F cee ee) “7 Homoeopathy > for pets A guide to the use of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of common ailments and conditions in domestic animals by George MacLeodHomoeopathy for pets A guide to the use of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of common ailments and conditions in domestic animals ISBN 0 907088 00 4 © The Homocopathic Development Foundation Limited, 1981The Author George MacLeod, M.R.C.V.S., D.V.S.M, is veterinary consultant to the Homoeopathic Development Foundation and principal of a highly successful veterinary practice in the South of England, He is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the use of homoeopathic remedies for animal ailments. Over the last forty years he has treated all types of animals, from classic racehorses to small household pets—often. achieving success where others failed. A graduate of Glasgow University, George MacL.cod lives in Haywards Heath, Sussex. Homeop athic> Development oundation Ltd Harcourt House 19A Cavendish Square London W1M 9AD. Telephone: 01-629 3205CONTENTS Page Introduction 4 What is homoeopathy? 5 How homoeopathy developed 6 ‘Treating animals homoeopathically 7 General instructions for the use of the remedies in the home 8 Commonly used remedies in the treatment of animals 9 Index of common ailments and remedies 13 From George MacLeod’s casebook 17 Veterinary homoeopathy: recommended books for further reading 20 Acknowledgements The publishers wish to acknowledge with thanks the assistance provided by various members of the British Association of Homoeopathic Veterinary Surgeons in the preparation of this booklet. Details of The British Association of Homoeopathic Veterinary Surgeons and names and addresses of veterinary surgeons may be obtained from Information Service, The Homoeopathic Development Foundation Ltd, 19A Cavendish Square, London WIM 9ADIntroduction ‘This booklet has been prepared by the Homoeopathic Development Foundation as part of an information programme aimed at telling the general public more about homocopathy and its value. In providing an easy-to-use guide to the treatment of common ailments and conditions in pets the Foundation believes it is fulfilling a need felt by a growing number of people. The booklet deals only briefly with the background and development of homoecopathy but it is hoped that enough basic information is provided to stimulate your interest and to encourage you to look for more. It must be emphasised that this publication should not be regarded as a substitute for expert advice from a homoeopathic veterinary surgeon. Further, where symptoms persist beyond a reasonable period you should always consult a qualified vet. Used as a handy household reference, however, the booklet will be found to be of real help in the treatment of those simple complaints which occur in the day-to-day life of every family. For many years homocopathic medicines have been recognised as a safe and effective means of treating ailments, serious and minor, in humans and animals alike. Indeed, the principle of homoeopathy—that like cures like—has been known from the time of the ancient Greeks. ‘Today homocopathy is widely recognised and is in general use throughout the world. In Britain it has been favoured by various members of the Royal Family, is recognised by Act of Parliament and is available on prescription under the National Health Service. In recent years it has been found that homoeopathy is as effective for animals as for humans. It has been used with equal success on domestic pets, farm animals, racehorses and animals in captivity. Homoeopathic medicines are: 7 safe and effective alternative to conventional Widely recognised as a medicines. * In general use throughout the world * Prepared to impeccable modern standards of quality from pure, natural sources. Completely safe.What is homoeopathy? Derived from the Greek word Homoios, meaning “like”, homoeopathy is the medical practice of treating like with like; that is to say, treating an illness with a substance that produces the same symptoms as those displayed by the person who is ill. Current medical opinion takes the view that the symptoms are a direct manifestation of the illness. Homoeopathy, by contrast, sees the symptoms as the body's reaction against the illness as it attempts to overcome it, and seeks to stimulate and not suppress this reaction Homoeopathy is essentially a natural healing process, providing remedies to ist the patient to regain health by stimulating the body"s natural forces of recovery. It concentrates on treating the patient, rather than the disease as One of the principles of homoeopathy is that people vary in their response to an illness according to their basic temperament. It follows, therefore, that a homoeopath does not automatically prescribe a