Homeopathy for Behavioral Issues in Animals - Part TWO

Dr. Chambreau: A thank you to all who were on the chat. We had so many questions/cases asked ahead of time and so many questions asked during the Chat that I wanted to first summarize some homeopathic issues related to animals, then move on to the cases.

 

1. Obstacles to cure - Hahnemann talks of this at length in the Organon. There are just some basic needs for health.

 

DIET is one of the most important areas and people have so many questions about this because you are told by most veterinarians and the media to feed "complete and balanced" pet food and it is easy to do. There are now so many great resources to read about fresh food for animals that it is like the human field. We all know it is best to eat fresh, locally raised, sustainably raised foods of wide variety but should we: eat only vegetables; mostly meat and protein; separate the food groups; eat only in the Am; eat only in the PM; snack a lot; eat just 3 meals; eat veggies raw; eat veggies cooked; eat only raw foods and none cooked? The only way to know is to try one approach and note if the Early Warning Signs (www.ChristinaChambreau.com) or overt symptoms resolve. There are many more notes in the practice section of my website, though not recently updated.

 

We saw a need for a beginner's raw feeding group. Many of the raw feeding groups have grown very large and often new people are lost in the shuffle. In addition, some raw feeding groups are specialized to one type of feeding only. We believe that feeding raw is the first step in whole health and have tried to create an environment of learning and support where there are no dumb questions and everyone gets individual attention. With that in mind, Kathleen recently instituted a mentoring program where mentors sign up to help individuals, and new folks can opt into the program and receive private help in their journey. It has been a huge success. We encourage anyone interested in learning about raw feeding to take a look: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/rawk9s/

We here at JstSayNo2Vaccs, AuNaturelK9s, and RawK9s pride ourselves on trying to create a family atmosphere where folks can ask questions without retribution or embarrassment; can rely on other members and owners for sound advice and help with issues; and where people can feel safe. If you belong to other groups – great! Knowledge is power and the more you have the better. So, welcome, enjoy and ask lots of questions. We would also like to direct you to our file section where there is a wealth of information gathered by the group owners, moderators and members for your use.

VACCINES - Vaccinate the least. In my opinion of over 25 years of homeopathic practice, vaccines have caused more harm to animals than anything else we have done. Do you get measles, mumps and polio every year of your life? Researchers in conventional veterinary medicine agree that we vaccinate too often, in too many combinations, and that this level of vaccination, while preventing epidemics, is harmful to the health of susceptible animals.  On-going studies show that antibodies are high 10 and 16 years later for distemper and Parvo so I recommend just a few baby shots and NO more.

 

While Rabies is also a viral disease, you must follow the law and vaccinate every 3 years (read the archives of jstsayno2vaccs on this). To help prevent damage from the Rabies vaccine, or any others that are accidentally given, do the following. First, learn Reiki and hold the vaccine syringe in your hand until the "draw" is gone, then Reiki the injection site once you are in car, then Reiki the whole animals daily until they do not "draw". If you have not yet learned Reiki, pay to have it done for your animal after the vaccine. For two weeks before and two weeks after, give the totally safe Vaccine Detox, a flower essence from Spirit Essences (discount at www.ChristinaChambreau.com/products.php). Triple the calcium for 2 days before and 5 days after the vaccine as Dr. Lynn Peck - Florida - is finding that vaccines cause the calcium levels to plummet. She is mostly using Standard Process Calcifood and muscle testing for how much and how often to give. Then use the Early Warning signs, below, to see if homeopathic treatment is needed if any of them appear or worsen. Do not give a homeopathic remedy on a regular basis after a vaccine. Now think about it - how are remedies prescribed? You match the symptoms to the remedy. Just because you have been exposed to a person with diarrhea or poison ivy or the flu you would not take their remedy or a remedy often used to cure those symptoms. Remedies need to be prescribed for each individual situation, not for the disease (or assumption of vital force reaction to a vaccine).

 

More on nosodes: Many people have stopped vaccinating, but have started using homeopathic protection on an ongoing basis. These remedies are called nosodes, and are homeopathic preparations of the different animal diseases made from the tissues of a diseased animal. Therefore they are made, not only the organism, but an animal's response to the organism. Some are using nosodes for each disease, and others are using combinations of all the diseases. Most animal nosodes have not been tested (proved). This is still operating from a fear of getting something, rather than "let's become very healthy so that even if we are exposed to a communicable disease, we will not get that ill." There is a lot of evidence for the success of using homeopathic remedies in people over the last 200 years to protect them during an epidemic, but few doctors recommended on-going prevention, and certainly not repeated throughout the life of the person.

 

The AVMA, veterinary colleges, AAHA, FPA and other leaders say 3 years is the best for all other vaccines, so certainly do not do yearly for anything (unless there is a Leptospirosis outbreak in your area, then email me for guidance). Dr. Schultz, Dr. Dodds, I, and many homeopathic veterinarians recommend the early vaccines then never again. Please do not let the need to put your dog in a kennel force you to poison your dog with extra vaccines unless it is an emergency.

 

The insert in vaccine packages says “Give only to healthy animals”, so if your animal is ill in any way, or undergoing treatment, they should not be vaccinated. Vaccinated animals often develop many chronic conditions including diabetes, cushings disease, addisons, allergies and even cancer. A wonderful list serve on vaccines, their harm and alternatives is at yahoo groups. To register, go to jstsayno2vaccs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

 

CHEMICALS - WORMING - Young animals - use the safe veterinary drugs for the specific worms present. When older, or for tapeworms, use Para-outta-site (a flower essence from Spirit Essences), diatomaceous earth, herbal suggestions from books (Dr. Pitcairn, de Bairicle Levy, Frazier and others). HEARTWORMING - The "monthly pill" is a morning after pill, killing any migrating larvae as they wend their way to the heart to become adults that make babies that mosquitoes eat. You can safely give it every 2 months and it is only needed, of course, while mosquitoes are out and about. Do get blood tests yearly. If positive, there are many holistic treatments for heartworms and even the conventional veterinarians are recommending no arsenic treatment, but just the preventative so the babies do not infect mosquitoes so other dogs are protected. I do not see these are much of an obstacle to cure, but just try to minimize them. HOUSE HOLD AND YARD CHEMICALS - avoid them. SMOKING - stop. Even your hands that hold the cigarette can harm some sensitive animals.  FLEA AND TICK CHEMICALS can kill animals and can severely weaken them. Healthy animals do not get parasites, or not many. There are many approaches that are natural in addition to getting them healthy. Sign up for my newsletter and get a free copy of the $10 report.

