Clive – Back Pain, Osteoarthritis & Skin Inflammation

A 6-year-old castrated male Labradoodle presented with sudden onset back pain and ongoing stiffness in his hind limbs. The pain was most noticeable through the mid-back, along with discomfort on hip extension. 

He also had a history of recurring ear infections, skin inflammation, and pododermatitis, along with a generally dry coat. 

His diet consisted of kibble and a commercially processed raw meat. He was fully vaccinated and received routine flea and worm treatments. Additional observations included frequent grass eating, occasional vomiting, and episodes of straining when passing stools. 

Potential differential diagnosis included a spinal injury or muscle strain, intervertebral disc disease, possible hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis, and early spinal changes such as spondylosis. X-rays were recommended if there was no improvement. 

A conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication was prescribed, alongside complementary therapies, to help manage pain and inflammation. 

Treatment Goals: To support hip and back pain while improving gastrointestinal and skin health from a holistic platform. 

Integrative Treatment Plan: A customised herbal tincture was prescribed, incorporating gut-supportive herbs such as ginger and licorice, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving herbs including Devil’s Claw and Withania, + herbs supporting detoxification and skin health, notably Burdock and Turmeric. Turmeric also provides antioxidant support, benefits liver function, digestion, and joint health. 

Additional supplementation included Boswellia, fish oils, and a vitamin and joint support formulation. 

His diet was transitioned to a natural, anti-inflammatory regimen, free from preservatives and additives, to further support overall health and reduce inflammation. 

Outcome: Clive responded well to the integrative remedies. His back injury resolved quickly. His hip discomfort and skin inflammation improved significantly on the supplement regime. 

Owners feedback: 

“We noticed our 6 year old Labraspoodle, Clive was looking stiff when he went from sitting to standing and was occasionally crying when his upper back was touched. We reached out to Jacqui who could immediately see he had pulled a muscle in his upper back and had pain in his hips. Jacqui firstly treated the muscle and once this was sorted focused on the hips which were still painful. Jacqui educated us on inflammatory foods to avoid (we were feeding Clive raw meat that contained preservatives and biscuits) and designed a new food regime including herbal medicine. Two months after adopting this plan Clive has no detectable pain in his hips. He is bouncing around and seems a lot freer in his movement. 

Jacqui's advice was amazingly detailed and insightful and her remote consultation model exceeded our expectations” 

Claire Stewart, 2018