specific remedy for a specific illness. Instead, he tries to determine the patient’s temperament and responses and so prescribe on a more individual basis. Patients suffering from the same diseases often require different remedies. On the other hand, another group of patients, with different diseases, may all benefit from the same remedy.How homoeopathy developed The principle of homocopathy has been known since the time of Hippocrates, the Greek founder of medicine, around 450 3.c. More than a thousand years later the Swiss alchemist Paracelsus employed the same system of healing based upon the principle that “like cures like”. But it was not until the late 18th century that homoeopathy as it is practised today was evolved. The great German physician, scholar and chemist, Samuel Hahnemann, was chiefly responsible. Appalled by existing medical practices, he set about using the homocopathic principle to develop an alternative which was safe, gentle and effective. Hahnemann found that by taking small doses of cinchona bark he could produce in himself mild symptoms of malaria. If similar doses were given to people actually suffering from malaria, they were cured. The cinchona seemed to trigger a reflex in the body which helped it to cure Samuel Hahnemann eventually catalogued over 200 remedies drawn from vegetable, animal, mineral and, more rarely, biological materials. All of these were “proved” by Hahnemann and his colleagues as substances which could cure patients suffering from similar symptoms. Some of the results were quite remarkable. ‘The next step was to find the smallest effective dose so that the risk of side effects could be minimised. At this stage of his work, Hahnemann uncovered surprising but totally conclusive evidence that the more the remedy was diluted the more effective it became. He was thus able to establish the three principles of homocopathy: ‘A medicine which in large doses produces the symptoms of a disease will in small doses cure that diseas By extreme dilution, the medicine’s curative properties are enhanced and all the poisonous side effects are lost; Homocopathic medicines are prescribed by the study of the whole individual and according to basic temperament.Treating animals homoeopathically Animals in general respond well to homoeopathy. Homoeopathic treatment is used effectively for domestic pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, tortoises, birds, hamsters and guinea pigs. It is not surprising, for this system of healing has long been recognised as extremely effective in the treatment of human beings. Not only is homoeopathy a proven alternative to conventional medicine—it is equally known to be without unpleasant or dangerous side effects and entirely safe, even for babies and young animals. Some people have tried to explain homocopathy’s success by suggesting that its effectiveness depends on the psychology of the patient, that people believe they are going to be cured and so their minds condition their bodies to respond. This obviously cannot be true of animals. Neither can an animal assist the vet by telling him how it feels. Diagnoses must be made on the basis of observation by the practitioner and by the owner. A caring owner will usually come to know an animal’s temperament and habits and will notice if, for example, it shows fear under certain conditions, has a preference for warmth or cold, or reacts in a distinctive way to strangers or other animals. All such information is important in deciding on the necessary treatment. Given that an owner knows an animal well, it is perfectly feasible for minor ailments and conditions to be cleared up safely and simply at home using one or other of the homoeopathic remedies now available. As with orthodox medicines for the treatment of humans, veterinary preparations—especially since the inception of the “antibiotic age” — have tended to concentrate on the destruction of bacteria in the quest for a cure. The homoeopathic practitioner rejects this all too narrow approach and attempts to treat his patient, human or animal, as a whole. As subjective symptoms are absent (i.c. those not obvious to the physician) the homoeopathic practitioner must rely on what is known as pathological prescribing viz. his knowledge of the changes (in e.g. the liver in hepatitis or the lungs in pneumonia) enables him to prescribe a remedy which in its cruder state could cause such symptoms. ‘There are two approaches to the problem of illnes (1) Preventive medicine (2) Therapeutics (the treatment of a particular illness in an individual animal). The first of these is clearly preferable. However, in both these approaches homoeopathy has an advantage over current veterinary practice in that it offers a wide range of oral vaccines prepared for the prevention of most of the major diseases. These