2. HOMEOPATHIC APPROACH
Many asked questions as if looking for a specific remedy for a specific disease and I want to remind people that our goal is to find the key, characteristic, unusual symptoms that an animal has, then find the remedy that most closely matches that vital force pattern. This can be very hard in animals and I applaud many of you for giving great lists of symptoms. It is even harder in horses who are sold every few years, or rescues. Still it is the best approach.

Be sure to read and study the basic principles of homeopathy and how animals become ill and how they heal. Apply the same high homeopathic standards to animals as we are to people and miracles will happen on a regular basis.

On a recent list serve, at least 5 veterinarians spoke of stopping bleeding or curing Parvo with a few doses of one remedy, for instance. I know that many of you who submitted questions knew that the answer was not here, so I am giving possible rubrics for each case. To learn more, try to look up the symptoms of everyone's animals. To heal your animal, find a veterinarian (see below) or contact me if you are stuck.

Homeopathy and behavior

 

Colleen: The farm I am part of has 6 cashmere goats:  3 females and 3 wethers (neutered males). The goats range in age from 3 to 8-1/2, the oldest being the mother of two 4-year-old wethers. The other three goats are all 3 years old and born to different mothers.  The herd has been together for three years. The goats have about half an acre of pasture, with pretty regular access to other fields and woods. 

Dr. Chambreau: Colleen, you will love to read the goat cases in De Beukelaer's book.

 

Colleen: In the past few months, one of the twin wethers has become somewhat aggressive toward humans.  At first we thought it was misplaced affection.  Then we thought it was jealousy.  And/or dominance behavior, especially since we enjoy spending time with the goats and thus have wondered if perhaps the goats don't see us as proper humans.  The behavior doesn't feel -- so far?  --  as if the goat is actually interested in hurting us, but because our goats all have big horns, injury is certainly possible.  The behavior itself consists of butting and pushing with lowered head, as well as rising up and mini-charging.  I have never stood still long enough to see if he would complete the charge, but I  don't want to run away from him, don't want to give him the idea that he is dominant.  Nor do I want to engage him in butting or pushing behaviors myself, as he would win and even if I were to overpower him, I imagine he'd keep looking for opportunities to challenge me again.   Because he is neutered, his hormones should not be out of control. Spraying with a water bottle when he looks about to charge or butt has been recommended.

Is this a case where homeopathy may be needed?

Dr. Chambreau: Homeopathy would be wonderful for this case, if you can find the correct remedy.  You may want to start with flower essences since they are more general and will never do any harm and you can start with them yourself.

Also I would be sure to provide some free choice minerals (maybe from Advanced Biologic Concepts - let them know I sent you) as sometimes mineral imbalance can cause emotional problems.

You need to decide if the rubrics needed are in the following (maybe you could ask an animal communicator, since we have to guess why he is behaving this way).

Mind: jealousy
Mind: dictatorial
Mind: Obstinate
Mind: defiant

Dr Mary Ellen Finger raises goats and is trained in homeopathy, though not in a regular practice. Dr. Cynthia Lankenau is in the North NY area. Maybe they could help.
Dr. Glenn Dupree (http://www.homeopathyfortheanimals.com/) does phone consulting on livestock and has been on an NCH Chat before (his new book on homeopathy for livestock is listed below).

 

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Sandra: I have a Boer cross doe who has freshened for the 4th time & had triplets this time (the guys are doing well). During the 3rd freshening, I noted that she was sucking her mother. Have tried various physical barriers but as we all know, goats will help each other to be relieved of a collar, etc. This freshening, I haven't noted her sucking mom. The mother freshened the same day & is sharing the milking responsibilities of the triplets( this is volunteer on mom's part).
I have used Calc-c 30 bid for 5 days & Silica 30 bid for 2 days & have still seen her sucking self.
The doe was a twin & I have the sister in the herd. Both are great mothers except for the sucking self & mother. The does were raised on mom & have been in the herd with her for the 4 years. I have 10 other does plus a Boer buck. I do have several mothers, 7 daughters in the herd but no others have this habit. I really would like to keep her but with the sucking, what else can one do?

 

Glen Dupree responds:" I would inquire about feeds and forages and mineral supplements first especially if this only occurs during her lactation.

 

If you saw some improvement with the Calc-carb I would give a single 200c or 1M and wait 7-10 days to assess."

Dr. Chambreau: If the sucking is not causing any problems, I would do some web surfing to find goat owners doing holistic approaches and see what their experience is with sucking. I would need more symptoms since the only rubrics would be Mind, thoughts compelling; Ritualistic; Anxiety (maybe a subrubric there would fit).

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Sonja: In mid-July of last year, Sally, my five-year-old female, intact, curly-hair, Golden Retriever seemed to become rather sluggish and began to lose hair on her chest and above both front legs. When blood work indicated that Sally was borderline hypothyroid, my holistically inclined veterinarian put her on “Canine Thyroid Support” a dietary supplement by STANDARD PROCESS INC. 

Follow-up blood work done in October showed all values in the normal range. However, except for about a five-inch wide strip from head to tail, Sally has since then lost most of her curly top coat and is still shedding profusely. Except that she seems to sleep more, I have not observed any strange symptoms.  She is energetic on walks, especially now during cold weather, she loves to play and her appetite is good.  

Right now I am feeding her some Orijen dog food, along with boiled chicken, beef, fish, or eggs and some raw vegetables. She is especially fond of broccoli. I also feed her a daily dose of Dr. Pitcairn’s recipe of Healthy Powder.  

I do not consider myself competent enough to attempt to treat Sally homeopathically and would appreciate your suggestion. If this is too complex for the chat, would you consider accepting Sally as a long distance patient?  I would like that even better.

 

Dr. Chambreau: While I would love to work with you, I would suggest Dr. Betsy Harrison just south of Austin, or others in Austin. (www.theAVH.org)

This is an example of how tracking symptoms can help. You can list the current symptoms - hair loss; shedding; sleeping more (quantify amount) and any that appear in the Early Warning Signs of Illness (at my site). Then try a homeopath and record what changes. Or try feeding raw meat. Or try a more skin related supplement or adding skin herbs to the diet. Then see what changes.

Rubrics: Throat, external, goiter; Head, hair, falling, in spots;

 

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Jim: Would like to know what to give a 14 year old large dog for arthritis. I give him fish oil and MSM at the present time.

 

Dr. Chambreau: As you "heard" on the Chat, homeopaths treat the individual, not the illness. I would need to know when he limps more or less, his past medical history, any of the Early Warning Symptoms, etc. At this point, I would suggest working with a professional homeopath to get the best results. Magnetic pads also work well with arthritis (Nikkan) and usually do not interfere with remedies. Acupuncture and chiropractic can be equally good if that is more readily available in your area. If you and your homeopath can find the right remedy, though, you will be able to give it easily and not need to go out for appointments for acupuncture.

