Generalized Canine Arthritis, Septicemia and Osteomyelitis

ABSTRACT:

Transdermal carbon dioxide was used as a primary therapy for generalized arthritis and specific left hip and left elbow arthritis post septicemia and osteomyelitis. She improved after each treatment and has gained mobility and strength. The improvements in mobility and flexibility are noticed by the day after each treatment.

Clinician: Joyce Harman, DVM
Client Information: Sunny, Female Spayed, Australian Shepard Mix, 13.5 years old

CASE HISTORY AND CLINICAL SIGNS:

Sunny has some generalized arthritis seen on radiographs taken in the summer. Additionally, she had severe degeneration of the left hip and the left elbow after an infection and osteomyelitis in those joints.

TREATMENT

Sunny was treated with transdermal carbon dioxide about once every week to two weeks. Her hindquarters and left front leg were placed in a plastic sleeve with a one-way valve. The air was evacuated from the sleeve and the sleeve was sealed with Vetrap®. Transdermal CO2 was added into the sleeve through the valve and allowed to sit for 20 minutes. Sunny has been on joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin and cannabinoids) for the last two years.

SUMMARY

The day after each treatment Sunny was noticeably improved. This was demonstrated by increased energy, more playing with her toys and her being more willing to trot rather than walk carefully. After the end of the first month of treatment, she stretched down on her front legs for the first time since her osteomyelitis. She has continued to stretch both her front and rear legs more each week.

After about 6 weeks of treatments she can trot up hill and is willing to go for walks into the woods. She can walk over a mile each day and volunteers to go exploring around the property where before she would only walk to get from one place to another.