can also be used in conjunction with a varied selection of remedies in the treatment of a particular illness (the therapeutic approach). in general:General instructions for the use of the remedies in the home Strengths of remedies Homoeopathic remedies are made in different potencies: that is to say the basic or “mother” tincture is processed in the laboratory to varying potencies. Remedies are available in a number of potencies but, generally speaking the 6C potency is recommended for the home treatment of pets. For most simple cases this potency will be found to be most effective. Potencies greater than 30C should not be used except under the guidance of a qualified veterinary surgeon. How to give treatment ‘The ideal method of administration is to empty the remedy directly on the tongue when the animal is not feeding. For this purpose tablets can be crushed to a powder, However, if the animal resists, the remedy can be concealed in a small piece of bread or meat, or the crushed tablet dissolved in milk or drinking water. Difficult cats often need this approach All medicines should be given in tablet form unless otherwise stated. Dosage Dosage in acute conditions may necessitate frequent repetition of the remedy, e.g., one dose every hour for three or four doses. Less frequent repetition is related to less acute conditions, e.g., one per day, or one night and morning for a few days. Chronic conditions may require treatment only once per week or less often. For best results, do not handle the tablets directly. Use the container cap as a dispenser. When necessary, crush the tablets between two spoons Serious conditions For more serious conditions, it is strongly recommended that a qualified veterinary surgeon be consulted. Storage of remedies Medicines should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light and strong-smelling substances such as camphor, disinfectants, etc. Stored properly, remedies will keep their potency for many years. Mother tinctures For external application, mother tinctures (@) should be diluted to a proportion of one drop to at least ten drops of water. If this mixture proves to be too astringent, dilute further, For eye treatment, dilute one drop of mother tincture in one tablespoonful of water which has been boiled and allowed to cool. Important. Mother tinctures must never be applied to the eyes in undiluted form. 8Commonly used remedies in the treatment of animals In the treatment of animals, some homocopathic remedies are more commonly used than others. These are: Aconitum napellus—(Aconite) (Monk’s Hood or Wolf's Bane). Aconite is the first remedy to be considered in all fevers and inflammatory states. It is especially useful for complaints caused by exposure to cold dry winds and in conditions associated with severe fright. Shivering, with cold sweats, are the first sign of an illness which calls for Aconite, Breathing difficulties may be evident, while the upper parts of the body may be hot, compared with the colder lower areas ‘The animal shows signs of acute anxiety and a desire for large quantities of cold water. Apis Mellifica—(Apis Mel.) is prepared from the entire honey-bee. ‘This remedy is effective in cases of inflammation or injury and is ‘ indicated where there is swelling containing fluid: It usually promotes urination. Arnica montana—(Arnica) is known in its natural habitat as “fall herb”. The basis of the preparation is from the root, flowers and leaves of the plant. Its use is indicated primarily for wounds and injuries where the skin remains unbroken, as in bruising. It is also used in the treatment of diarrhoea, tremors and convulsions and skin rashes which may be blistering in appearance. It is a proven remedy in combating shock. Arsenicum Album—(Arsen. Alb.) is prepared from arsenic trioxide. It acts on every tissue of the body and its use is indicated where an animal shows restlessness, changing position frequently. Thirst occurs and symptoms are worse towards, or after midnight. Discharges are usually acrid and burning, tending to cause irritation. The skin is markedly affected, a guiding symptom being dryness accompanied by scurf and scratching. This remedy is also of great value in respiratory conditions. Post-influenzal weakness responds well to the remedy in the form of Arsenicum lodatum. Belladonna—The animal which requires Belladonna exhibits characteristic symptoms of dilated pupils, full bounding pulse and a burning hot skin. There are frequent muscular twitchings or jerkings and possibly convulsions. Conditions which call for this remedy are worsened by noise, bright light or any jarring or jerking. During treatment with Belladonna, the animal should be confined to a quiet, warm place.Berberis vulgaris—(Barberry). Preparations from this shrub are used chiefly for ailments connected with