Arthritis Pain - Dysplasia and Bee Venom Therapy in Animals

Labs are loving, people oriented dogs. They are happiest when they are with their owners. Labs tend to be quite patient with children making them wonderful family dogs. They require attention and love as much as food and water. Labradors require plenty of exercise - this is especially true since most Labs love to eat! However, health problems may arise as the puppy ages into an elder dog. One particular issue among this breed is hip dysplasia.

My precious black lab of fourteen years had hip dysplasia which included the following symptoms: ran with a 'bunny hopping' gait, demonstrated stiffness and pain in the rear legs after exercise or first thing in the morning, had difficulty climbing stairs and became less willing to engage in normal daily activities. Eventually the disease made it very difficult for her to arise from a sleeping or sitting position. Owners attribute these changes to normal aging but after treatment is initiated, they are surprised to see a more normal and pain-free gait return. Veterinarians may suggest weight loss and Rimadyl which is anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. The weight loss was an agreeable option to me but the drugs were questionable. Drugs have side effects and Rimadyl is no exception. NSAIDs carry a risk of side effects, or adverse reactions. Most adverse reactions are mild, but some may be serious, especially if the pain medications are not used according to labeled directions. Some reactions result in permanent damage or even death. A search for alternative methods became imminent and one of them was bee sting therapy.

Hillsboro, Ohio is the home of a prominent Apitherapist, Jim Higgins. Jim is a beekeeper and President of the Highland County Beekeepers Association. He is also on the Board of the American Apitherapy Society (AAS) and the Ohio State Beekeepers Association. He studied Bee Venom Therapy under the world master Charles Mraz of Middlebury, Vt., and has visited China twice on the subject of Apitherapy. He suggested bee sting therapy and provided a box of bees and a long set of tweezers for administration of the sting. His instruction was to sting the hip 4-5 times twice a week for a month. The procedure was implemented faithfully and Sonny was observed carefully for clues to its effectiveness. Sonny gradually started walking normal; playing with her toys and sleeping in her box. It was very enlightening! That was 2008. She continues to be in good health and requests to play with her rubber hedgehog daily.