Jim: Also, is there something to give a dog for itching when the vet prescribes prednisone?
Thank you.

Dr. Chambreau: YES, there is very rarely (.05%) a need for steroids for itching. A healthy dog just does not need them, so you need to follow the guidelines for a healthy dog, read the books listed below, learn homeopathy or find a practitioner and your dog will be free of itching. Hint - sometimes merely switching to a raw meaty bone diet will stop itching.

 

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Jonathan: My dog Buster (shih-tsu male) is about 3 years old now, had an accident last year that left his two back legs and tail completely paralyzed. What treatment do you recommend?

 

Dr. Chambreau: I strongly recommend finding an integrative veterinarian with whom to work. This is a person trained in many different approaches, including using conventional drugs only when absolutely needed. Working with one can increase the chance that your cherished companion can live a long and healthy life after recovering from this current problem. There are good ones and great ones, and a few homeopathic veterinarians will consult by phone or email. Go to www.VetAdviceLine.com and read the article in the library about selecting and working with a holistic veterinarian. There are other great articles there, as well.

You can go to the web sites for each type of holistic practice and use their referral list to find one near to you:

1. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine: www.IVAS.org & www.TCVM.com

2. Homeopathic veterinarians (these can often help you by phone if no other holistic practitioners are nearby that you like): www.theAVH.org. Their conferences are open to lay people, too, and we offer an introductory class before the conference.

3. Chiropractor - www.animalchiropractic.org.

 

There are no homeopathic veterinarians I know of in PR. I believe that Pedro Rivera, DVM, comes to PR several times a year and does some holistic treatment. Your best bet would be to work with a homeopathic veterinarian by phone (www.theAVH.org). If the spinal column is completely severed, he may not walk again, but I have had completely paralyzed dogs with bad discs walk normally again.

 

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Jung: Two of my three cats have splendid teeth. The third, however, has never really been able to chew, something that continues to puzzle several homeopaths who have seen her.  As you might expect, she is developing bleeding at the gum line of her molars. A traditional vet has recommended putting her under anesthesia for scaling. She is constitutionally in the Phos/Ars/Sulph spectrum. 

 

Dr. Chambreau: Interesting that you put Sulphur with Phosphorus and Arsenicum. We often confuse Phosphorus and Arsenicum in cats, especially, but Sulphur cats are very different. Before you read on, think about the difference in these 3 remedies - fears, sociability, temperature preferences, messiness, sloppiness, etc.

Who are the several homeopaths who have seen her - if you want to, e-mail me separately so I can see if they are well trained and guide you to others or say they are good and guide you on how to work with them to cure your cat.

Are the cats on a raw meaty BONE diet? She may not be able to tolerate it until her gums are healed, but it can often prevent this type of thing.

 

Jung: Any suggestions?  Can cats tolerate green tea? 

 

Dr. Chambreau: Some cats tolerate green tea. I have never seen it help gums. Definitely need to find the correct remedy. Also, Co Q 10is excellent for gum health. www.BrightHaven.org  is a great shelter that adopts cats 16 and older. They have some who have lived to 28 and 30 and now have one who died in 2009 at 35!!!. They have dealt with a lot of gum problems, so they may be able to help.

 

 

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Alice: On November 15, 2009 I found a hard lump 1.5" x .75" at the vaccine injection site on the back of my 16 year old cat, Peace, that the veterinarian says is Vaccine Associated Sarcoma. He feels that surgery may not be a good option because his blood work shows kidney disease so anesthesia is dangerous plus he also showed symptoms on echo cardiogram of early heart disease in 2006 with no physical symptoms. Also that the surgery involves resection of muscle and bone which will affect his mobility and quality of life. Today the tumor measured 2" x 1.5". 

 

Just in case this information could help - 7 years ago Peace began inappropriate urination and despite consulting regular, holistic/homeopathic and animal behavior veterinarians and following all their recommendations, nothing stopped the behavior. So he lives in his own rooms which we call Peace's Palace and Peace's Porch where his brother, Joy, and I often visit and hang out.
My question is:  Are there any homeopathic remedies that can cure this tumor?

 

Dr. Chambreau: Congratulations on having a 16 year old cat. Ahhh - the reason to minimize vaccines - PLEASE stop vaccinating your animals - NOW. NO more except legally required rabies, and even that should be waived for your cat now, even when the tumor is cured.

Yes, homeopathy has cured fibrosarcomas in some cats. The key is understanding cure, palliation and suppression (good write up in Dr. Hamilton's book on that) and carefully tracking any and all symptoms - use my journal (www.HealthyAnimalsJournal.com). The fact that he continues to do inappropriate urination even with homeopathic treatment makes me suggest that you try different homeopaths as someone needs a different looking. You are such a great owner to create Peace's Palace and porch!!!

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Lyndall: My mother has a rather old (15) unfixed male that fights A LOT with our young fixed male. He comes over to our house through the woods and battles over and over again with our cat. Our cat has finally learned to fight back but both end up bloody and limping with puncture wounds. Is there any remedy that might help my mom’s cat not be such a fighter at his age? He has even limped up here on 3 legs to fight!!! We have another fixed male, but he only fights with one of them. Thanks!

 

Dr. Chambreau: THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A HOLISTIC DILEMMA - many say that unneutered males live a much longer and healthier life. Yet your mom's cat has torn up your cat and many others and probably been responsible for hundreds of stray kittens. Where does health intersect with public service? We do know from www.Brighthaven.org that cats can live very long lives when neutered AND treated holistically, so probably that is still the best.

 

Homeopathy only fixes what is ill, and the 15 year old is not ill - totally normal for a tom cat. You need to learn the remedies for injuries for your cat. Generalities, Wounds - then study the differences in those rubrics and the remedies in them. Most often needed for puncture wounds (antibiotics are NOT needed) are Ledum, Hypericum, Sulphur, Apis, Lachesis, Hepar sulphuricum. Learn the differences between these for starters.

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Stephanie: When my dog was a ten week old puppy she received Intra-Trac 3 nasal vaccine & Duramune Max 5 for Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza & Parvovirus. Two days later she started itching like crazy. The itching would increase and then get a little better then increase again. This went on from early April till about December. Her puppy shots continued from April till the end of October.

 

I saw this litter of puppies at the breeder’s house 8 times before bringing her home, I never saw any of the puppies itch. She was checked for all kinds of parasites and the tests were all negative.