the liver and kidneys. Jaundice frequently attends such conditions. Inflammation of the bladder may arise and often there is blood in the urine. In all these conditions there is an accompanying spinal weakness and tenderness over the loins. Bryonia alba—(Bryonia) (wild hops) is a hedgerow plant, the root stock of which is used is used in the manufacture of the remedy. It is indicated in cases of colds, diarrhoea and stiffness of movement. This last produces one of the main indications for its use, viz. all symptoms are worse on movement. Illness which calls for this remedy is slow to develop. The animal prefers to lie still, since movement incre: its discomfort. Firm pressure on an affected area relieves the condition, e.g. over the ribs in pleurisy. This explains the preference of the animal to lic on the affected side. The condition is also aggravated by heat, and in the late evening and carly morning. Cold applications provide relief. Calearea Carbonica—(Calc. carb.). This remedy is prepared from the chalky substance found in the middle layer of the oyster shell. It is a strong constitutional remedy and is of value in the treatment of muscular bone disorders of young animals especially very fat puppies. Calcarea Phosphorica—(Calc. Phos). This remedy has an affinity with tissues which are concerned with growth and the repair of cell Brittleness of bone is a common feature. This remedy is of special value in the treatment of muscular bone disorders of young animals which are in a leaner condition than those which may require Calc. carb, Calcarea Fluorica—(Cale. Fluor.). Crystals of this substance are found in bone and are responsible for the hardness, but over-production can cause brittleness. It also occurs in tooth enamel and in the outer layer of the skin. Cale. Fluor. is a powerful remedy for circulatory problems and acts on most tissues of the body. Cantharis vesicatoria—(Cantharis), This is a useful remedy in cystitis and acute kidney inflammation when the animal may frequently be seen to try to pass urine unsuccessfully. It also affects the skin causing a burning, blistering rash. Chelidonium—(Greater Celandine). This remedy acts on the liver. It indicated when the tongue is coated a dirty yellow and jaundice is seen in the eyes and gums. The liver is constantly upset with the production of clay-coloured stools. Chelidonium is used mainly in liver upsets but it is also used occasionally in conjunctivitis. Graphites—(Graphite) (black lead). This form of carbon is used mainly for ailments of the skin such as eruptions accompanied by stic discharge, Usual sites for skin eruptions are the bends of joints and behind the ears. 10Hepar Sulphuris—(Hepat Sulph.). Conditions are characterised by extreme sensitivity to touch, by catarrhal inflammation and a tendenc to form pus. This tendency to suppurate can also affect the skin. Thirst may be excessive. There is great liability to sepsis, any small injury leading to infection. Hydrastis—(Golden Seal). Given for catarrhal inflammation when secretions are generally thick and yellow. Any catarrhal condition may come within the scope of this remedy. Hypericum perforatum—(Hypericum) (St John’s Wort) is the source of a great nerve remedy which is prepared from the whole plant. ‘The animal displays excessive tenderness of affected parts and jerking and twitching of muscles occur. A prominent symptom is extreme sensitivity to pain or touch over the region of the lower spine. This remedy is of the greatest value in lacerated wounds involving nerves. ‘The animal is worse from exposure to cold and better at rest Lycopodium clavatum—(L ycopodium) (club moss), ‘The spores of this plant contain the active substance which is effective chiefly on the digestive and urinary systems and also the respiratory system. A main guiding symptom for its use is that very little food will satisfy the animal even though it may appear to be hungry. The abdomen becomes bloated. Lycopodium is a very valuable liver remedy. Ailments which yield to this treatment are seen to be aggravated between the hours of 4 pm and 8 pm. Mercurius Corrosivus—(Merc. Corr.). This is of value in the treatment of bowel conditions showing typical symptoms—straining of the lower bowel with the passage of blood stained mucous stools Dysentery is common. The kidneys are also markedly affected and any discharges may assume a greenish tinge. Mouth ulcerations are common. Mercurius Solubilis—(Merc. Sol.). Used in the treatment of degenerative cells and anaemia, Salivation accompanies most such ailments. Gums become spongy and bleed easily. Conditions calling for Merc. Sol. are worse in the period sunset to sunrise. Natrum Muriaticum—(Nat. Mur.). This is a remedy which is of value in the treatment of constitutional conditions arising as a result of anaemia or chronic