Liver Disease

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

Liver disease in pets as well as people is very complex. The scope of the pathology and disease is far beyond this short article.

The liver is the main filtering and clearing house of the body.  All blood supply travels through the liver to be detoxified. There are many causes of liver disease-genetics ( see portal shunts in the library) copper storage diseases, drug induced diseases, poisons,  pancreatitis, cushings disease, malnutrition, parasites, environmental stresses, cancer, trauma, and infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal), just to name a few. (see below)

When diagnosed early, treatment of liver disease can be very rewarding.  Diagnosis   includes blood tests (lab interpretations) such as an ALT (SGPT), alkaline phosphophotase, bilirubin, total protein, bile acids etc.  X-rays and ultrasounds  are also very important in the diagnose of this disease Liver biopsies may also be an invaluable aid in the determination of the type of liver disease.

Listed below are several of the more common diseases of cats and dogs:

Hepatic Encephalopathy:

A metabolic disorder affecting the CNS that develops as a result of hepatic disease causing seizures.. The end result is the accumulation of ammonia in the blood stream due to prolonged circulation of toxins in the blood stream from portal shunts, cirrhosis, or end stage liver disease.

Clinical signs include: excessive drooling in cats, behavior changes, visual defects (blindness), circling, pacing, anxiety, stupor and seizures. These signs are more prevent after eating due to the increased amount of ammonia in the blood stream affecting the brain.

Causes: portal shunts, infectious hepatitis, cirrhosis, dietary restriction of argenine in cats and ferrets.

Treatment: repair portal shunt if possible, low protein diet, antibiotics such as neomycin affecting intestinal flora to reduce the production of ammonia, lactulose to aid in the absorption of ammonia, and low protein diets.

Acute Hepatic Failure

A rapid loss of liver function due to death of liver cells.

Causes:  drugs, toxins, infectious diseases, and lack of oxygen.

Clinical signs: acute depression and illness-vomiting, icterus, diarrhea, seizures, hemorrhage

Diagnosis: abnormal laboratory values, abnormal x-rays and ultrasounds, and biopsy

Treatment: IV fluids, intestinal sedatives, plasma if indicated, antibiotics, vitamins

Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver)

The accumulation of fat within the liver.

Causes: loss of appetite which promotes the accumulation of lipid in the liver.   This leads to a decreased in liver function. Underlying causes include-primary liver disease, shunts, diabetes, intestinal disease, pancreatitis, cancer, and other illnesses causing loss of appetite.

Signs: loss of appetite, weight loss, icterus, vomiting, enlarged liver on palpation.

Treatment: Dietary therapy is the primary treatment .  High protein high calorie diets should be fed either by force feeding or by stomach tube. This process of tube feeding may last for 6-8 weeks.  In our practice we place a either a PEG tube or pharyngeal tube surgically.   Iv fluid therapy and antibiotics as well as vitamin therapy is also done.

Hepatitis Chronic Active

Inflammation of the liver resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory cells and scarring.  This disease is more common in dogs and is due to many causes.

Causes: infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, immune mediated diseases, copper storage diseases of Bedlingtons and Westies (see below).

Diagnosis: Laboratory tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, biopsies

Treatment: A diet of high calorie and low in protein (HILL’S LD Diet), IV fluids, steroids, broad spectrum antibiotics, ursodiol (Actigal), B-complex and vitamin K.

Copper Storage Disease: Bedlington Terriers and West Highland White Terriers :a genetic disease caused by accumulation of copper in the liver.    This may also be seen in Doberman Pinchers and Skye Terriers.  Copper is found in all foods then absorbed by the intestines, stored in the liver and excreted through the bile system.  These breed genetically have the inability to eliminate copper from the liver.  As many as 2/3 of Bedlingtons in the USA have this disease and may be clinically affected.  Westies do not show the clinical signs of the disease even though they may have high levels of copper.  Other breeds affected are cocker spaniels, keeshonds  and Labrador retrievers.

Diagnosis: Blood tests, x-ray, ultrasound and biopsy,

Treatment: Iv fluids, lactulose, d-penicillamine for binding the copper, and zinc acetate given before feeding. Vitamin C may also help reduce the absorption of copper??

Elimination of carriers if vital . A registry is available at the Canine Liver Registry, Veterinary Medical Data Base, 1235 SCC-A, Purdue University, West Lafayette, In. 47907

Infectious hepatitis:

A viral disease targeting the liver, kidneys, eyes, and blood stream.

Clinical signs: fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,

Diagnosis: Blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, liver biopsy.

Treatment:  This disease is preventable with vaccination. Treatment is supportive-IV fluids, antibiotics, highly digestible diets.

Leptosiprisos Hepatitis:

A bacterial disease caused by leptospirosis.  This is a potential communicable disease to people.

Clinical signs: Depression, loss of appetite, signs of kidney disease, respiratory disease.

Diagnosis: Blood tests, serum testing for leptospirosis, urine culturing

Treatment: IV therapy, Procaine penicillin G, or enrofloxicin

Other liver diseases include:abscess of the liver, benign tumors, cancer, toxins, parasites,

There are many types and clinical signs of liver cancer.  Treatment is often not rewarding as the disease is diagnosed when the cancer is to far advanced.  Diagnosis may be made by blood tests, x-ray, ultrasound, laproscopy, CAT scan, and exploratory surgery.

End stage liver (illustration) disease encompasses may types of pathology.   Cirrhosis is one form of end stage liver disease. As the disease progresses, the liver is unable to filter and process properly. As a result, the body is overwhelmed with toxins such as ammonia.  When this occurs , your pet may develop a seizure like disorder as a result of the toxins.  Diets low in protein as well as medications to bind the ammonia may be of use to help minimize the clinical signs as well as prolong your pet’s quality of life.

Lawn Chemicals, Pets & Cancer

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

The following news story was released by Reuters of Washington on April 20, 2004. We had to make sure all of you read this as it absolutely confirms what we have been saying for years and years—-lawn chemicals can and do cause cancer in dogs and children (and in other pets too we might add).  Here is the story in its entirety.

Lawn Chemicals Linked to Dog Cancer – U.S. Study

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A study that links lawn chemicals to bladder cancer in Scottish terriers could help shed light on whether they cause cancer in some people, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday. Purdue University researchers surveyed 83 owners of Scottish terriers whose pets had recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer for their report, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association.

“The risk … was found to be between four and seven times more likely in exposed animals,” said Larry Glickman, professor of epidemiology and environmental medicine in Purdue’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

“While we hope to determine which of the many chemicals in lawn treatments are responsible, we also hope the similarity between human and dog genomes will allow us to find the genetic predisposition toward this form of cancer found in both Scotties and certain people.”

Glickman and his colleagues earlier found that Scotties are about 20 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than other breeds. “These dogs are more sensitive to some factors in their environment,” Glickman said in a statement. “As pets tend to spend a fair amount of time in contact with plants treated with herbicides and insecticides, we decided to find out whether lawn chemicals were having any effect on cancer frequency.”

The National Cancer Institute 38,000 men and 15,000 women are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year. Humans and animals often share genes that can predispose them to cancer. “If such a gene exists in dogs, it’s likely that it exists in a similar location in the human genome,” Glickman said. “Finding the dog gene could save years in the search for it in humans and could also help us determine which kids need to stay away from lawn chemicals.” Glickman’s team plans to survey children, as well as dogs, in households that have treated lawns and compare the chemicals in their urine samples with those from households with untreated lawns.

“It’s important to find out which lawn chemicals are being taken up by both children and animals,” he said.       
End of Report

Why would one use these lethal toxic chemicals particularly when there is a safer, better way to make ones lawn “beautiful”.  Does it make sense to use a product that ends in “ide”? The suffix “ide” derives from the Greek word meaning death.  Obviously it is supposed to mean death to bugs and weeds, but death is death to all living things
eventually even bigger living beings such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and yes, people.

Does it make sense to study genes of dogs and people to see if they are  predisposed to cancer”?  With 1 out of every 2 people in the 21st century becoming a cancer statistic while in 1901 only 1 out of 8,000 people came down with cancer.

What are they going to do, study all of us and our DNA and genes?  Come on!  It is clear to those who have eyes to see, and brains to think, that the lethal chemicals are the root cause of cancer. That the chemicals need to go before there will be any semblance of health in this country and this world.