 

She was a very confident puppy. She was well socialized and came to work with me on a daily basis. But when she was 16 months old she started getting spooky around moving paper and things that were moving on counters. Right before this started she got a DHLPP booster and Bordetella vaccine. (Shot not nasal)

 

She is raw fed; I use no flea products on her and no chemicals in my yard.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Good for you for these - now stop vaccines. See my comments on vaccines, above and on my site.

 

Stephanie: Can both of these problems be connected to the vaccines?  If so, what can I do to bring my confident dog back and what can I do to minimize any future reactions to vaccines? (I plan to run titers for distemper but rabies vaccine is mandated by law.)

 

Dr. Chambreau: ABSOLUTELY both problems can be from vaccines - VACCINES ARE WAY OVERDONE. Read what I said about vaccines at the beginning, join the yahoo list serve. To register, go to jstsayno2vaccs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. I would also report her symptoms to the FDA (ask your veterinarian for the contact info) and to the manufacturers as an adverse reaction. Often only things happening in 24 hours are considered "adverse reactions", still they keep all the reports.

 

Find a homeopathic practitioner with whom to work to cure your dog of these problems. Follow guidelines above to help prevent problems. Use the Early Warning Signs of illness (see my web site) to know when you have really gotten her completely healthy. Do not just settle for good behavior and no itching.

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Linda:  We have a Havanese puppy, Bella,  - 9 months old, weighs 10 lbs. - and we need to license her. Our Twp. refuses to license her without another rabies shot because the one she received this past August 17th is not good through November 2010.  I spoke with the vet's office today and they told me that the county wants all the dogs to be on the same schedule. I was very disappointed that our vet thinks that because she is healthy and young having another rabies shot so soon would not be a problem. I am more than willing to have our pet vaccinated this coming August when her booster is due (that rabies shot will then be good for three years) but to revaccinate 5 months after the original rabies vaccine just seems wrong.

 

In my opinion this is not in the best interest of my pet.  If I must have her revaccinated so soon I guess there are remedies and other precautions that can be taken.  Today I called a local holistic vet but have not heard back from her as of yet.

 

Dr. Chambreau: I certainly agree that it isn’t good to repeat any vaccines needlessly. Sometimes our hands are tied by the authorities. Were she in Maryland, I would be able to use a vaccine that causes less harm and do some things (see above) to prevent damage from the vaccine, or would be able to write an exemption certificate. Hopefully your local holistic veterinarian can do that as well. If you do have to get the vaccine, she may use a smaller dose and you can do all the things I spoke of in the vaccination section, above. Be sure to read the archives and connect with the jstsayno2vaccs group (above) as they may be able to help you change the law in your township. Local takes precedence over state or federal. Did you know that the "repeat in one year" federal requirement is not followed when they test the 3 year rabies vaccines?

 

 

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Donna: I took a weekend course from you here in Carlsbad, CA a few years ago.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Wish I could come back and teach you all more about animal homeopathy. I will be in LA speaking at the LIGA meeting May 19-22 - maybe you could get a group together before or after that.

 

Donna: I am interested in learning about rubrics for Birds and their feather plucking.

 

Dr. Chambreau:  At the 2006 AVH meeting in Monterey, CA, Dr. Ramelmeier spoke extensively on feather picking.

First R/O heavy metal poisoning, tobacco fingers from smoker, nutritional deficiencies, other environmental issues (too dry).

Mind, hair pulling

Mind, biting nails

Mind, compulsive disorders

Mind, mutilating,

Head, hair, pulls

Since it is usually emotional, need to seek out the "constitutional" symptoms of the bird.

I have found that Ignatia is often good and flower essences for the whole family are good.

 

Donna: Also, with Black Headed Caiques and their sudden flip into attack mode. Any suggestions on Rubrics for that?  Also, birds tend to be "gender orientated" - is there possibility of softening attack toward gender the bird doesn't like?

 

Dr. Chambreau: MIND, Desire to kill, or the biting rubric. Dr. Ramelmeier would use Bach Flowers and essential oils. She has a case like this right now, but the behavior is because one of the other birds is sick.

 

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Denae: I have a 4 year old female spayed cat that is overweight and about 6 months ago stopped using her litter box to poop in. She still urinates in the box, but prefers our basement concrete floor or our garage floor to do her business.

 

Dr. Chambreau: The first questions that always must be asked here are: did you change the litter, or the box, or the location or take off a lid or put one on or get a new cat…

Denae: She also began licking her genitals constantly, so I took her to the vet. They did find a slight infection in her urine, but could she have had this for 6 months or longer?

Dr. Chambreau: If she had been licking her genitals for 6 months she could have had an infection for 6 months.

 

Denae: I gave her 1 dose of Silicea 30C, but noticed no change in the licking,

Dr. Chambreau: What were the symptoms she had that led you to choose Silicea?

so I went ahead with the antibiotic from the vet.

Herbs like Tinkle Tonic from Animal's Apawthecary (from my site) can help instead of antibiotics while you work through the remedies.

 

Denae: I would love to stop her from using the floor instead of her box and I would love her to lose some weight. She was an abandoned kitten that my husband brought home, she is solid gray and looks like a Russian Blue breed. She is very loving, but does not like a lot of company in the house, she hides in the basement. She does not like to be picked up. We have a neutered male cat and a lab in the house with her and she is able to go outside whenever she wants, but doesn't very much.

 
Dr. Chambreau: Sounds like the symptom list would include not using box for BM; overweight; behavior with strangers; bladder infection; licking genitals; not like to be picked up; does not go out much. You need to quantify everything on this list (how long goes out?, etc) Then list any of the Early Warning Signs.

Possible rubrics: Mind Fastidious; Mind - Company, desire for; Mind - company, aversion to the presence of strangers; Bladder - catarrh; Generalities - obesity; 

 

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Sheri: I have 3 cat rescues, the most recent was great first few months then started to lick wood furniture late at night to wake us.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Thank you for doing cat rescue. Sleep - waking - put in the time of night; Generalities (or stomach in Kent) - desires strange things, or desires wood, lime slate.

She is pretty fat

Generalities - obese and begs for food ALL the time, trips you up/down steps always hoping for food and meowing.

Stomach, appetite ravenous, or insatiable

She is approx. 3 yrs old, very large and was this way when came to us.  I have tried the anxiety formula for pets in her water with no success.

When you say anxiety formula - if it is flower essences, like Rescue Remedy - great. If it is combination homeopathic remedies, then I suggest working with a homeopath who can prescribe one remedy at a time.

We now have to put her in a private room at night as the licking then running to the dish would disturb our sleep. We don't understand this behavioral disorder and need to eat constantly. If you have any suggestions we would be so grateful, as would her sister and brother cats who also are awakened by this loud noise on every piece of furniture possible, headboard, legs, footboard, desk, dresser. She is a lovely cat otherwise but truly lives for food.