kidney disease Nux vomica—(Nux vom.), The dried seeds of the plant are used in the preparation of this remedy. The animal which needs Nux vom. as a remedy has a poor appetite with attendant constipation. Digestiv uspets brought on by unsuitable food will benefit from its use. There may also be muscular twitchings. "Phosphorus—(the element). This is a very important remedy and has proved its worth in a great varicty of conditions including pneumonia and hepatitis. Superficial haemorrhages also may benefit. Suitable for gun shy dogs and those which are sensitive to thunder. Pyrogenium— (Pyrogen). This has a valuable place in the treatment of infections or blood poisoning where body temperature is low with a strong pulse or, more often, where there is a weak pulse with a high temperature, It has been used successfully in the treatment of animals which have produced dead litters. Phytolacca decandra—(Poke root). Indicated when there is a case of restlessness together with glandular swellings. It has a selective action on the mammary glands which become hard and painful. This action determines its use in mastitis. It is also effective for inflamed throats. Rhus toxicodendron—(Rhus. tox.) is commonly known as poison ivy. ‘The remedy is prepared from the freshly gathered leaves just before flowering. It is indicated for muscular weakness with associated muscular stress, producing strains and sprains. One of the main characteristics of the remedy and a main guide to its use is that conditions improve from movement and worsen at rest. Sepia—(ink of the Cuttlefish). This is used in a wide variety of conditions ranging from infertility to discharges after giving birth. It has an action also on the skin which makes it a useful remedy in the treatment of some forms of ringworm. Sulphur—(the element). This remedy is mainly used in skin conditions such as eczema where the skin is dirty and possibly shows red patches which are extremely itchy. Body orifices may show redder than usual. Animals in need of sulphur invariably seek cool places in which to lie. 12Index of ailments ABSCESS ABRASIONS ANAEMIA ANAL GLANDS APPETITE ARTHRITIS BAD BREATH Acute, With inflammation vity to touch Also try For unbroken skin (also bathe affected area with solution of Arnica mother tincture) For broken skin (also bathe affected area with solution of Hypercal mother tincture (See General Instructions) For constitutional states For accompanying gastro- intestinal symptoms For accompanying fatness For acute inflammation For chronic states Where glands are discharging Lack of, For simple digestive upsets Excessive Depraved: In fat animals In lean animals Worse for movement, followed by improvement on further exercise Due to decayed teeth or accumulation of tartar, consult veterinary surgeon. Before appointment and to help heal extraction Due to gastric upset Duc to worms. See Worms Hepar. Sulph Silicea ‘arantula Cub. Gunpowder Arnica Hypericum Silicea ‘Trinitrotoluene Arsen. Alb. Calc. Phos. Hepar Sulph. Silicea Calc. Sulph. Carbo Veg. Nux Vom. Iodum Cale, Carb. Cale, Phos. Rhus. Tox. Arnica Carbo Vee. Nux Vom.BALANITIS (Inflammation of the penis) BLEEDING GUMS BITES (see also Insect Bites) BILIOUSNESS BREATH BRUISES BURNS CANKER CATARACT CHOREA (St. Vitus Dance) COLIC CONJUNCTI- VITIS Simple, uncomplicated cases Externally, use solution of Hypercal mother tincture See casebook Punctured followed by On surface, bathe with solution of Hypercal mother tincture With accompanying kidney involvement For chronic cases For accompanying jaundice See Bad Breath Superficial Deeper bruises Also bathe with solution of Arnica mother tincture (see General Instructions) With watery blisters Severe blistering Most cases See Ear Infections Early cases Chroni ses. Also bathe with solution of Cineraria mother tincture (see General Instructions) For head involvement Improvement with exercise For acute cases Where gas is present Simple, uncomplicated Also bathe with Euphrasia mother tincture (see General Instructions) Mere. Sol. Ledum Hypericum Berberis Vul. Lycopodium Chelidonium Arnica Bellis Per. Phosphorus Cantharis Burn Ointment Nat. Mur. Silicea Calc. Fluor. Conium Zincum Met. Colocynthis Colchicum Argent. Nit. Ledum, CONSTIPATION CONVULSIONS COUGH CUTS DANDRUFF DIABETES DIARRHOEA, DISTEMPER DISTRESS DYSENTERY Simple, uncomplicated For accompanying skin disorders For most cases Also, try Hard, dry cough Better when at rest When related to heart condition Bathe with Hypercal mother tincture solution or use Hypercal Ointment For dry, scaly skin For red skin (Consult veterinary surgeon) Main remedies For accompanying profuse urination For watery stools with gastric symptoms For slimy, blood-stained stools For explosive, water stools N.B. Where diarrhoea persists for longer than 24 hours, or is accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite or listlessness, veterinary advice should be sought without delay See casebook See shock Slimy stools, worse at night For accompanying vomiting See also Diarrhoea, Enteritis, Gastritis Carbo. Veg. Nux Vom. Sulphur Belladonna Stramonium Zincum Met. Phosphorus Bryonia Drosera Spongia Arsen, Alb. Sulphur Syzygium Iris Vers. Acetic Acid Equisetum Arsen, Alb. Mere. Corr. Podophyllum Mere. Corr. Ipecac.EAR INFECTIONS ECZEMA ENTERITIS EPILEPSY FLATULENCE GASTRITIS. GUMS HEART CONDITIONS When acutely inflamed and sensitive to touch Surface of ears scaly, with scabby edges Discharge with garlic odour Suppurating with evil smelling discharge Associated with dry skin and watery discharge. Often worse late at night Chronic cases For chilly animals For animals preferring cool places For chilly animals showing dry coats with thirst For dry, cracked skins For wet, weeping sores For sticky discharges Simple, uncomplicated cases (Consult veterinary surgeon) Main remedy With accompanying uncertain temperament Most cases Due to faulty diet Resulting from liver disorder Where stomach contents are rejected soon after food With accompanying diarrhoea With repeated vomiting See Bleeding Gums (See veterinary surgeon) For weakness of heart muscle Valvular disease Where animal with very little food Hepar Sulph. Tellurium Tellurium Merc. Sol. Arsen. Alb. Rhus. Tox. Mere. Corr. Psorinum Sulphur Arsen. Alb. Petroleum Merc. Corr. Graphites Arsen, Alb. Cocculus Scutellaria Carbo Veg. Nux Vom. Lycopodium Phosphorus Arsen, Alb, Ipecac. Crataegus Strophanthus Adonis Convallaria LycopodiumHOMESICKNESS HYSTERIA INFLAMMATION JAUNDICE MANGE MASTITIS. (Acute) METRITIS (Inflammation of the uterus) NIPPL NEPHRITIS (Inflammation of the kidney) For example in boarding kennels Most cases. Accompanied by uncertain temper Accompanied by fits Wasps or bees Most cases, bathe with See Ears, Penis, Anal Glands, Kidney, Testicles Main remedy With clay-coloured stools With tenderness over loins With cirrhosis of liver Most cases Alternatively N.B. Keep animal isolated With great heat in affected area Followed by Where glands feel hard Chronic conditions See casebook For sore nipples Acute: Very acute with oedema of kidney Where associated with sickness and skin trouble With vomiting Chronic: With pale-coloured urine Also recommended Ignatia Scutellaria Zincum Met. ‘Tarantula Cub. Belladonna Apis mel. Pyrethrum liquid Chelidonium Phosphorus Berberis Carduus Mar Sulphur Psorinum Arsen. Alb. Belladonna Phytolacca Bryonia Calc, Fluor. Silicea Calendula Ointment or Cream Apis mel. Arsen. Alb. Phosphorus Nat. Mur. Plumbum Merc. Corr.ORCHITIS (Inflammation of the testicles) PARALYSIS PINING RHEUMATISM RINGWORM SHOCK SPRAINS STINGS ST. VITUS DANCE ‘TEETHING VOMITING With extreme sensitivity to touch Where fluid is present beneath the skin (dents remain in skin if pressure is applied) Also recommended Beginning in legs and travelling upwards General paralysis Where one big nerve is affected For older dogs and cats Where animal looks generally weak See Homesickness Where animal improves on exercise Where animal prefers rest For local symptoms in older animals For acute condition With circular lesions, more on body than on head Also recommended Immediately afterwards followed by Main remedy Also recommended See Insect Bites See Chorea Main remedy Simple regurgitation after indigestible food Hepar Sulph. Apis mel. Phytolacca Rhododendron Conium Lathyrus Plumbum Causticum Gelsemium Rhus. Tox. Bryonia Causticum Ruta grav. Tellurium Sepia Aconite Arnica Rhus. Tox. Symphytum Chamomilla IpecacWARTS WORMS WOUNDS On all parts of body Also apply Round worms Tape worms See Abrasions, Bites, Bruises Thuja Thuja Ointment Cina Filix Mas. GranatumFrom George MacLeod’s casebook czema A dog had a severe red rash on its side, causing frenzied scratching. ‘The patch was wet and the dog generally listless with dry coat. It had been treated with the usual suppressives, but to no avail. The drugs chosen in this case were Sulphur for redness and heat of skin, and followed by Psorinum, two doses three days later. The case is interesting because of the way the animal responded; the Sulphur was predictable, but the administration of Psorinum was followed two days later by swelling of the dog’s head and eyes, followed by a profuse honey-coloured nasal discharge which lasted a whole day. Thereafter all symptoms disappeared and the dog showed no more illness. Indeed it lived to be a good age. As it was a working dog as well as a pet, I was particularly pleased with the result, although the owner took it for granted. Another intractable case of eczema was cured by Cantharis 30. This animal had been treated by its owner with various homoeopathic remedies, all of which appeared at the time to be indicated, Cantharis