Think about it–who needs a lawn free of all weeds at all times?  Granted there is such a thing as pride in ones home and its appearance, but the chemicals don’t have to be a part of it. Why don’t these so called scientists provide people with alternatives that are good for our pets and for us people?  Something that is safe and does NOT cause cancer?  Is there money involved in the chemicals?  The cancer?  Think about it.

Yes, there is a safer alternative so we can have a nice lawn that is safe for our pets and our children and us to play on.  One that you don’t have to worry about tracking chemicals into your homes causing even further toxicity complications for our indoor pets. One that is not an “overnight” answer, but that is an answer in two to three years of applications.  Go to this page on our website for the details:
http://www.petmedicinechest.com/Lawns/lawnsnaturallytext2.asp

We thought all of you might like to know about this information.

Best regards,

The Team
www.petmedicinechest.com
pethelp@petmedicinechest.com
(402) 571-4466

If you wish to reprint this, you have our permission, but please do so in its entirety in order for our contact information to be available.

Intervertebral Disk Disease

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

Written by Dr. Alice Crook and taken from the Canine Inherited Disorders Database with permission

What is intervertebral disk disease?

Anatomy of the vertebral column and spinal cord: The vertebral column, or backbone, is made up of a series of small bones, the vertebrae. These bones surround and protect the spinal cord, the large collection of nerves through which information is transmitted between the body and brain. The spinal cord must be intact and undamaged in order to feel sensations (including touch and pain), and for normal movement of the body and limbs. The individual vertebrae are separated by intervertebral disks. These soft tissue structures allow for normal movement between the vertebrae, and also act as shock absorbers. The structure of these disks is important in understanding this disease. Each disk is composed of an outer layer, which is fibrous, and an inner portion, which is a jelly-like mass. The outer fibrous layer (called the annulus fibrosis) acts to contain the inner jelly-like portion (the nucleus pulposus) and prevent it from bulging outwards.

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) occurs when the jelly-like inner layer protrudes, or herniates, into the vertebral canal and presses on the spinal cord. Compression of the spinal cord may be minimal (causing mild back or neck pain) to severe (causing paralysis, loss of sensation, and lack of bladder and bowel control) and may be irreversible.

Problems are most commonly seen in the thoracolumbar (lower back) region of the spine, and are also seen in the cervical (neck) region. IVDD is seldom a concern in the thoracic (upper back) region, because extra ligaments connect the ribs and help to reinforce the annulus fibrosis.

Type I IVDD primarily occurs in chondrodystrophoid (or chondrodysplastic) breeds such as the Bassett hound, dachshund and corgi. These dogs were bred to have short, thick legs, and although this is normal for the breed, it is basically the result of abnormal development of cartilage. The intervertebral disks in these dogs gradually become more like cartilage than fibrous tissue; this increases the risk of rupture of the annulus fibrosis and herniation of the nucleus pulposus into the vertebral canal, causing IVDD. Disk herniation in these dogs occurs at a relatively young age (3 to 6 years), commonly occurs at several sites in the back, and causes intense pain.

Fibrous degeneration of disks (without calcification) occurs in older dogs of all breeds, but generally only causes problems in large-breed dogs. This is Type II IVDD; protrusion of disk material (without complete rupture of the annular layer as in Type I) usually only occurs at 1 disk and the clinical signs (pain, weakness or paralysis) generally develop more slowly and are less severe than with Type I IVDD.

With occasional exceptions, the Doberman pinsher is the only nonchondrodysplastic large breed dog to be affected by Type I IVDD, commonly in the neck region (cervical vertebral instability or Wobbler’s).

How is intervertebral disk disease inherited?

Unknown.

What breeds are affected by intervertebral disk disease?

Type I IVDD is common in the dachshund, and also occurs in many other chondrodystrophoid breeds including the Bassett Hound, Beagle, French Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, and Welsh Corgi.  It is also seen in breeds with chondrodystrophoid tendencies such as the Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle, and in the Doberman Pinscher.

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does intervertebral disk disease mean to your dog & you?

The clinical signs vary, depending on whether there is type I or II IVDD, where in the spine the herniation occurs, and the extent of the protrusion of disk material into the spinal canal. Signs with type I generally develop more quickly (over hours or even minutes) and are more severe. Depending on the location and extent of the pressure on the spinal cord, there may be pain in the neck region, lack of pain sensation in the limbs, and weakness or paralysis in any or all limbs. This is a very serious disease, which may result in permanent hind limb paralysis and incontinence if left untreated. While confinement may help initially in some cases, surgery is often required to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The outcome will depend on a number of factors (including the severity of clinical signs, whether pain perception is still present, and length of time between the onset of clinical signs and surgery, to name a few). While surgery may restore the animal to normal function, it is not always successful.

With type II IVDD, clinical signs usually develop slowly over months. Again there may be pain, and weakness or paralysis in any or all limbs.

How is intervertebral disk disease diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will strongly suspect spinal cord compression due to intervertebral disk disease if your chondrodystrophoid-breed dog presents with neck or back pain, +/- hind limb weakness or paralysis. Your dog may also become incontinent. Your veterinarian will examine your dog, and perform a neurological exam to test your dog´s reflexes and the function of nerves. The absence or in some cases, heightening, of reflexes will help to determine where the pressure on the spinal cord is occurring. Plain x-rays of the vertebral column are taken of suspect areas, to locate abnormalities of the vertebrae or mineralization of the intervertebral discs. A specialized radiographic technique called myelography is necessary to pinpoint the areas of spinal cord compression, if surgical repair is being considered. In order to do a myelogram, your dog is anesthetized, dye is injected into the spinal canal, and x-rays are taken which will show the exact location(s) of spinal cord compression. A spinal tap, also performed under general anesthesia, is done to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid and rule out other causes of your dog’s spinal cord disease. Your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary referral centre for these specialized radiographic techniques, and for possible surgery.

For the veterinarian: Although signs with type I IVDD usually progress more rapidly, this is not always the case. Also, there may be periods of improvement and subsequent deterioration over weeks or months (perhaps due to extrusion of small amounts of disk material over time). Neurologic deficits depend on the location of the injury. The main clinical sign with type I cervical spine disk disease is pain; less commonly there are proprioceptive deficits and tetraparesis or tetraplegia. Signs with type I thoracolumbar disease are generally more severe, and range from abdominal or back pain, to complete paraplegia and lack of deep pain perception.

Clinical signs with type II disease generally progress more slowly; paraparesis or tetraparesis are the most common findings. As with type I disease, deficits may be asymmetric.

How is intervertebral disk disease treated?

Treatment depends on several factors, including the extent and duration of clinical signs, and the findings on neurologic and radiographic examination. Surgery is the only way to remove disc material which is compressing the spinal cord, but surgery is not necessarily the first treatment of choice. Medical treatment may be successful when there is only mild to moderate pain, and no weakness or paralysis. Medical, or conservative, treatment consists of anti-inflammatory medication in combination with stri
ct cage rest (your dog will be confined to a cage, and let out only to urinate and defecate while on a leash). If your dog’s condition worsens, or there is no sign of improvement within a week or so, surgical treatment should be considered.

Surgery will be recommended, and will be necessary, if your dog shows more severe neurologic signs, or if your dog has repeated episodes of pain and muscle weakness. Where there is paralysis and loss of deep pain sensation, surgery to remove the pressure on the spinal cord should be performed within 24 hours, or there is likely to be permanent nerve damage.

The prognosis (prospect for recovery) after surgery ranges from fair to good, depending on factors such as the severity of clinical signs before surgery, the rapidity with which the signs developed, and the length of the interval between the onset of problems and surgery. Where there has been paralysis and loss of deep pain perception for more than 24 hours, surgery is not likely to result in improvement.

Once your veterinarian has examined your dog, s/he will discuss treatment options with you. If surgery appears to be the best option, s/he will likely discuss with you referral to an appropriate surgical facility, because of the specialized radiographic and surgical techniques required. With either surgical or medical treatment, intensive nursing care will be required.

Breeding advice

It is difficult to make breeding recommendations because, although the condition is common in some breeds, a mode of inheritance has not been determined. It is best to avoid breeding affected animals, and to carefully scrutinize their close relatives before including them in a breeding program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

Resources

LeCouteur RA, Child G. 1995. Diseases of the spinal cord. In EJ Ettinger and EC Feldman (eds) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, p. 629-696. WB Saunders Co., Toronto.