 

The homeopathic philosophy has taught me that there is an underlying vibrational imbalance that is causing her problems and the healing goal is to resolve that imbalance.

 

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Catherine: I have six cats. Snowball, a beautiful white calico, gets along with the older cats but I have two new ones that she terrorizes. I have to keep them in the house to protect them. When I let them out she is ready to pounce and destroy. She gets attention but not enough time to devote a lot to her. She gets as much as the other outdoor cats. I have resorted to locking her in a cage while I let the new ones out for a while. I have even considered getting her declawed even though she is outside. She has received 4 doses of Nux Vomica and Rescue Remedy periodically but with no results. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

Dr. Chambreau: Do not get her declawed. She will just bite, be angrier and do more damage.

Good for you to be carefully managing the circumstances. I would begin to work with a homeopathic practitioner (by phone or local) to deeply heal her. You may benefit from an animal communicator as well. Flower essences (www.Christinachambreau.com/products.php - Spirit Essences and Green Hope Farms) can help while you are finding a professional. She needs homeopathic care. Sometimes that fails and she may need to be housed with another loving family.

 

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Marie: Here are two behavior problems in my current experience:

 

My dog Cutter seems to get ‘hyper’ stimulated on a lot of things.  She is a 5-1/2 year old American Water Spaniel, very loving, yet dependent and somewhat over-possessive of me.  When there is a squirrel around, she loses focus and dashes off. Sometimes she will start shaking in anticipation of chasing squirrels while sitting inside my house at the door, or even in the car if we drive through wooded areas of the town. It doesn’t take much to stimulate her into action, much more than the other AWS I’ve known. The doorbell sends her off into a barking tirade!  She is not aggressive, but has fears with people who dress in big dark clothes, or with little kids, and will do the ‘lunge bark’ thing and scare them. My car is well protected if I leave her inside to watch it. 

Dr. Chambreau: One of our biggest challenges is deciding if a behavior that is a problem to us represents:

1. A vital force illness
2. A matter of training
3. Is totally normal for this individual.

Only if you decide it is a vital force illness will it respond to remedies. When I watched Milan for the first time I realized he was stopping behaviors by training the people that I had been struggling to cure with homeopathy. They were 2, not 1.

 

Marie: She is also super sensitive on her paw pads and won’t let me touch them hardly at all, screams when nails are cut. Also, sometimes she sits on my lap, relaxed, yet, when I touch her back just a little, she ‘jumps’ in reaction. I sense a neurological involvement here.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Again, these behaviors are very common in many dogs and may indicate that she needs a better diet, maybe with more B vitamins.

 

Marie: She is not food centered like many. She sniffs at food selectively, then goes ahead to munch things down. She eats well, water intake is sporadic. She needs to walk and run around a bit before she can potty outside, never ‘on command’ like other dogs, but is very much house broke.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Again, totally in the normal range of behavior.

 

Marie She is now 5 ½ years old, has had 3 successful litters, and has calmed down a bit with these hyper-reactions, but they still remain.  She has also had the full regimen of vaccinations/shots as her breeder-owners do not believe in homeopathy and alternative health methods.  Their website is http://www.littlebrownieskennel.com/. 

 

Dr. Chambreau: My suggestion is to boycott any breeder who does not follow solid holistic practices. This is from the www.jstsayno2vaccs.com folks whom I respect a lot. "For folks who have committed to Natural Rearing (no vaccs, feed raw, no flea, tick and heart worm preventatives or treatments), we would like to make you aware of AuNaturelK9s. AuNaturelK9s is the brainchild of Kathleen, of KC Scottish Terriers, who, on October 2, 2005 enlisted the help of co-owner Jan M to create a group for NR breeders, NR puppy buyers, NR pet owners and the like who have committed to Natural Rearing. A group where one could learn and share information without the drama and extreme selectivity of other groups. AuNaturelK9s has grown into an extremely successful, supportive, family-oriented group where one can learn, which is what it's all about.

From AuNaturelK9s, we decided we needed a web site to get information out to folks who were not members of the groups, and to promote NR breeding. http://www.aunaturelk9s.com is filled with information about spay and neuter, raw feeding, vaccine issues, holistic health care, heart worm treatment, yeast treatments, etc. and has an extensive NR breeder and stud dog page that is kept current and accurate. In addition, there is a whole lot of fun stuff including flash presentations, NR poems from some of our talented members and a lot of photos of healthy, happy, NR dogs."

 

Marie: Cutter’s picture is at http://www.littlebrownieskennel.com/Breeding%20Dogs/Our%20Girls.htm, scroll down to second female dog. She doesn’t look very happy in the picture, usually much more happy looking with me, definitely happiest when I give her attention and hold her in my lap.  Likes one-to-one instead of kennel group life, and chases other dogs away from me in groups if she can, so she can have all of my attention, ‘jealous’ nature. Tries to dominate other dogs, yet runs away when she knows the other dog dominates her.  The other owners call her a ‘neurotic’ dog, but I say she is more like a ‘learning disabled’ child who is sensitive and easily distracted (I’m a Speech Pathologist). I’ve not seen another AWS react like this one. Can you address hyper-reactive behaviors and suggest some remedies?

 

Dr. Chambreau: The following are from my notes when I taught behavior for the Bowie Summer School in 2005. [   ] refer to various authors.

Hyperactive/Restless Remedies:

Arnica - [Westerhuis] –  Strong urge to move around

Argentum nitricum - [Westerhuis] – Like a scared, wild animal – nervous, temperamental, restless, very anxious and timid. Always overactive. (Remember this is only when the symptoms are off the scale, which I do not think Cutter's are.)

Gelsemium - [Westerhuis] – Less hurried and nervous than Arg nit. Can react intensely, be difficult to handle, even losing its head during training.

Hyoscyamus - [Westerhuis] – Restless. Fear of being alone, so will pick constantly at things like his basket.

Iodium - [Westerhuis] – The hectic behavior (much worse than Phos) keep you on the hop as he is restless cannot keep still.     [Chambreau] – They are so driven to move that even in a seizure I have seen them walk, or try to, all over the house.            

Phosphorus - [Westerhuis] – Nervous traits like chasing tail and at flies who are not there. Pulls at lead, he is inquisitive.

Scutellaria - [Allport]

Stramonium - [Allport]

Tarentula hispanica – [Allport] – odd behaviors like chasing tail, curtains.  [Westerhuis] – Pulls on leash due to fear. Restless, easily excited, paces up and down indoors, hurried walking outdoors.

 [Blanco] – dog was so weak with distemper that he could barely stand yet twitched and bobbled as he tried to keep moving.

