Update on Sunny - Spring 2009 It has been over a year since Sunny’s elbow surgery in March of 2008. There has been a marked increase in his vitality since that time. Over the winter we continued our moderate walks, acupuncture treatments, and supplements of glucosamine chondroitin. A trip to the vet this spring confirmed that his hips, both of which are dysplasic, have strong muscles. She agreed that a hip replacement is not of an immediate concern. The vet continues to be concerned about the deformity in his elbows and educated me on Chinese herbal supplements for pain and arthritis (she carries the same brand I use for people) and Adequan injections. Sunny has just finished a course of 6 injections of Adequan. The injections are most often used on horses and are being used on dogs as well. The injections may stimulate the production of collagen and synovial fluid, which would make the joints more comfortable. Sunny showed a definite increase in activity and his ability to run after the third injection, and a definite increase in vitality and energy overall by the last injection. Because he was demonstrating such vitality, I did not give him any acupuncture treatments and let him play longer during the three week period while he was receiving the injections. Unfortunately, this did not turn out to be a good idea. As we were on a short walk in the foothills and he began playing with another dog, he fell over in pain. He could not put weight on his front left leg. This was the site of his original pain before the elbow surgery and he has severe arthritis in the joint. I realized that I need to continue to monitor his activity, resume the acupuncture treatments, and have increased his glucosamine chondroitin. I will add the Chinese herbs soon. With the advancing warm weather, Sunny and I will be heading to the river and creeks where he can play and stay cool and not have to walk as far. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!