Stigen O, Christensen K. 1996. Calcification of intervertebral discs in the dachshund: an estimation of heritability. ACTA Veterinaria Scandinavica 34(3): 357-361.

Inducing Vomiting

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

Do Not Induce Vomiting If Your Dog:

1. Swallows an acid, alkali, solvent or heavy-duty cleaner;

2. Is severely depressed or comatose;

3. Swallows a petroleum product;

4. Swallows tranquilizers (which prevent vomiting);

5. Swallows sharp objects (which could lodge in the esophagus or perforate the stomach);

6. Or if more than two hours have passed since the poison was swallowed.

Induce Vomiting By Giving:

1. Syrup of ipecac (one teaspoonful per ten pounds body weight)

2. Hydrogen peroxide 3% (one to three teaspoonfuls every ten minutes; repeat three times);

3. One half to one teaspoonful of salt, placed at the back of the tongue.

Hypothyroidism

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

Written by Dr. Alice Crook and taken from the Canine Inherited Disorders Database with permission

related terms: familial thyroiditis, lymphocytic thyroiditis, congenital hypothyroid dwarfism

What is  hypothyroidism?>

The clinical signs of hypothyroidism are caused by a decrease in normal thyroid hormone activity. The disorder may be acquired (a progressive deficiency of thyroid hormone) or congenital (meaning the animal is born with the disorder). The acquired form is the most common disorder of the endocrine system in dogs. It occurs as a result of gradual atrophy of the thyroid gland or of gradual infiltration and replacement of the thyroid gland with lymphocytes due to an autoimmune process (lymphocytic thyroiditis).

Acquired hypothyroidism is generally seen in middle-aged (4 to 10 years) mid – to large breed dogs. Congenital hypothyroidism  is very rare.

How is hypothyroidism inherited?

unknown

What breeds are affected by hypothyroidism?

The following breeds have an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism: Afghan hound, Airedale terrier, boxer, Chinese Shar Pei, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, English Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Irish Setter, and Miniature Schnauzer.

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a general consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does hypothyroidism mean to your dog & you?

The changes due to gradually decreasing levels of circulating thyroid hormone are slow and insidious. Early signs (which are usually not recognized as being related to hypothyroidism) include lower energy levels and increased susceptibility to infections. As the disease progresses, you will likely notice changes in your dog’s hair coat – symmetrical hair loss with or without darkening of the skin, and dry or greasy hair. Other signs of hypothyroidism include a slow heart rate, lethargy, mental dullness, intolerance to cold, infertility in males and females, constipation, and weight gain. Less commonly, a dog with hypothyroidism may experience heart disease, a bleeding disorder, profound muscular weakness associated with abnormalities in the muscles or nerves, or another endocrine disorder such as diabetes mellitus.

Congenital hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal growth and maturation of the nervous and skeletal systems. Puppies with congenital hypothyroidism will have stunted growth as well as many other abnormalities. Severely affected puppies most likely die before weaning.

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

Because there is such a broad range of possible clinical signs, hypothyroidism can be quite difficult to diagnose. Blood tests may show certain suggestive (but non-specific) abnormalities. If your veterinarian suspects this condition, s/he will perform laboratory tests to assess thyroid function.

FOR THE VETERINARIAN:

1. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY: Suggestive findings include hypercholesteremia, mild nonregenerative anemia, elevated serum creatnine kinase (CK), and hypoglycemia
2. CONFIRMATION: Measurement of free T4 (FT4) and canine thyroid-stimulating hormone (cTSH) are the tests of choice to diagnose hypothyroidism, and to differentiate the primary from the secondary form. [Secondary hypothyroidism is much less common.] Some laboratories can also test for thyroid autoantibody levels (TgAA) which is helpful in the early diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis. This may provide useful information for breeders. [See reference 2 for a good discussion of tests.]
3. RADIOGRAPHS: In congenital hypothyroidism, there are typical radiographic changes including epiphyseal closure, shortened vertebral bodies, kyphosis, and arthritis. Epiphyseal dysgenesis (ragged epiphyses with a few foci of calcification) is pathognomonic for congenital hypothyroidism.

How is hypothyroidism treated?

The standard treatment is levo-thyroxine given once a day. This must be continued for life. Within a week of starting treatment, your dog’s attitude and activity levels should improve. It can take up to 6 weeks before there is noticeable improvement in the skin and hair coat, but eventually all abnormalities should completely resolve.

Dogs on thyroid replacement can live a normal life. Your veterinarian will monitor thyroid hormone levels periodically and adjust the dose if required. Certain other illnesses may also necessitate dosage adjustment.

Congenital hypothyroidism is treated the same way. Clinical signs are usually completely reversed with subsequent normal physical and mental growth and development, as long as the condition is recognized and treatment started very early (3 to 4 months of age).

Genetic counseling

Although inheritance of this disorder has not been determined, it is advisable not to breed affected dogs. The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) maintains a thyroid registry based on assessment of FT4, cTSH, and TgAA, which is useful for breeders attempting to choose dogs free of hypothyroidism for a breeding program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

Resources

Chastain, C.B., Panciera, D.L. 1995. Hypothyroid diseases. In S.J. Ettinger and E.C. Feldman (eds.) Textbook of veterinary Internal medicine. p. 1487-1501. W.B. Saunders Co., Toronto.

Peterson ME, Melian C, Nichols R. Measurement of serum total thyroxine, triodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyrotropin concentrations for diagnosis of hypothyroidism in dogs. JAVMA  1997; 211(11):1396-1402. This reference clearly explains the different tests available, and the significance and interpretation of the results.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: www.offa.org

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

Hyper (meaning excessive) and trophy or tropic (refers to growth), so the name describes an abnormal and excessive growth of bone (os) in specific locations.

There is swelling and thickening at the ends of long bone shafts. There is also swelling of the surrounding soft tissue. It is accompanied at times with fever, loss of appetite, inability or reluctance to move, severe pain. In fact the pain may occur in all 4 limbs at the same time making the dog reluctant to move at all. There is hyperextension of joints and sometimes angular deformities in the bones of lower limbs, such as bowing of the foreleg below the elbow, turned out front feet (east/west). There may even be depression and sometimes pain in the jaw as well. Diarrhea may also precede any episode. The dog may display partial paralysis in the rear, very weak (slanted) pasterns with splayed feet and swollen wrists or foreleg joints. When the dog stands, he/she may stand with back arched and all 4 limbs tucked under the body. Symptoms may recur throughout growth cycles.

Age of onset is usually between 2 to 7 months. It can affect both males and females, but is more common in males.

There is no known cause although there are several thoughts of what may have a contributing factor : Canine distemper virus is associated with this disease, excessive mineralization takes place which results in calcium deposits at the affected sites. It appears that like panosteitis, early rapid growth rate is also a factor just as it is in hip dysplasia. Nutritional imbalance is also considered to be a factor in this disease.

Correct diagnosis should be made with x-rays. As young bones grow, the end sections are continually changing in composition between cartilage and bone. A short distance from the end of the bone is a transverse line of cells known as a growth plate. In order to make the bone grow in length, cartilage near the end of the bone shaft is replaced with bone cells while bone in the epiphysis (end) is transformed to cartilage at the growth plate (metaphyseal). Cartilage on the far end of the epiphysis (end of bone) ossifies, and is added to by simple cell-division growth. The greatest growth changes occur in the lower ends of the long bones of lower legs where growth is more rapid. The periosteum is the tough, smooth, elastic white covering of bones and it serves as a point of attachment for other connective tissue such as ligaments, tendons and cartilage and muscles to attach to.

Treatment should consist of controlling the pain foremost. Secondly, correcting any nutritional imbalance is of utmost importance. Do not supplement puppies with calcium as this only makes the situation worse or can bring on this disease.