was my choice because of the burning itch and vesication. One dose of this drug in the 30th potency given daily for three days, produced a permanent cure after initial aggravation. Valvular Disease Heart trouble in the form of valvular disease is common in older dogs, and one interesting case has been kept going on an occasional dose of Laurocerasus. Merritis (Inflammation of the uterus) Chronic metritis is a common condition in bitches which have never been bred from, and is characterised by a muco-purulent, often blood- stained discharge, which I find yields to Secale, Caulophyllum and Sepia. One such case resisted all these drugs and yielded only to Hydrastis, prescribed on the symptom of catarrh from mucus. Distemper Distemper in its many forms produces a wide variety of symptoms and conditions, the most important involving the central nervous system, usually ending up in paraplegia and/or chorea. In the former Coniuwn produces excellent results enabling animals which have been pronounced hopeless to walk again 20Paraplegia (Paralysis of the limbs) Paraplegia in dachshunds is a common occurrence (independently of distemper) and when it occurs in the female, causes spinal weakness tendency to prolapse with lumbar pains. I have found Helonias produce the desired result within a few days; in the absence of homoeopathic treatment some of these cases can drag on for a few months or more. Ruta grav. and Hypericum are also indicated in this condition for both dog and bitch. Nephritis (Inflammation of kidney) Nephritis, acute and chronic, is of common occurrence in the dog, the former characterised by pain and swelling in the lumbar region accompanied by albuminuria, and here Apis 3x has proved of inestimable value. The chronic form shows gradual emaciation, thirst and corneal opacity with intermittent vomiting and anorexia. In these cases, Nat. Mur. may help. Ear canker Ear canker in the dog and cat can be a scourge to both owner and animal. In the cat, this condition frequently produces loss of balance, due to the abscess in the middle ear, and many cases have given satisfactory results when treated with Hepar Sulphuris. When the condition is accompanied by cvil-smelling discharge with excoriation of the outer ear and skin, I have found Mercurius Solubilis to be extremely effective. As this condition tends to recur an occasional dose of the high potency keeps the condition manageable. A very common condition in young cats is “flu” characterised by frequent sneezing, lachrymation and gastro-enteritis, producing offensive watery diarrhoea. The worst case I have ever seen was that of an unwanted kitten, six weeks old, which was brought to me for destruction. It had been starved for several days in the hope that it would die and by the time I saw it, it was far advanced in all the flu symptoms. When it did not die to suit the owner’s convenience, I was asked to get rid of it at all costs, because of the filthy condition it was in. I took it home on the way to the surgery, and my children begged me to treat the animal. After the administration of Arsenicum Album three times a day for three days, the diarrhoea had ceased, and the emaciated little creature was learning to eat. It grew into a healthy hunting cat, with no trace of its history showing. 2Bleeding gums Shetland collie suffering from bleeding gums with occasional vomiting containing blood-flecked mucus. Slight cutancous haemorrhaging also present. The remedy Phosphorus produced a cure in three days. Pyometritis (Discharge from uterus) Irish setter bitch. Discharge took the form of catarrhal and then muco- purulent material for which the remedy Hydrastis was given. This succeeded in stopping the discharge with a noticeable improvement in the animal’s condition. Further treatment with Sepia prevented any relapse. This condition consists of an inflammation affecting the lining of the womb. Discharges are first clear and then become thick and discoloured due to secondary infection. It is a common occurrence in bitches with a history of false pregnancies. Arthritis Labrador whose condition was worse on first movement, followed by improvement on further exercise. Rhus tox. produced considerable casing of the condition 22Veterinary homoeopathy Recommended books for further reading ‘The Treatment of Horses by Homoeopathy. G. MacLeod. Health nce Press. ‘reatment of Cattle by Homoeopathy. G. MacLeod. Health nce Press. ‘reatment of Dogs by Homoeopathy. K. Sheppard. Health nce Pres The Treatment of Cats by Homoeopathy. K. Sheppard. Health Science Press. Materia Medica in Miniature. A, Nelson & Co, Ltd, Also in this series: Homoeopathy for the Family—A guide to the use of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of common ailments and conditions. Published by The Homoeopathic Development Foundation Limited.