Hindlimb Weakness

In Chinese Medicine this weakness is due to Kidney Qi Deficiency.  It is common in larger dogs and is first noted by owners when their pet had difficulty jumping, walking, running, and going up stairs.  This is probably the most common reason for owners to give us a call for acupuncture.  These dogs are best treated if started in the early stages.  These dogs enjoy a much longer life span when on a regular schedule of acupuncture often augmented with Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Case Study

Heidi presented to us in 2009 with severe hindquarter weakness.  Her owner, Marcia, believed that she would have to euthanize Heidi soon thereafter. However, Heidi lived another 3 years, reaching her 14th birthday!

Marcia had this to say about Heidi’s treatments: “It didn’t work immediately but it DID work. There was no placebo effect. Heidi just started walking better after 3 or 4 treatments. For Heidi, acupuncture treatments helped improve her balance and addressed her problem with hindquarter weakness. Dr. Blankenship suggested adding Chinese herbs and we saw more improvement in mobility after a few weeks on the herbs. There were some setbacks, but Dr. Blankenship was always able to resolve the problems and get Heidi back on track.

Dr. Blankenship’s holistic approach works for Heidi. When Heidi’s appetite started to wane, Dr. Blankenship told me how to adjust her diet. Heidi doesn’t like to go to vet offices so the fact that Dr. Blankenship is willing to make house calls means a lot to me. Heidi is more relaxed at home and I know the benefits of acupuncture are greater when she’s not stressed out.”