Those that have studied HOD have concluded that it is probably a metabolic disorder. An imbalance of minerals, protein, and vitamins interferes with normal deposition of calcium phosphate (bone) and leads to the physical and visual changes causing excess calcium deposits. It is also thought that because the livers of young pups become stressed by the vaccines against distemper, hepatitis, and other viral disorders, and it is the liver where most of the dog’s Vitamin C comes from, the shots or vaccines temporarily disrupt the natural synthesis of Vitamin C. The larger, faster growing breeds require more ascorbate/vitamin C than their livers can keep up to the demand of because of the enormous demand of collagen production needed. It would be very wise not to over feed or supplement with Vitamins A or D or calcium. Excessive calcium supplementation can exacerbate the pain and will make the HOD worse. Keep puppies on the thin side. Use a high quality, but not high energy (calorie) food. The dog with HOD may even have a copper deficiency, a diet too high in protein and calories, a microbial infection, a challenged immune system, or any combination. Since HOD seems to come in waves, it stands to reason that there may be a multiple cause of HOD.

Medical management of HOD should be to stop the diarrhea, relieve the pain, lower the fever, and possibly get rid of any parasites.

Like Panosteitis, HOD will correct itself over time and symptoms usually stop by the time the dog reaches 2 years of age. It is traumatic because of the pain it causes the puppy and the owner’s feeling of helplessness and frustration.

You should be aware that some dogs are left with permanently bowed forelegs because of the fact that the ulna has grown at a different rate than the radius. Some dogs are also cow-hocked for life. Most however, survive the effects of HOD without permanent damage.

Heimlich Maneuver For Choking Canines

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

Heimlich maneuver for choking canines (link)

Hot Spots

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

by Ms Dany Canino

The term “Hot Spot” is used to describe a sore that dogs get from chewing and scratching themselves because they feel “itchy”. To compare the feeling; it´s like when a human gets bitten by a mosquito and then you start to scratch. You seem compelled to continue scratching until the affected area becomes red, raw, and sometimes bleeding. In the animal and the human this is called an allergic reaction.

Hot spots are technically called “superficial moist dermatitis”. When the pet feels itchy they first try scratching the area. Continued scratching causes the area to become sore and inflated. Then the pet resorts to licking or chewing the area. This entire procedure results in a “hot spot”, especially the biting and licking because of the moisture and saliva from the pet´s mouth. This will further lead to fungus, bacteria, and infection, if the cause is not located and subsequently treated.

There are many causes for hot spots.

Any of the four causes are not catastrophic. You can treat them yourself. But, just as a doctor insists you finish every antibiotic of your prescription, treatment of a hot spot means being consistent and un-relenting.

If it´s fleas a little time and effort can remedy this. There are many new products on the market to help ensure that fleas won´t affect your dog. (These products help to prevent fleas from ever invading your dog. Check with your Veterinarian and/or your local pet shop.) However, if your dog has an existing problem, before you can put one of these new products on your dog you´ll have to do a few things. You´ll have to give your dog a flea bath (done by yourself or by a professional groomer). You´ll need to spray your yard with a good (environmentally safe) yard flea spray. If your dog is in the house you´ll need to spray this too. If your dog is taken to a groomer for the flea bath, be sure that after you drop him off you either spray inside your car or set off a flea bomb in your car. Remember, you traveled a dog with fleas on him in that car, so it´s pretty obvious that he dropped a flea or two in you car.

If there is too much protein in your dog´s diet, that too, is an easy remedy. Most dogs are fed a diet that is too high in protein. Unless a dog is a true working animal (Police Dog, sled dog, working farm dog) there is no reason to give that dog a food higher in protein than 20% to 24%. A dog that is getting more protein than he can burn up ends up with excessive protein in his system. This means that this left over protein burns up in the dog´s system causing the dog to itch. The more he scratches, the more likely he will develop a hot spot.

If you brush your pet´s coat a minimum of two times a week, you will certainly lessen your dog´s chances of getting a hot spot. It doesn´t matter whether your pet has short hair or long. You simply use a different type of brush. Under normal circumstances you can bathe your pet once or twice a month, depending on whether or not he is being brushed on a regular basis and whether or not your pet is being kept in a clean environment.

The fourth possible cause of a hot spot is a little more complex. Your Veterinarian, through a simple blood test, can determine possible food allergies.

Until you determine what has caused the hot spot, you´ll need to not delay in treating the problem. Start by cleaning the affected area thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide. Apply a cortisone cream to the affected area. (You can purchase this cream at your local drugstore.) This will help to stop the itching. Usually this cream offers a bitter taste to the dog that wants to lick. However, if your dog happens to like this taste, sprinkle a little bit of foot powder on the area. This product usually has sulphur in it and tastes very bitter. It will also help to dry up the sore

Many veterinarians like to use any number of steroids to treat the problem. Some of these might be: “Cortisone” – “Prednisalone” – or “Prednisone”. All of these drugs do help to stop the itching, but they should be given minimally. If given for long periods of time they could cause your pet to dissipate their own natural body cortisone or antibodies. Overuse of steroids can also possibly cause some kidney or liver damage. Many veterinarians prefer to “drip” these products directly onto the hot spot. Don´t be afraid to discuss your concerns about the use of steroids with your veterinarian. You should know by now that your pet is important to him too.

There are so many good products that can be purchased right over the counter to remedy this problem in your pet that your beloved friend need not suffer for any long period of time. By brushing your pet on a steady basis you soon learn to be “on the lookout” for anything out of the ordinary on the dog´s body. If a hot spot is found, start treatment immediately. This way you´ll be eradicating the situation before it gets out of control.

Remember that a symptom always has a cause and, helping to eliminate the cause is within your reach, both financially and physically. Your pet does not have to suffer needlessly.

Homeopathic Medicine

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

submitted by Colby Homer – HOMER HILL

with Questions and Answers By Cristina Chambreau, DVM

this article was written in 1993

I´ve been involved with this wonderful breed for 18 years. Early on I was taught “When you stop learning about Dobes, that´s when it’s time to get out!”, so I always strive to keep my eyes and ears open. Over the years I have observed many with the same wish to learn and improve the breed `and resultant educational programs, improvements in genetic testing and overall care and conditioning. I also began to hear the same theme over and over in different ways: “The breed is in trouble”, “We’ve created genetic time bombs”, “The dogs of the past were better, healthier, etc.” Well, no one can really answer for certain the past vs. the present controversy, but there is no doubt that dogs in the past had a healthier environment (air, water), less stress (how many shows a year?), a better quality of grains and meats available (less soil depletion, less drugs in meats, less preservatives) and less assault on the immune system (fewer vaccines, less often, again less stress of life, less medication, etc, etc.)! So how do we create a balance and do our part to help the Dobermans of today? By giving them a healthier, simpler life and making an effort to implement improvements in the maintenance of our dogs´ health. By the old saying, “all that´s old is new again”, more and more serious dog people are implementing holistic medicine into their routine care; as well as acupuncture and homeopathy. Homeopathy was a concept first published in 1810 by Samuel Hahnemann, its founder. This concept, which is an idea of analyzing and prescribing for the whole individual rather than just (fragmented) symptoms, has been extensively tested and researched, (tested only on people, then used successfully on people, then on animals) and despite the repression of drug companies and the contemporary medical community, it is gaining more and more attention probably just because it Works! You see, the major part of contemporary medicine is geared toward controlling and counteracting symptoms and disturbances. It almost completely ignores the body´s innate ability to heal itself, given the right supports. Contemporary medicine generally treats symptoms like an enemy which must be controlled and suppressed. Standard (contemporary) drugs are used to take the place of normal body processes: (hormonal drugs), inhibit body responses: (painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines), or weaken or kill bacteria or cancer cells: (antibiotic chemotherapy and radiation therapy). Symptoms expressed represent the individual´s vitality defence mechanism (“vital force”) and its attempt to throw off a disturbance by diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, pus formation, etc. Homeopathic medicine, in short, works with the actions of the symptoms, gently helping the body regain health. Samuel Hahnemann called this the “Law of Similars” (Simila Similibus Curentur – Like is cured by Like) and his basic theory is “A disease can be cured by whatever medicine produces similar symptoms when given to a healthy person.”

A competent homeopathic practitioner can read a set of signals from an illness. With multiple symptoms present he is able to choose a single remedy effective for them all. This is possible since there are 2,000 well documented, non-toxic remedies available to the practitioner. The specially prepared substances used as remedies may contain minute doses of herbs, minerals, animal products (examples: bee venom, poison ivy) and various other products. These substances are diluted to the point that only minuscule amounts actually enter the body. In some doses the dilution is so extreme it goes beyond the point where the substance could act through molecular strength. This phenomenon has created a debate of how these diluted substances actually work and have fuelled the cries of `Quackery´ expressed by contemporary medical practitioners in regards to homeopathic medicine in general. However, homeopathic medicine practitioners have proven its potencies are released by grinding and shaking of its tablets and liquids and have precise measurements and methods to assure its dosages.

