I do not recommend surgical correction in most cases as in many cases, aside from cost, results are often far less than optimal.

We have had success in many dogs, with stifle ligament injuries similar to yours, using a combination of 2 natural products that seem to promote healing naturally and also help to prevent re-occurrences. The two pet products we have used for these stifle injuries are Paaws, along with and a hip & joint supplement, both are available at www.drcarol.com.

Should you need further clarification, I am glad to talk with you.

Thank you

Dr Carol

Dear Dena,

Boxers and cancer, unfortunately are like bread and butter. Cancer is quite common in Boxers, as a breed. Currently cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs in the USA.

Mast cell tumors rarely spread through the body. If they do recur generally it’s at the same location from which they were removed. They primarily are locally invasive and once removed, it is wise to visually inspect your dog daily but not necessary to worry.

Because longevity or the length of a dog’s life depends only 30% on genetics and 70 % on lifestyle, simple alterations in lifestyle, such as diet and exercise for example, have a 70 % chance of changing the odds in your pets favor! That’s a fact and it is good news because the truth is that your dog’s destiny, ultimately is under your control.

For example, I have been running clinical trials for the last 13 years on a natural, patented vitamin supplement, for dogs called Paaws. So far our results indicate dogs are able to enjoy up to a 30% increase in healthy life-spans, which translates into 3-4 extra healthy years, dogs and their owners can enjoy together. Other than adding this particular pet product to the dog’s diet, we altered nothing. So far we have small dogs, under 35 pounds going strong at age 24 and large breed dogs over 80 pounds enjoying quality life at age 18. Those results sound shocking and they were, even to me, the product creator. So, to answer your question, a Boxers average lifespan is 10-12 years, but thats only an average and YOU have the power to change this!

My point is that by making relatively minor lifestyle changes, in this case adding a natural vitamin to the dogs diet on a daily basis, you can significantly alter the future course of your pets life! I am here to help.

Please keep me posted.

Thank you

Dr Carol

Dear Dena
The polyps are referred to as an "Epulus". An epulus is a benign overgrowth of gum tissue that is harmless to your dog. Because it is bleeding and bothering your dog surgical removal is fine. To stop the bleeding you can make a solution of salt water: mix 1 tablespoon of salt into 1/2 cup of water, mix and use this solution to flush Emma's gums as needed. You can use a syringe or a turkey baster and be sure her head is down so when you squirt the solution into her mouth, it comes back out and is not swallowed.
I hope this information is helpful
Best Wishes
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM.

Dr Carol,

You have no idea how much I appreciate your response. Do you know that 2 different vets told me that Emma needed surgery and it could be up to $2000 for the surgery. In addition, neither vet did not know if it was her knee or her hip! I am SO grateful because I definitely do not want to put Emma through surgery and of course pay $2000 for it. What you described in your reply, describes exactly what Emma has been doing with her leg. :)

I will make sure Emma gets plenty of rest! I am also going to look on your website and purchase Paaws and the hip and joint supplement that you sell. I will do anything so that Emma can hopefully gain a lot more years on to her precious life.

Again, thank you so much! I really appreciate you and am thrilled that you are on Pettalez!

Xo
Emmasmom :)

Thanks again Dr. Carol. Again, great advice and great information I will use.

Emmasmom

Dr Carol,

Thank you so much. Would this cause her bad breath too?? Also, she doesn't get her teeth brushed, but the vet said she has great teeth. Should I get her teeth brushed anyway??

Dena