DEAR DR. FOX: My lovable Pomeranian, who will soon be 11 years old, began

limping last August. I immediately took her to a vet who suspected she had a

cruciate tear in her left rear knee. He prescribed 25 milligrams of Rimadyl

and said she needed an operation, which might cost me $2,500.

Is there any additional medication or treatment apart from an operation that

can help her? – L.E.Z., Toms River, N.J.

DEAR L.E.Z.: First, for the sake of your old dog’s liver, take her off the

Rimadyl.

Small dogs are often better off avoiding surgery, but it is imperative that

the dog not be allowed to run or jump around for three months in order to

allow for healing and tissue stabilization around the joint.

Chondriotin, glucosamine and MSM capsules, plus massage three to four times a

day (as per my book “The Healing Touch for Dogs,” New Market Press, $12.95),

may also help, as would a daily swim.

DEAR DR. FOX: For about a year, we’ve been battling scabies using doctor-

prescribed medicine, sulfur, tea-tree oil and flea sprays with some success

on our dog. Is borax also as effective? – S.P., Houston

DEAR S.P.: Yes, many people have found that borax helps keep fleas at bay.

Sprinkle some where animals live, and on carpets and cracks in the floor. Let

it sit overnight or for at least one to two hours, and then vacuum thoroughly

every two to three weeks. Adding Brewer’s yeast and flaxseed oil to your

dog’s food every day can also help repel fleas. Slowly work up to one

teaspoon of each, daily, per 30 pounds of body weight.

Scabies also calls for nutritional supplements to boost your dog’s immune

system.

Send questions to Dr. Michael Fox, care of United Features Syndicate, 200

Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016