 

 

Marie: Mixed German Shepherd Male, 1 year old:  Also, my neighbor has a dog, 1 year old, German Shepherd mix. Very nice mannered with me and other people. When they leave him home without humans, caged (another dog is loose with him who acts calm), he soon starts barking and alternating with rounds of pushing on the cage; this activity resounds throughout our duplex and I can feel the pounding on my end of the building. This goes on for hours until owners appear. He often has bleeding paws when they return, my neighbor reports. Says it is ‘separation anxiety’. This dog was a rescue at 5 months old. They say they might try tranquilizers from a vet.  There are 2 more dogs in the house, a Jack Russell and a very small ‘powder puff’ like half breed miniature 3 month old pup; they all get along well and do not have this separation anxiety.

 

What can be done for ‘separation anxiety’ when dogs bark constantly and/or try to break out of their space when humans depart?

 

Dr. Chambreau: Again, I wonder about good training, and slowly getting the dog able to be left alone, but the symptoms are strong enough and persistent enough that I think a remedy would be in order. I wonder if they would be willing to find someone in the neighborhood who wants to have a dog, yet cannot afford it, who would watch the dog during the day.

 

Rubrics:

Mind: Lonely, wanting company:
    Anxiety when alone
    Fear of being alone
    Desire for company, aversion to being alone
    Company, aggravated while alone
    Sadness when alone
    Forsaken, feeling

Crying:
    Weeping when alone
    Lamenting
    Shrieking
    Moaning, groaning
Destructiveness
    Fear of being alone
    Indignation, bad effects following
    Destructiveness
    Tears things
    Break things, desire to

 

A few remedies for this dog could be Belladonna, Sulphur, Lachesis, Phosphorus, Argentum nitricum.

 

Higher potencies, or more frequent repetition (LMS are good here) are often needed for behavior problems.

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Sheryl: My 3 year old female tortie mix with medium long hair cat lost a lot of weight – from 12.5 to 8 lbs over the course of 4/5 months. The only thing noticeable is that she is not eating as much quantity of her dry kibble as she use to.

 

Dr. Chambreau: As above - dry food is BAD for cats.  

 

Sheryl: There has been no change in her mood – sweet, feminine, delicate and playful. However she can be ferocious with other cats and is intrigued at the sight of another cat but really doesn’t like them too close. She doesn’t like to be picked up and snuggled but does love to come and sleep near my head at night and knead her paws. She probably separated a bit too early from her momma.  

Dr. Chambreau: No, that sounds like normal cat behavior. We all need to remember that there is not a cookie cutter cat or dog anymore than there is one "right" kind of behavior for people. Some of us are crabby, some talkative and some taciturn when we are healthy.

 

Sheryl: She has had 3 blood tests, two fecal worm tests, an ultrasound, no FES, no Feline Leukemia. Nada.  Perfectly normal.

This started at about the time she was given a dose of Advantage Flea as she started to go outside more – she loves going outside for a couple of hours a day if possible.

 

Dr. Chambreau: See above under chemicals. This could definitely be from the Advantage.

Sheryl: I have tried silica, cina, crab apple flower essence....probiotics, all types of food.

 

Dr. Chambreau: What were the symptoms you used to select Cina and Silica? The rubrics for the few symptoms you mentioned would be: Stomach, appetite decreased, Generalities, emaciation.

These are all good to try. When you say all types of food I hope you are trying to switch her to a fresh food diet - raw or cooked.

Sheryl: My DVM who is a very good holistic vet, is also stumped.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Do email me who your good holistic veterinarian is since I like to know the good ones.

Sheryl: Ruthie’s favorite toy is strings, ribbons and the best - yarn. She is no longer allowed to have any of them because she likes to eat them. She doesn’t eat other non-food items.

 

Dr. Chambreau: It IS very important for her to play, so be sure to find toys that she does not eat that will play with (the ball on a track, maybe?). If the weight loss started after you took the toys away, that could be important to know.

Sheryl: She likes to hunt spiders in the house.  I’m wondering if she got a spider bite.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Probably not.

Sheryl: This was not the first time she was treated with Advantage and historically has not had any reactions but I have only used it rarely.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Glad you only use it rarely, but they can be more sensitive at one time in their life than others. Companies can change the formula slightly, too.

Sheryl: When she FIRST showed signs of illness, her coat was dull, she lost a lot of hair and she was barely eating at all.  Her mood was dull and listless.  This lasted about one month.  Vitamin B and fluids helped.

Dr. Chambreau: Rubrics: Head, hair, dull; Head, hair, falling; Stomach, appetite, wanting; generalities, lassitude or weakness.

Sheryl: Over the last 2-3 months her coat is shiny again and her mood consistently normal as mentioned in pervious email. But she continues to lose weight. She just isn’t eating much. Her qualities most evident:  GENTLE, sweet and playful.

Dr. Chambreau: Even though the symptoms resolved, they are part of her symptom picture - as are any symptoms from her entire life. I have had reports that if you learn Reiki and Reiki their food it will get cats started eating again. Wysong has a PDG supplement that is a good food replacement and it will get some cats eating more, too. NuCat vitamins from VetriScience have gotten some of my patients eating again, as well.

Sheryl: The pet communicator (Psychic) said she said she had a ‘knot’ in her stomach although the ultrasound did not show any abnormality.

 

Dr. Chambreau: I would work more with her to see where the knot was and actually repertorize on that.

Sheryl: I also tried Pulsatilla.  ALL REMEDIES were 30c.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Pulsatilla is thirstless, craves cold and open air, so I do not think that fits her.

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Betty: I have a cat  .. about 2 years old, whose fur is "unhealthy.. doesn’t lay like it used to",  not shiny,  my Grandma used to say when the fur is like that, they are ill....

 

Dr. Chambreau: Your grandmother is absolutely correct. Look at the early warning signs of illnes on my web site to see more like that. It does mean her vital force is not in balance.

 

Betty: She eats well, plays, and is very loving, but she does NOT want to be held,,

 

this can be a normal variation of health. Sometimes it changes with homeopathic treatment and sometimes it does not. and is a "pacer"... never to stay still...

I would consider this to be a characteristic sign, so would use the rubrics in generalities and Mind for restlessness.

 

Betty: I did notice a bit of bloody stool,

this is a symptom, of course. Rubric is Stool - Bloody, then look for the accurate subrubric.

and she LOVES to have her stomache rubbed fairly hard, she stretches out and wants this...

 

Dr. Chambreau: Wanting a stomach rubbed, even hard, is probablynot a symptom unless she seems in pain and the rubbing relaxes her.

 

Betty: I have tried Arsenicum, Aloe and chamomille.. and sulphur.... Can you help me on what would be helpful to her????

