Owners commonly notice one or more of the following: Limping or lameness: favoring a limb, "toe-touching," or intermittent limping that comes and goes Stiffness after rest: difficulty rising after sleeping, or a slow, stiff first few minutes that loosens with movement Reluctance to jump, climb, or use stairs: hesitating at the car, couch, or staircase they used to handle easily Reduced activity or stamina: shorter walks, less play, or lagging behind on familiar routes Audible joint changes: clicking or popping from a joint, particularly the stifle (knee) Muscle loss: visible thinning of the muscle on one hind limb compared with the other, a sign of chronic underuse Behavioral changes: licking a joint, irritability when a limb is handled, or a drop in overall mood tied to discomfort A sudden non-weight-bearing lameness the dog will not put any weight on a leg warrants prompt veterinary attention rather than watchful waiting, as it can indicate an acute cruciate rupture or fracture
Brechner oversees all medical protocols at Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park, Chicago, including peptide therapy, weight management, and regenerative treatments.
We also suggest avoiding heavy alcohol consumption immediately after your visit, as alcohol can stress the liver and interfere with how your body processes the new nutrients
From there, our experienced providers will work with you to personalize a plan based on your health goals and how your body responds
