Intervertebral Disk Disease

In July, 1999, our Dachshund, Bandit, was seen at the UC Davis VMTH for intermittent lumbar-sacral pain, left rear leg pain, and slow reflexes in the right rear leg. He underwent x-rays, a bone scan and a MRI, with no definite diagnosis made for his condition. In July, 2003, Bandit had an episode of weakness, unable to lift his back end and dragging both back legs. He was taken to his regular veterinarian, where x-rays showed spinal compression with pain. The recommendation was either to have back surgery or "put him down," related to advanced age (13). We requested a referral to an acupuncturist, so we took him to see Dr. Signe Beebe at the IVC. Bandit received acupuncture and herbs along with diet changes. Within a week of seeing Dr. Beebe and her staff, he was up and walking without signs of pain. After an injury (re-injury -- jumping -- he thought he was a puppy again!), I carried him into the office. After having a treatment, he again could walk out. We repeated this for three days and have not had a repeat episode. Acupuncture and herbs have allowed my pet to live longer without pain. The option presented by his regular vet was surgery, which we felt was too risky, was not guaranteed, and involved a lot of pain. With the condition and pain he was in, he could not continue life that way. We are so happy to have tried this option with our beloved pet. He is able to enjoy each day without pain. ~ Becky Sacawa

Blaze is a male miniature Dachshund approximately 5 years of age. I adopted him from a woman who runs a rescue in Anaheim, California, in October of 2002 with no information about his past. In late November of 2003, he began walking with a slight limp and was unable to jump up. I took him to a vet hospital where they took x-rays and said he would require surgery to repair three compressed disks, also known as inter-vertebral disk disease. This didn't seem like a good option to me since the results had no guarantee and the cost would be too high for me. They put him on prednisone for pain and told me to bring him back right away if he became paralyzed in the hind legs. In the next week, he began to lose control of his rear legs and his bladder. I work for a chiropractor who suggested that I talk to someone about veterinary acupuncture. Through a couple of friends, I found Dr. Signe Beebe at the Integrative Veterinary Center. After examining Blaze she said she could probably help him, and that she had helped other animals in worse shape than Blaze.

Blaze didn't mind his acupuncture at all. He would lay there and just relax. After eight treatments of electroacupuncture and a regimen of Chinese herbs, Blaze began to regain control over his rear legs and could make it outside to relieve himself. After about ten treatments, he had minor noticeable deficits of his hind legs. After three months of weekly acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs, Blaze has returned to normal.

Blaze will require maintenance treatment every 6-8 weeks for a while. Eventually he won't need any more treatments. I believe that Dr. Beebe's expertise and gift to heal has saved Blaze's life. I would recommend integrative veterinary treatment over Western veterinary medicine alone to anyone seeking care for his or her animal. ~ Laurie King

My German shepherd, Patton, injured his back in December of 2001 and a MRI showed several herniated discs. In addition to Adequan administered by his veterinarian, I decided to try alternative medicine at IVC. He was given electroacupuncture and Chinese herbs. The results were amazing! He stopped dragging his hind toes and felt much better overall. Patton enjoyed his acupuncture tremendously, to the point where he barked in excitement each time he went for treatment. The IVC greatly enhanced the quality of Patton's life. ~ Laurie Michael

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