 

Dr. Chambreau: As with another question, I wonder about choosing Arsenicum and Sulphur for the same cat and the same symptoms. Arsenicum cats are very chilly, Sulphur usually prefers cold. Arsenicum cats are very tidy and Sulphur messy. Arsenicum often drinks small sips and Sulphur large laps.

In my practice, for some reason, I have rarely had success with Aloe or Chamomille.

You may need to work with a prescriber or take some more classes (or read in the Homeopathy books I list) to be sure that you are giving the remedies long enough, at the right potencies and paying attention to all the symptoms, not merely the pacing and coat. I would suggest using LM potencies on this cat.  Use the “restless” rubrics, then “heat seeking” or not, “bloody stool”, “harsh, dry or oily hair”. I would give the remedy every few days for a month in the LM unless you see sharp improvement or new symptoms appear that point to a different remedy. Using my book, the Healthy Animal's Journal will help you learn to track all the symptoms and focus on the important ones. I also teach classes.

 

Betty: Another question… I have 8 cats (all strays)… and someone is spraying... I do NOT know who, have 3 males and 5 females... Is there anything I can do about this... It’s unsettling to say the least!

 

Dr. Chambreau: This is certainly a challenge since you cannot give a homeopathic remedy unless you know all the symptoms and characteristics. I suggest you contact an animal communicator to see who is the culprit, then go from there. You could also try Green Hope Farms "spraying essence" or choose the ones you feel best from Spirit Essences. (Go to www.ChristinaChambreau.com/products.php for a discount.)

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Patty: We have a 6 year old female Maltese. For the past nine months at least she wakes up in the middle of the night, goes potty on her pee pad and then licks her bottom and scoots for what seems like forever. Therefore, her bottom and part of her tail is stained and irritated looking. I took her to the vet once and they gave her a steroid shot, but I don't want to do that.

Dr. Chambreau: Good for you. That just eliminates a symptom and does not rebalance the vital force imbalance that can cure.  

 

Patty: There must be some other way to address this problem. Prior to the beginning of this habit, she used to lick her front leg. Don't know whether it's the food she is eating. We give her Innova Adult Dry Dog Food - Small Bites.

Dr. Chambreau: The basic diet and vaccine need to be addressed (see above) and that may be enough. If not, the next step is to work with a great homeopathic veterinarian and start studying more homeopathy so you can treat it yourself.
While waiting, if she starts to scoot, put 10 drops Rescue Remedy and 10 drops Hypericum into 1 cup of very warm water. Dip a cloth in and hot pack her anus. 

 

Patty: Our daughter, husband and granddaughter moved in with us in May of 2009. They have a Maltese also and a Lab and our dogs get along great with them. Don't know if this is a response to other dogs invading her territory?

Dr. Chambreau: I do not think the anals are from that.

 

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HORSE SECTION

Bunny: Hi, Dr. Chambreau. Have you had any success with horses that crib? I realize that this is a vice/addiction/habit (that once learned is similar to a person grabbing for a cigarette) and that the original symptom (anxiety, frustration, confinement, whatever) that prompted them to try cribbing is often long since past. Do you consider this vice as acute, chronic, or constitutional?

 

Dr. Chambreau: In your horse - chronic or constitutional, since it has been going on for awhile. I do not make a specific distinction between the two. I am always looking for the remedy that matches the whole animal, now and in the past.

 

History for Apollo: 8 yr old chestnut Welsh Cob Stallion

His job: Combined Driving Event horse, dressage shows, breeding

He started cribbing at the age of 7 while being boarded for one month at a training facility (stalled next to another horse that cribbed) and has now continued to crib whenever agitated, board, or given treats (oral stimulation).

Learned behavior? Stress of being boarded?

-       adult teeth erupted, and baby caps gone on schedule

-       currently lives with all-day turn-out and company right close by

-       very athletic and talented

-       fast return of vitals to normal in competition , great stamina

-       very fast learner

-       likes a routine but will get bored easily

These would be keynotes - look for rubrics here. 
Mind: industrious; Irritability - idle; Exertion - physical amel; Intelligent; Studying easily.

-       good appetite but not greedy – will share his grain with his pasture mate even the chickens

-       generally excellent health

-       good muscle

-       great hooves

-       good coat

-       vaccines, medications, worming are only done if and when necessary –generally kept to a bare minimum – no feed

-     supplements to make him high  

Try Advanced biologic Concepts free choice minerals.

        

§  Mind

-       personality very kind, quick learner, tolerant, (he often is turned out with his yearling colts and will allow them to be ponied off him as well) very engaging.

-       he will “leave” (physically if given the chance -like do a run away when ridden, or get loose while being shod, or if the bugs get to him will jump a paddock fence ~ and once he has learned that he can escape he will watch for that opportunity to arise again: he will “leave” emotionally at a show if he has to work away from the other horses he was just with.

Again this is keynote - crux of the case. I would look at Mind, hydrophobia, if he has been vaccinated for Rabies as that has a large desire to escape. Also, mind desire to escape.

 

He will still do what is asked but he is no longer your partner in his work. He is confident, very forward and  bold (will drive right through a flock of geese if so asked). Like any stallion, he likes the company of other horses.

Head and face: Has a very pretty profile without being exaggerated is any fashion, big kind eyes, appropriate well balanced ears and clean clear nose and throat

Mouth: Sensitive mouth, cribs, likes bit guards at the sides of the bit, resists anything being shoved into his mouth like a paste wormer, but accepts the bit easily

Stomach: Good appetite, finishes his food, does like to throw his grain in his water bucket (but eats a volume appropriate to his work load. Slow eater.)

.

This could be keynote, or could just be a fun thing he does. Maybe an animal communicator can help you with that. Donna Lozito is in AZ, works by phone and is a horse person and trained in homeopathy and animal communication.

 

Likes:  This boy knows and likes "his" people.

Is this Mind, company, desire for?
He likes to know what is expected of him and he likes to know the program. Once he has done something he has “got it” and you don’t need to drill him on it. He has very forward and free gates. He likes to drink the water out of the hose when having a bath after a hard drive. Will play in water tub with his nose.

Possibly has a desire for cold water (stomach in Kent and Generalities in the rest).

 

Dislikes

Does not like things like fly spray on his right side, or too close to his head esp. right side

Makes me wonder if there was a trauma on the right side.

He is not head shy but he demands respect while working around his head

Dislikes the sound and vibration of clippers.

This is very common with horses, so would only be a homeopathic symptoms if very strong AND you have worked a lot to sensitize him and it is getting worse.

 

Other

He travels well, loads easily, works well with a mild bit. I suspect he is the Fire element -  

Dr. Ward (www.holistichorsekeeping.com) has a book about matching the horses to their elements and how to use this for health.