There is no denying that there are virulent micro-organisms (viruses, etc.) and environmental assaults of all kinds, but individuals who are exposed equally to these factors vary tremendously in their resistance. So the most important factor in susceptibility to disease of any sort is the strength of the immune system.

How to strengthen the immune system and prevent disease is a cornerstone of holistic philosophy. In all probability, superior nutrition is the most important factor in preventing disease and maintaining a high quality of life. Conventional veterinary practitioners pay little attention to diet and education is usually up to the serious Dobe owner to discover on their own. But the vast majority of us in this fast moving world open a bag and a can for meal time. This method of feeding has only been available for the last few decades and these foods don’t contain things we wish they did, and do contain things we wish they didn’t. Vitamins present in original ingredients or added may be lost before they ever hit the bowl; destroyed by heat processing, presence of oxygen and by ingredient interaction. And of course, there is the bottom line; in a recent article I read on nutrition, a dry food manufacturer stated that if their food was produced with premium meats such as whole chicken, eggs and no preservatives, a forty pound bag would cost about $245.00! In most states laws allow pet food makers to use “4-D” sources of meat – dead, dying, disabled or diseased upon arrival at the slaughterhouse. These low quality meats have been linked to cancer, contain pesticide residue and possibly even heavy metals. If this much shortened list of horrors (without even touching on the preservative debate) has you ready for a dietary change for your Dobe, an excellent source for home cooked diets is “Dr. Pitcairn´s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats”. (see “Sources” at the end of the article) or you can compromise as I have and feed a “natural” dry food with fresh cooked meats, raw vegetables and a little dairy product. It is not that labor intensive and I am able to continue this diet even while away at shows! The inclusion of supplements in the diet for today´s Dobe is recommended by most practitioners. Brewers yeast, vitamin C, Kelp and Vitamin E are basics, and, if you are really alert, you will be able to tailor supplements as needed. Some Dobes may need other vitamins as well as those mentioned above and an all natural diet may need bone meal.

Another concern of homeopathic and more recently, contemporary practitioners, is the effect of vaccines upon the immune system. Dr. Jean Dodds is an example. She has been a mainstay of the Doberman medical community and known to us all for her informative articles on our breeds´ genetic health concerns. Her article in the July 1990 “AKC Kennel Gazette”, “1990 Update on Autoimmune Diseases”, attributes the rapid rise in autoimmune (immune mediated; diseases in some breeds to “such factors as genetic and sex predisposition, nutritional influences, virus infections or frequent use of modified live virus vaccines and pituitary-thyroid axis imbalances.” In short, the medical community agrees that no vaccine is completely safe or completely effective. There is so much information on vaccines available that
the thinking Dobe owner has to now decide what route is best for their dogs and to intelligently balance the possible side effects with the benefits of disease prevention. Look at your new puppy; do want to proceed with 7 or 8 vaccines repeated many times in the first year of life: (example: Killed Parvo – 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 weeks of age or do you want to proceed with the more conservative route as some practitioners of holistic and contemporary medicine are now suggesting and use only the vaccines necessary for adequate protection in your region and to conform with the law. An example of this modified schedule would be: Rabies, Distemper/Hepatitis and Killed Parvo. There is even discussion on the number of  “boosters” a puppy actually needs! While on the subject of puppies, the point has also been made that giving vaccinations in the same time period that anesthetics are administered or surgery performed (i.e.: ear cropping), can introduce the vaccine process when the immune system will be depressed for three weeks or more.

Almost everyone that has been involved with a Dobe for any length of time has either witnessed or experienced some type of coat problem, either minor or major. The drug of  choice for hives, pustules, etc. is usually a corticosteroid such as “Prednisone” or “Medrol” and this family of drugs can also depress the immune system and ultimately disease resistance. Dr. Richard Pitcairn, one of the foremost homeopathic veterinary practitioners in our country, suspects that many skin problems at least partially reflect the body´s response to frequent vaccination. He also mentions that he sees problems most often after distemper and parvovirus vaccinations and other practitioners report rabies as the most troublesome. These problems can cause acute disease or a chronic health problem (skin problems in Dobes?) over a long period. This disorder is called “vaccinosis”. In most cases, homeopaths have found it necessary to antidote the effects of vaccinations (not the vaccine itself) before full health can be restored. Also, a homeopathic antidote regimen exists for those using conventional vaccines and hoping to avoid side effects but it is best to use treatment by a skilled practitioner.

There is a homeopathic alternative to contemporary vaccinations, however; widely used in Europe. This disease prevention method, called nosodes, is given by mouth, follows an easy initial regimen and then is given once every six months for life. One nosode is given at a time and is extremely safe and free from side effects with an established record of effectiveness. Nosodes exist for Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis/Hepatitis, Kennel Cough, and also for Staphloccal and Lyme Disease. Rabies injections are still necessary to comply with the law and disease prevention, of course, but the above mentioned antidote regimen could be utilized before administration. All readers should take note that the controversy regarding Corona vaccine is gaining momentum … problems have been reported in Dobes and at a recent veterinary symposium the effectiveness of the vaccine, due to the administration route (injection), has been placed in doubt. According to experts, corona vaccine is only effective when given oral-nasally, (like some Kennel Cough vaccines)!

So, in this rather lengthy discussion of vaccines I´ve attempted to show alternatives that are safe, stimulate thought and discuss yet another way to protect the immune system of Dobes. Nosodes are available from homeopathic practitioners, are low in cost, and can be started at any age. Further information is in the “Q and A” section.

One cannot end any discussion of the immune system in regards to Dobermans without a few words on thyroid problems. It is endemic in our breed and in all probability multi-factored in causation. Some Dobes thyroid falters from genetic causes but there is a real probability that some thyroid problems are triggered by external contributory causes; too many antibiotics, vaccinations, too much stress, improper diet for individual need or even environmental deprivation: a lack of fresh air, pure water and natural light. These all or in part, could be a factor in a thyroid imbalance. Keep in mind that in people, the daily thyroid output is about a millionth of a gram … a Dobe could be even less! Conventional thyroid medication replaces natural function and the thyroid atrophies. Homeopathic medicine has alternative treatment/medication that stimulates the thyroid and in some cases, returns it to normal function. Again, a comparison and alternative open to you and your Dobe.

These key points are vital in looking at the total picture of maintaining and supporting the immune system and ultimately the health of your Dobe. The choices are yours to make. Holistic medicine really should be spelled “wholelistic” because it encompasses all of life: environment, emotional well being, health maintenance, disease prevention, and of course supportive cure of disease through the use of homeopathic medicine.

We know that homeopathic medicine is derived from natural sources; (herbal, mineral, animal) and we have discussed ways to support the immune system to prevent health problems and promote longevity and soundness. But an introduction to holistic medicine would not be complete without mentioning the mental and emotional health of our Dobes and a holistic way to keep them functioning at their best. After all, we must always keep in mind the fact that the emotional state can affect the physical. That theory developed into the practice of psychoneuroimmunology: i.e. – the role of stress in precipitating disease. Dr. Edward Bach, a London physician, in the 1930’s discovered and developed extracts of flowers to relieve stress, anger, fear and obsessions. He produced a set of thirty eight remedies with no side effects and the innate ability to begin the desired improvements in a short time span. Chronic disorders requiring long term use have documented permanent improvement after discontinuing Bach Remedies and they are actively used in mental institutions today.

The Bach Remedies are used widely for house pets of all varieties, racehorses and, of course, show stock. It is important for the sceptic to remember that animals cannot exhibit a “placebo effect” …. they really do work! The Bach Remedies have tremendous uses for maximizing our Dobes quality of life and choosing a Remedy is simple. A few examples of Bach Remedies follow and ordering information is in the “sources” section at the end of this article.

Possible indications for use of a Bach Remedy:

• WILLOW: for resentment … dogs that urinate on furniture or drapes, chew shoes, ignore owner when returned from their handler.

