Back to basics

After Pepper was diagnosed with spondylosis that caused his hind quarters to be paralysed, I went in desperate search of a remedy. I simply could not accept that my little Pip could be afflicted with such a debilitating condition. No chance it was hip dysplasia, something could be done and must be done. Mainstream vets who have not opened their minds to ancient remedies could only recommend surgery and painkillers. At 12 years of age, surgery was not an option, and what is life without mobility and only painkillers to keep going. No, I have no tolerance for ignorance.

Knowledgeable and open minded vets informed me that traditional Chinese acupuncture had yielded good results on some of their patients. A sinseh in USJ 1 had success with a Retriever, then I heard of another vet who concentrated solely on Traditional Chinese Vet Medicine (TCVM). Dr Susanna Brida-Hofherr, Pepper's saviour and bearer of yummy sausages.



Pepper started weekly sessions late January 2009 and by September he was climbing stairs up to my bedroom at least 2 or 3 times a day. He didn't need anymore help in doing his toilet, his hind legs have become robust and he is back to his old annoying habit of marking the curtains and the odd-sudden appearing box or luggage. A good problem to have. Pepper is once again a healthy young-old man, so happy in his outlook, I feel I need to schedule myself of weekly acupuncture sessions.





Why is it TCVM isn't common here when we are an Asian country with lots of Chinese roots? I cannot answer that question, I am still baffled by professionals who stop seeking knowledge once a precious piece of paper is placed in their hands. TCVM has a tremendous place in every pet loving society. No one can stop death, but certainly everyone was a useful and productive life before death and TCVM can do that for your animal. Just ask Pepper, he'll only be too glad to show off his 'new' legs. The video below was shot in May 2009, just 4 months of acupuncture and he was confidently back on his feet and in the mood to chase Charly round the block.



Since September, just a monthly top up keeps him going nicely. I must admit that too long an interval, and he starts showing signs of weakening. He is an old dog and just the miracle of getting him back up on his hinds satisfies me. It would unreasonable of me to expect a total cure. Dr Susanna does a wonderful job with animals she graces with her skills. She is packed with knowledge that has exceeded far beyond my expectation. I pray more veterinarians realise the benefit of TCVM in geriatric care of their patients. Absolutely nothing to lose, everything to gain.

My German Shepherd was plagued with an unsettled stomach since the time we got him at age 8 weeks. After learning about animal nutrition from Dr Susanna, I switched to home-cooked food for all my dogs in February 2009.


Within a week of the switch, Ozzy's tummy had settled and was excreting normal looking stools; no more of that runny, bubbly smelly stuff that began as kibble food... and I was feeding one of the best makes known on the market.



My Charly, in her 8th year switched to 'senior' food and then began her decline in health and vitality. She's now 10 and 2 years of havoc wreaked by the 'senior' food on her body and skin, she looks years older than 12 year old Pepper.






With Dr Susanna's help and guidance, I have embarked on the reversal process of the detriment inflicted by processed food on a puppy-mill'd dog. Charly was never of strong constituency and kibble never improved it at all.





Now in November, with more knowledge from Dr Susanna, I am bravely switching over to Raw Meat and Bones.



Daisy is in good health, thankfully, and I certainly want her protected from any affliction, so even she's on the same diet. She really means business when a bone is in her possession.






The dogs love it, and I'm waiting for the next round of miracles. My Charly needs one desperately, my beautiful girl so devoted to me is no longer vibrant. Everything about her has deteriorated, only her loving spirit is still in tact and her keeness to play ball even though her energy doesn't last more than a couple of far fetches. But I know in my heart, that she is due for a miracle, and I'm even more sure that it will appear before Christmas this year, a fitting present for my beautiful girl.