He is sensitive and can be suspicious. He has “rules” about the way things are done with him.

When having his hooves trimmed, he lowers his head and licks his lips constantly to the point that he has bubbles forming all around his mouth.

Again, I would wonder about the feet being sore - Extremities, sensitive feet or nails (but small rubrics, so only if this is a clear symptom).  (He stays barefoot except when going to compete in a CDE.)

He will do pattern walking (not stall walking or fence line walking) in his grass paddock at about mid afternoon (about the time we would go for a drive when in training) even if there is another horse with him. He is bored so he entertains himself if there is nothing he can crib on

I really think the key is to keep him from being bored.

Phosphorus pops into my mind for him - smart, sensitive to noises, compulsions, repetitive thoughts,

 

Great horse website & books - www.HolisticHorseKeeping.com - Dr. Ward

 

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Candace: Are there any homeopathic remedies that have been shone to be useful in cribbing and weaving?  I did find that in one horse, who was definitely better outside, Pulsatilla cured early onset stall walking.

 

Dr. Chambreau: THIS IS EXCELLENT. You looked for a remedy that matched the horse, desire to be outside, rather than a remedy for stall walking.

 

Candace: Currently I am treating a pony mare who is a bad cribber, fairly fearless, and always ravenous. She cribs both inside and outside. The only time she does not crib is if she is eating.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Rubrics would be for repetitive behaviors, ravenous or insatiable appetite and any other characteristic symptoms.  Mind, thoughts compelling; Anxiety to do something; Ritualistic. Stomach, appetite ravenous or insatiable. Look at the sub rubrics.

 

Candace: I am also treating a thoroughbred mare who weaves even outside in a shed, is always spooky, but fortunately doesn’t need to run (she is a retired racehorse.)  I treated her years ago – before she became a weaver – with Lycopodium quite successfully as she would come in heavy heat but then try to kill the stallion if he tried to mount her (she broke several sets of hobbles and blew out of the tranquilizer.)  After the Lycopodium she was never again a breeding problem.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Has the Lycopodium been tried for the weaving? If it has not helped, I would look for an acute remedy associated with Lycopodium.

I find Abdur Rehman's book, encyclopedia of Remedy Relationships in Homeopathy to be great for this - saying that Lycopodium evolves toward Arsenicum or Lachesis (women) or towards Baryta-c, Phosphorus, or even Plumbum. Spooky of what? Repetitive behavior rubrics.  Again I would be thinking Phosphorus. When you are working up a case, you will think of possible remedies, and write these in the margin of your case notes, then forget them and find the characteristic symptoms, repertorize and find the remedy - it might or might not be what you were thinking of.

 

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Pamela: I have a Paso Fino that is prone to founder. This year he has even foundered on the hay this winter. In the past he has responded to Bryonia or Gunpowder remedies or a combination of alternating them. He also has a history of severe laminitis that he recovered from after 1 1/2 years. I was able to ride in regularly last summer. Which I consider amazing for how bad he was. His hooves still have not grown out all the way from having the laminitis but the redness was gone and he enjoyed riding through the fields and trails.

This is so disappointing for me. He has a very calm personality though he doesn't "like to be caught". He will do anything for food. He is a joy to ride because he is so responsive and responds to new things with more curiosity then fear, even when he is nervous. He is slightly head shy, though that has gotten much better over the years. I believe he was hit over the head by the breeders when they started training him. I am his second owner and have had him since he was 4. He is now 14.

He does live with chickens on our organic farm and 2 other horses that have no problems.

If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate the information. I will probably not be able to be online during the chat as I have another meeting but will look forward to seeing any suggestions you may have for me.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Founder can be successfully treated. Many horses have been healed simply by not vaccinating them (great story by Madelyn Ward about this with her own horse). You also need expert hoof care. I am not quite clear your question since it seems that he recovered from the founder and you are enjoying riding him. I would use Advanced Biologic Concepts free choice minerals (this is key for horse health), no pellets, organic whole oats and grass hay and medium pasture.

 

I would suggest you choose one the veterinarians from the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy who is in your area or who consults by phone and specializes in horses to help guide you until your horse is glowing with health.

Silicea may help the hooves finish growing, but you really need to find the remedy that best matches him and professional guidance is important. Study symptoms such as thirst, desire for heat and cold, manure, urine, skin, eye junk, etc. Soon we will have a Healthy Horse Journal to help you track symptoms.
 

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Anna: My daughter rescued a pony which among other health problems has "locked stifle". The pony is very skinny, and has a hard time putting on weight. It had a very large belly, was wormed several times but does not put on any weight. It has a sweet disposition and gets along with the other horses. He is only nine years old and not an alpha horse. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Dr. Chambreau: Rubrics would be Abdomen - distension, Stomach, appetite ravenous with marasmus; with emaciation; Generalities - emaciation; I am not a good enough equine vet to know the rubrics for locked stifle - would need  to speak more with you. See notes above.

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Dana: Hi Dr. Chambreau - I have a 2 1/2 yr. old Shetland mare named Sunshine who is very aggressive with her pasture mates (her 18 yr. old mom, Sweetie and our 22 yr. old quarter horse gelding, Thunder) when I feed them their oats and pelleted feed. She is very quick to pin her ears, turn and kick, and even bite if she feels the least bit threatened. Her mother responded nicely to 200c Nux Vomica, having had similar symptoms when we bought her 3 years ago just barely pregnant with Sunshine. I gave Sweetie the remedy at about 8 or 9 months gestation, and saw about a 70% improvement in her disposition, and she is able to be handled by my young daughter now. On the day of her birth, Sunshine walked up to me without hesitation when she was only a few hours old, and remained curious but not aggressive for several months. My homeopath suggested that I give Sunshine the same 200c Nux Vomica that her mom had responded well to, when we started noticing her behavior really escalating last year (at 1 1/2 - 2 years old). I wonder if hormonal changes are partly to blame, and maybe a different remedy fits her better now. She seems to be very smart, quick and energetic, and is physically well-balanced and a pretty pony, but this behavior makes her impossible for my kids to handle safely. Any ideas or suggestions you have are greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

 

Dr. Chambreau: If you have not given the Nux-v to Sunshine, please do. If that does not work at all, you need to look carefully at all symptoms and note if the aggression started after vaccines or something else specific. Then you can use "never well since" rubrics to find the better remedy. Once I treated the "cat from hell". Started with Nux-v 1M  with no response. Gave 5 other remedies, one month apart to no effect. Still thought it was Nux-v and gave 10M Nux-v and when my daughter and I visited a year later, my daughter said "this is the nicest cat I have ever seen." Hang in there - keep trying.