• MIMULUS: the dog afraid of specific things … thunder, men, etc.

• STAR OF BETHLEHEM: for any trauma, noted for use in rescued dogs.

• AGRIMONY: for self chewers, destructive dogs, restless dogs.

• GORSE: for dogs that show signs of hopelessness or refuse to eat after a severe illness or injury (cancer, accident, etc.)

• IMPATIENS: any nervous condition or any form of pain or impatience.

• HOLLY: for vicious, aggressive, suspicious o
  r jealous animals.

• SCLERANTHUS: for balance difficulties and strokes, recommended in combination with Rescue Remedy for motion sickness.

Dr. Bach’s best known remedy was his only combination remedy, aptly named the “Rescue Remedy”. A special combination of five remedies, this is an important addition to a Dobe owners tack box. Travel, pre-show, change of owner, injury, pre and post surgery, even emergency heart problems have documented successful uses of Rescue Remedy.

General directions for use of all Bach Remedies for Dogs:

Depending on the size of the dog – 1 to 3 drops by mouth – or 2-4 drops of Remedy into a one ounce dropper bottle-filled with spring water and shake 20 times (to release potency). Give four times daily, but in extreme need it can be given every thirty minutes. Rescue Remedy can be given as often as needed in times of crisis. A maximum of four different remedies can be used at one time on dogs … Rescue Remedy counts as one.

Homeopathic medicine and the Doberman Pinscher is such a logical combinations I am sure everyone can appreciate when living with Dobes and their health concerns that there are occasionally “grey areas” when treating a problem, ailment, or condition that the best conventional veterinarian or experienced breeder cannot resolve. The more in depth my studies and experiences in homeopathic medicine become, the more I realize its value in providing a more complete and effective care for our dogs; often giving the answers conventional medicine cannot. It is important to know that homeopathy is very specific and precise and follows very strict guidelines. Homeopathic practitioners are veterinarians with additional training to become homeopathic practitioners. There is most certainly more than one right way to provide the correct care in every aspect of your Dobes life! It is so reassuring to know there are alternatives and we are not bound to the singular viewpoint of cure.

I said at the beginning of this article that I was taught to never stop leaning about and for, Dobermans. Education is what keeps our breed moving forward and in that spirit I have offered you this introduction to homeopathy. But no introduction to homeopathic medicine written by a lay person would be complete without a question and answer section written by a homeopathic veterinarian. I have asked Christina Chambreau, DVM of Sparks, MD who has been of endless patience, good humour and accurate diagnosis to me and my Dobes, to provide us with a few answers and comments.

Dr. Chambreau no longer accepts new clients as she has expanded her well respected lecture schedule. She is available for seminars and lectures in 1994. Information on how to contact her is in the “source” section. However, Dr. Chambreau has provided me with a list of veterinary homeopaths to include in the “Source” section. Please keep in mind homeopaths are able to ,successfully treat over the phone! Rates by phone are usually by the minute and after the initial consultation, are not expensive.

Q AND A

Dr. Chambreau:

Thank you for wanting to learn more about a way of treating that can make a huge difference with your dogs. Many of you have been doing this for years. Those of you who are having success with alternative therapies often stop going to your conventional veterinarians because your animals are so healthy that there seems to be no need. The need is in educating the veterinarians. Right now all they see are those cases where holistic medicine of any kind has NOT WORKED. No wonder they are sceptical. Many veterinarians I know got interested because of seeing and hearing about the successes their clients were having with their animals. This is a contribution you can make.

Also, write successes to your magazines, remembering that because a specific remedy or certain acupuncture points, or certain herbs cured one dog of a certain problem, a different dog may need very different treatment. Sharing what got cured shows others the possibility of health.

Thirdly, someone may want to start a holistic registry, for animals being treated with good diet, different disease protection and pertaining to alternative therapies. I frequently have clients who want their next pet to be from cured parents.

Q: I am sure that everyone is aware that the number of veterinary homeopaths number far less than conventional practitioners. Please explain how homeopaths are able to successfully diagnose and treat via phone conversations.

A: Most homeopathic practitioners prefer seeing their patients. Until recently, there were so few of us across the country that we had to treat by phone only. Because homeopathic medicines are prescribed more on the history, personality, preferences and individuality of the animal (or person) than on the current symptoms (except in acute situations). What you as the owner tell me is more important than what I can see in a brief visit. Sometimes when prescriptions are not curative the animal must be seen by the homeopath. Of course, any time there is a pathological problem, it must be diagnosed and the animal needs to be physically examined by a veterinarian, conventional or holistic.

Q: Why can’t you mix holistic and conventional medicines?

A: Why can´t you mix? Homeopathic medicines stimulate the body to heal itself, to actually produce the symptoms it needs to have for a short while that are necessary to restore the innate balance of the body. They work on such a deep level that apparently genetic problems can be removed from a line or a breed. (Note: call Jean Chase – 315-834-9217 who has used homeopathy on Dobes for years and see if she has a good example of this. Laura Kialaunas has great examples of clearing of bloat and wobblers after 3 generations of no vaccine and homeopathic treatment of parents, but she has Great Danes. Her number if you need it is 516-732-7251.)

Conventional medicines work to get rid of the symptoms the body has been making to try to rebalance itself. So they are usually diametrically opposed. If an animal is on continuing medication (for epilepsy, thyroid, diabetes, autoimmune disease, etc), they need to be slowly removed from the medication as they show positive reactions to the homeopathic medicine. One key to remember about homeopathy is that it is committed to a cure. A cure is when the animal needs NO MORE medication – ever – and the symptoms are gone – forever – and the animal is healthier in every way including getting fewer and much less severe acute ailments and reactions. Continuing to give conventional medicines cannot ever be a cure. Sometimes even using something as apparently innocuous as our common ear and wound salves containing antibiotics and steroids (read your labels) can stop true healing from happening.

Q: Would you list what you feel are basic necessities for a beginner wanting to do routine care homeopathically?

A: The basic necessity is education. Read all
the books Colby has listed and any others you can find. Talk to other people. Go to courses. Be aware that veterinarians can be listed as holistic with no certification and with no real experience or knowledge. Ask what training they have had and be thinking about what they prescribe and if the results are what you were looking for. Following is a list of some basic home care remedies for holistic care. The best quality food ingredients to prepare food. Calendula, hypericum, euphrasia, different Rescue Remedies for topical application: all in the different forms of creams, sprays, tinctures, and ointments. A homeopathic first aid kit with the basic remedies. (See sources list). Bach flower or other flower essences (these either help or do not work at all, they never hurt). A very healthy dose of patience, since we must give the body time to heal itself and be willing to tolerate symptoms for awhile.

Q: Can you suggest a dosage and potency for the beginner to use when using when using remedies on their own? When is it time to call your homeopath instead of beginning treatment yourself? When is it prudent to go to a conventional veterinary office when one has first tried homeopathic methods? When, how and how often to use homeopathic medicine on your own?

Anyone can learn how to use homeopathy very effectively on their own.

Several cautions:

1. Never give remedies longer than 1 month without working with a competent homeopath.
2. Never give any potency higher than 12ccs daily. Even 12ccs and lower can be harmful if given too often. Remember that the very low potencies of 3x, 6x, 3c have Molecules of the original substance in them, so they can cause toxicity if given too long or too frequently.
3. If something acute happens (injury, fright, diarrhea, vomiting, upper respiratory), improvement should be rapid (1-4 days at moat). If you do not get Improvement and have tried the remedies you know should work, or if you are worried about the seriousness of the condition, contact your homeopathic practitioner or go to your conventional veterinarian. Chronic conditions take a long time to clear up maybe years. If you are working with a homeopathic practitioner (or acupuncture or other holistic modality) and you are not satisfied with your results, talk with them about it. You should always be seeing some improvements. Even the most competent practitioners may not be able to get the right perspective on your animal and they should be willing to refer you.

In a crisis, give the remedies while you are on the way to your conventional veterinarian, and call your homeopath as soon as you can.

Q: I mentioned holistic thyroid medication in my article. Can you explain the differences and if it would be an effective medication for all hypothyroid (low) conditions?

