Reader Question: Our 2 year old Miniature Australian Shepard, Rio, has a rare condition: basically no shoulder joint. The bones that would normally form the joint do not meet and, in fact, overlap. He often limps but otherwise does fairly well. However, our vet(s) think he may have or develop bilateral hip dysplasia as well, leaving him with only one healthy leg. How can we best support him? All dogs are special, but he is incredible. We want him to have a long and happy life. I am a Reiki master but cannot tell if that is helpful to him or not, and am open to anything that will help. ~Maurine

Rose's Response: Dear Maurine, how wonderful that both you and Rio have the benefit of your training in Reiki! Based on my personal and professional experience, daily Reiki with an animal companion that has physical issues of any kind helps support them on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

I am sorry to hear that Rio was born with a physical challenge, but the good news is there are many options available to you that can offer him quality of life long-term.

With respect to Reiki I would suggest that Rio receive a daily 10 minute session (or less depending on his preference) administered either hands-on or from a distance, being sure to let go of attachment to the outcome (always challenging when the client is your own loved one). Areas to focus attention on other than the energy centers would be shoulders, hips and spine (place one hand at the base of the skull and the other on the base of the tail and simply allow the energy to flow back and forth). I would also send Reiki to the situation for highest healing good.

Many of my students with dogs that have structural issues report positive changes from such an approach.

As mentioned in previous articles an excellent human-grade quality no-grain diet available from a non-chain pet specialty store is an important foundation for overall health. With a good foundation weak areas can retain their strength for many years longer than animals fed a poor quality food purchased from a supermarket or outlet store.

In conjunction with diet there are many natural supplements available that can help support joint health. The article Natural Alternatives for Arthritis and Joint Stiffness, written by holistic vet Dr. Larry Siegler, advises starting with a natural approach before reaching for hard-core drugs that may damage organs, and has several suggestions. My elderly dog is on DGP (Dog Gone Pain) which helps to support mobility and flexibility and reduces inflammation, and that works really well for him.

You might also consider including one or more of the Vi Miere crystal essence mists such as Pain Ease, Muscle Ease, Divine Spine and Arthritis Ease. I recommend them to my clients since they are not only effective, but easy to use. Simply spray above the animal and allow the mist to fall like rain onto the body and into the energy field. And for an additional bonus, the mists are also great for people -- one spritz can do for both you and Rio!

Finally, there are other modalities that might be of benefit in Rio's situation. Acupuncture, chiropractic, or craniosacral work with a qualified practitioner can help restore mobility to the neck, shoulders, hips and spine which may be working harder to compensate for Rio's area of disability. TTouch and massage can help relieve the strain on joints caused by muscle tension. And if you can find a place near you, canine hydrotherapy with a therapeutic massage practitioner can produce amazing results. And if you can't, swimming offers gentle exercise without weight bearing strain while offering massage benefits that feel good.

Best of luck to you in your exploration of the many opportunities available for support -- may they add many years of quality time to Rio's and your life together.

Rose De Dan,
Animal Reiki Shaman

Disclaimer: Rose De Dan shares insights derived from spirit and through animal communication. Any advice she offers is not meant as a substitute for veterinary care.

Each week, we invite a different intuitive to answer a question from a reader. If you'd like to submit a question for Rose please email her directly.

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