Leto - Back/Joint Pain & Anxiety

Leto is a 9-year-old female desexed Irish Water Spaniel who first presented to me 1½ years ago with gastrointestinal health, anxiety, behavioural, musculoskeletal and neurological concerns.

On examination, Leto showed signs of back pain and discomfort in the right hind leg joint. She had never enjoyed walks and was generally uneasy around new animals, unfamiliar people, and new environments. Even small changes, such as visiting a different park, could trigger anxiety and excessive drooling. 

Treatment Goals:
The goals of treatment were to reduce anxiety, alleviate pain and inflammation, and support the neurological and back discomfort identified during examination. Maintaining muscular strength was also important, alongside supporting gastrointestinal function and overall immune health, to promote optimal recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Integrative Treatment Plan:
As part of her integrative care plan, kibble was removed from Leto’s diet and replaced with a minimally processed, low-carbohydrate diet. A customised herbal tincture was prescribed, combining herbs with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pain, neuroprotective, gastrointestinal-supportive, and calming properties.

Additional nutritional support included omega-3 fatty acids, PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) and selected vitamins. Leto was also started on a hemp oil supplement, along with essential oils and flower essences to support emotional balance. A dental support product called TEEF was included to help maintain oral health.

Outcome:
Leto responded very positively to the treatment plan. Her discomfort and pain reduced significantly, and her overall comfort improved. While new environments and walks are still not her favourite activities, her confidence has increased and her anxiety is now far better managed, allowing her to navigate daily life with greater ease and wellbeing.

Owners feedback:

“I was recommended to Jacqui Snell for my very anxious, timid 9-year-old Irish Water Spaniel, and I cannot speak highly enough of her. Jacqui combines excellent veterinary knowledge with a truly special holistic approach, considering every aspect of an animal’s wellbeing.

Leto has hip issues and is very sensitive by nature, so I travelled from Christchurch to Nelson to see Jacqui in person. From the first session, Jacqui was thorough, thoughtful, and deeply respectful of Leto’s need to build trust. It did not take long for Leto to relax with her.

I stayed in Nelson for a week, which allowed for extra appointments, and I received a comprehensive report and recommendations for supplements and herbs to support Leto’s healing. Since then, Jacqui has continued to check in regularly on Leto’s progress. If Leto needs a little support – which is not often – we work with Jacqui via Zoom which has been easy and very helpful.

The improvement in Leto has been amazing. She is now a much calmer and happy dog, exactly the outcome I had hoped for. A recent visitor even commented on what a different dog she is — more confident and much easier to be around. I am so grateful I was encouraged to contact Jacqui and would wholeheartedly recommend her as a capable, compassionate, and approachable veterinarian.”

Elizabeth Beattie – March 2026