A : Homeopathically, there is no one medicine for any one condition. The medicines are chosen for the individual animal. Glandular supplements to support the thyroid are fine to use in every animal suspected with this condition, but may not help all of them. Also, you should NEVER have to stay on a medication, not even herbal or glandular. (Sometimes incurable conditions do well staying on meds, but that is not the goal of holistic medicine, and is rarely needed.

Q: Since holistic medicine is non-toxic, what medications (generally speaking) are required to have a prescription from a licensed practitioner?

A: Often homeopathic remedies with potencies of 200c and above are prescription. Certain other remedies made from diseased tissue (nosodes) need a prescription. Just ask for what you want and you will be told if you need a prescription. Animal disease nosodes need to be purchased from a veterinarian since we share our experiences and make new recommendations.

Q: Panosteitis is sometimes a problem in our breed. Some feel it is genetic, some feel it is dietary and yet others view it as infection. What would be the holistic method for treatment in a typical case?

A: The holistic treatment would be good diets, not vaccinating and looking for the correct therapy. Homeopathically, each case of panosteitis would be treated individually with the remedy that matches not only the bone disease but everything else that is characteristic about the dog. When the parents are cured, they will stop passing on this problem, whether it is genetic or not.

Q: What is a nosode and as a vaccination medium, how does it differ from contemporary Vaccines?

A: Natural infection with a disease follows certain steps in the body. First the organism tries to penetrate the body and is fought off by the nasal hairs, the tracheal cillia, the stomach acids and cell linings, the mucus, etc. If the organism penetrates that level, an “intruder alert” call goes out to the rest of the body – “get ready, we have something trying to come in”. Next it is getting into the lymph system and being fought off there. Then finally it may get into the blood and become a systemic infection showing symptoms of the disease and maybe even killing the susceptible animal. Vaccines, however, sneak in the back door straight to the blood stream. There is no gearing up of the whole body defence mechanisms. Yes, antibodies are made to mostly protect against that specific virus, of that specific type, from harming the body, but overall the body is weakened because of the sneak attack. Nosodes, entering by absorption in the mouth, probably into an energy system of the body that we do not understand, stimulate the whole body to be less susceptible to any disease, especially that one. If the animal was susceptible to that disease (not just the specific virus, but any disease like it) it is now less susceptible.

To carry this a step further, if you have been treating your animals a way that has made them healthy (no need for any treatments, on-going supplements, or on-going avoidance of “allergenic substances”), they will usually be able to fight off ANY INFECTION, by ANY ORGANISM. They are just too healthy to get sick. It is beat to have this be your goal, rather than resorting even to nosodes.

Vaccine inserts say to administer to healthy animals only. Nosodes should also be used only in healthy animals. If your animal is healthy, she will not be susceptible to infections, so bottom line is to not need protection.

Remember, even when vaccinated, dogs die of Parvo. Using nosodes, some dogs also can die of Parvo. Using nothing, some dogs can die of Parvo. This applies to all diseases. The best is to be working with a homeopathic practitioner to treat any diseases that occur, to attain health.

Dr. Chambreau, thank you for taking the time to give us these explanations.

Gold Bead Implants

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, Health

Gold Bead Implantation in Small Animals

submitted by Terry Durkes, DVM
909 N. Western Avenue
Marion, IN 46952, USA
Tel: 1-765-664-0734
E-Mail : durkes1@mcleodusa.net

Website: http://www.durkesanimalhospital.com/

International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) 25th Annual Congress

(reprinted with Dr. Durkes’ permission)

Introduction

Modifying the original technique started by Dr. Grady Young, we began gold bead implantation in 1975. The initial work was done on a group of 7 German Shepherds, all of which had hip dysplasia. When placing our gold beads, we did not know what to expect or what exact angle to use. Because there was no charge, the owners let us work with the dogs whenever we needed. Over a 6-month period we established a protocol which gave good results. Initially, we used only 2 gold beads/acupoint. Later we discovered that younger dogs needed more gold than older dogs. We then started placing 3 gold beads/acupoint used in our protocol for hip dysplasia.

In the initial protocol for hip dysplasia, we placed gold beads only in GB29, GB30, and BL54. At that time, we were having a success rate of about 75%. We started to expand the use of gold beads because of this success. Today the gold bead implant is our treatment of choice for hip dysplasia, osteochondritis and osteochondritis dessicans of the shoulder, arthritis of the elbow and knee, spondylosis of the back, wobbler disease, and epileptic seizures. It is used in all types of arthritis and chronic conditions, because these are conditions that all have excessive negative charge (localised alkalosis). The use of gold beads in a positive charged or acidosis condition only makes things worse. Gold beads should never be implanted when tumours are present or there is osteomyelitis.

For gold bead implantation, we strongly recommend that the initial implant be done under general anaesthetic and that the patient be clipped and surgically scrubbed over the implant area. Some veterinarians omit this and they have had some trouble with infections at the implant sites.

The implants can be done with 24-carat wire or by using Magraine gold beads on transparent tape. The 24-carat wire has the greatest positive charge because it is a purer form of gold, but it does cost a lot more. I use Magraine gold beads on transparent tape. It is much cheaper and we are getting good results. Magraine gold beads are actually gold plated magnets with a very low magnetic charge. We used to sterilise our gold beads before doing the implants, but we do not do it today. As long as we use gold beads that are placed on transparent tape, infection has not been a problem. We smear each gold bead with some antibiotic ointment and this may be why we have no trouble after implanting non-sterile beads. We have implanted several hundred thousand gold beads this way and have never had problems with infection. It is much easier to load the syringe with gold beads off of the transparent tape than from a sterilising solution or other methods of sterilisation.

In most situations, the gold beads are placed between muscle bellies and not into the muscle. The only exception is when placing the gold beads in some areas of the head, elbow, and knee. In many of these areas the gold beads are placed just under the skin. When placed there, it is easier for the beads to migrate from their proper locations. The placements of the gold beads are very precise. Misplacement by as little as 1/16th of an inch greatly reduces the clinical effect.

No blood should show when placing the needle into the acupoint, but some should ooze from the point after implanting the gold bead. Oozing should occur only after the needle is withdrawn from the acupoint. If blood does not ooze from the acupoints on withdrawal of the implantation needle, in my experience the implant gives poor results. In successful cases, from one to several drops of blood ooze from each point. The blood colour varies from red to very black, depending on the degree of congestion of blood and chi in the area. The darker the blood, the more the chi and blood is congested there, and the more pain is being caused from that point. When a point bleeds, it is important to let it bleed. Once the congestion is corrected, the bleeding stops.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition accounts for about 50% of the cases in which we implant gold beads. Our cases ranged from 4 months to 17 years of age. Most dogs were large breeds, or dogs >50 pounds body weight. We have treated 2 Pekinese dogs for hip dysplasia. The size of the dog does not have a bearing on the success of the gold bead implant. Age does have the greatest effect on the success of gold bead implant. We break the age group into 3 classes. Under 7 years of age we have a 98% success rate. From 7 to 12 year
s of age we have about 80% success rate and from 12-17 years of age we have about 50% success rate. The number one cause for our failures in hip dysplasia is secondary degenerative myelopathy.

Degenerative myelopathy is considered by most experts to be a totally separate condition, but I have never seen it show up as a condition by itself. There has always been another concurrent problem. In my opinion, degenerative myelopathy begins as a localised alkalosis in the hip joint. In a small percentage of the dysplastic dogs, the localised alkalosis starts to involve the local nerves and eventually spreads to the spinal cord. The alkalosis of the cord eventually causes demyelination of the cord. At some point we are unable to reverse the alkalosis and demyelination of the cord. When this happens, there is a progressive, irreversible degenerative myelopathy and the dog cannot walk. The gold bead implant will reverse the degenerative myelopathy in about 50% of the cases. We are not able to look at these dogs before the implant and know which ones we can help. We cannot help dogs if they are unable to support their weight and the rear legs are basically reduced to skin and bone with very little muscle. If the dogs still have some muscling and can intermittently get up, we can help about 50% of them.

An apparent but temporary success may follow gold bead implantation in a small group of dogs with degenerative myelopathy. They seem to be good for 3-9 months, but then they deteriorate. All such dogs have been about 9 years old. I have spent much time on degenerative myelopathy, but this is a major problem in small-animal practice. Let it not deter you from doing gold bead implants.

When implanting gold bead for hip dysplasia, we begin with 4 basic points: GB29, BL54, GB30, and GB33. These points need treatment in all dysplastic dogs. Other points that need to be implanted fall into 3 Zones. Zone 1 is dorso-anterior to GB29. Zone 2 is dorso-anterior and dorso-posterior to BL54. Zone 3 is dorso-posterior to GB30. GB31 and GB32 are the main exceptions to the rule; they need to be treated in some dogs.

The next set of points to be implanted are in 1-2 of three Zones around the hips. These points usually are Ahshi / trigger points. Zone 3 needs treatment least frequently. One rarely must use all 3 Zones. To find the next point, draw a line midway between GB29 and BL54 and go dorsal 0.5-1.0 inch. If a point is sensitive, place gold beads into it (A). Then search for point tenderness midway between BL54 and GB30. Go dorsocaudal to this area 0.5-1.0 1 inch. Implant gold beads into any sensitive point there (B). If point (B) does not show up, then there usually are no more points in Zone 3.

Then search for two sensitive points ventral and dorsal to point (A). Go halfway between GB29 and point (A) and search anteroventrally. Place gold beads in any sensitive point found. If there are no more sensitive points, move halfway between point (A) and BL54 and search anterodorsally. Implant any sensitive points found there. Implantation of the hips is complete when one can find no more sensitive points in the area.

When implanting gold beads for hip dysplasia, both hips should be treated at the same session. However, a single hip can be implanted in special cases. For example, some dogs have one normal hip and one bad hip. The bad hip may look like a dysplastic hip, but such hips were usually have been traumatised by their dam shortly after the birth of the pups. In those cases, only the bad hip needs treatment. Traumatic injury of one hip that has resulted in a femoral head resection or a hip replacement surgery may need to be treated with gold bead implant similar to hip dysplasia.

When we treat hips with gold bead implants, we see mostly local effects, and very little systemic effect. GB29, GB30, and BL54 work locally on the joint and the other trigger points work mostly on the surrounding muscle.

Vertebral spondylosis, stifle problems and hip dysplasia

About 30% of dysplastic dogs have vertebral spondylosis. On seeing a possible canine candidate for gold bead implant for hip dysplasia, always x-ray the back for spondylosis. For gold bead implantation to be successful in such cases, one must treat both the back and the hips.

One must also look closely at the stifles. Many dysplastic dogs tear the anterior cruciate ligament while trying to compensate for the hips. Even though they show radiographic signs of hip dysplasia, the major pain may be coming from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. This is usually the case when one hind leg has exaggerated pain. One must first repair the cruciate ligament and then also implant the gold beads at the hips at that time, or later. We usually repair the hips and knee at the same time.

Vertebral spondylosis

This is the second most common type of arthritis that we treat. Even though spondylosis occurs in cats and all sizes of dogs, most cases are in the larger breeds of dogs. Spondylosis of the back seems to be an especially big problem in Golden Retrievers. Other breeds commonly affected are German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Collies, Old English Sheep dogs, Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. These breeds account for 95% of my spondylosis cases. Most of these have concurrent hip dysplasia. However, the incidence of hip dysplasia is very low in Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. Therefore these two breeds usually have spondylosis only. Rottweilers are a special problem breed. If they have hip dysplasia or spondylosis, they most likely develop stifle problems and wobbler disease also. In Rottweilers, these conditions can arise at the same time, or may be spread out over several years.

When doing the gold bead implant for spondylosis, we treat the inner Bladder Channel and some points on the Governing Vessel. Start implanting the beads at BL13 and implant each point back to BL28. The Governing Vessel usually needs to be treated in the area of the greatest amount of spondylosis. One may also find trigger points between the inner Bladder Channel and the Governing Vessel; these may need to be implanted.

We see some dogs that have no ventral spondylosis but have arthritis of the dorsal articular surface of the vertebrae. These are implanted in the same way as for spondylosis of the back.

Elbow arthritis

This has many causes. The most common is failure to treat an ununited aconeal process. We see relatively few cases in dogs, but we can help most of them. The biggest problem is the long duration that the condition before help is sought. Severe ankylosis of the joint is present in 60-70% of the cases that we see. In those dogs, implantation can often relieve pain, but most continue to walk with a stilted gait. However, we can usually get them to walk normally if we can implant them before adhesions form in the joint.

It is difficult to say for certain if the anconeal process should be removed before gold bead implantation. We have implanted elbows that have not had surgery and elbows after surgery. Even though results in both cases were good, it is probably best to remove the anconeal process before gold bead implantation in very young dogs.

When implanting gold beads, one must treat both the medial and lateral side of the elbow. On the lateral side, the main points to treat are LU05, LI11, SI09, TH05, TH10. Also a series of trigger points distal to TH10 on the Triple Heater Channel need to be treated. They are all in the area of the elbow. On the medial side, the main points are PC03, HT03, SI08, and a series of trigger points proximal and distal to SI08. Many of the gold beads in the elbow area are placed just under the skin because of the reduced muscle
tissue in this area.

Osteochondritis and osteochondritis dessicans of the shoulder

These conditions respond well to gold bead implants. We tend to see these animals before secondary complications set in. When implanting gold beads on the shoulder, we only implant the lateral surface. If joint mice are present, it normally is unnecessary to remove them before implantation.

When we first started implanting the shoulder, we implanted only one acupoint, SI10. For about 10 years, we had 100% success; then we had some failures. Today we implant several points around the shoulder. I don’t know why we have to increase the number of points today compared to 14 years ago. Today the main points implanted with gold beads are TH14, TH15, LI15, LI16, SI09, SI10, SI11, SI12, SI14. Sometimes we have to treat LU01 and LU02.

Stifle arthritis

This condition also responds well to gold bead implants. However, it is very rare to get a pure arthritis of the stifle. Most stifle arthritis is secondary to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. If one implants gold beads on the stifle of a young dog with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, one may have to repeat the implant 2-3 times to have success. After critically evaluating the cases, we feel that acutely injured anterior cruciate ligaments need surgical repair as the method of choice. Later, one should implant gold beads, if necessary.

For stifle problems (arthrosis, stiffness, pain), gold bead implants must be done on the medial and lateral sides of the joint. ST36, ST35, GB34, GB33 and BL40 are the main points for treatment on the lateral side of the stifle. Sometimes we find many trigger points around this area; these need to be implanted also. SP09, SP10, LV07 and LV08 are the main points for treatment on the medial side of the stifle. There are also many trigger points on the medial side of the stifle; these need to be implanted also.

If dogs have a torn anterior cruciate ligament for 3-24 months, we repair it surgically and implant gold beads at the same time. Success in these cases has been 100%. Surgical repair is not done if dogs have a torn anterior ligament for a very long period, and there is much capsular swelling with or without ankylosis. In those dogs, we just implant the gold beads. Later, to achieve the best results, about 50% of these dogs may require a second implantation.

Carpal and tarsal problems

Those joints rarely need treatment with gold bead implant for arthritis. However, those that we have implanted have all responded.

Epilepsy

We implant gold bead implants in many dogs that have epileptic seizures. This is a very difficult area to work in, but the results can be very rewarding. The owners appreciate any improvement after therapy because there are few other successful options from which they can choose. Today, we see more complex types of seizure than was the case 15-20 years ago. Today most of our epileptic dogs have cluster seizures, whereas 20 years ago, cluster seizures were rare. The change prompted a change in our protocol for gold bead implant for seizures.

The clustering seizure patient is similar to a fibrillating heart; each seizure initiates from a different part of the brain. From the Channel viewpoint, different Channels are involved with each episode of seizures. Because of this, we treat all of the Channels instead of just one or two Channels, as was the case 20 years ago. In dogs with cluster seizures, gold bead implantation can terminate or reduce medication in about 25 and 50% of them, respectively but the remainder must continue their full doses of medication.

We see few problems in reducing the levels of phenobarb, primidone or dilantin. However, potassium bromide (KBr) is most difficult to reduce. The nervous system seems to become addicted to KBr and its reduction usually induces seizures in the patient. If, when reducing the KBr, the owner can tolerate the dog’s seizures for about 1 month, the dog usually stabilises. However, most owners can not tolerate their dog’s seizures, so we can not expect to reduce KBr levels in many dogs.

If a dog has a particular seizure pattern, such as a seizure every 4-6 weeks, one would gradually reduce the level of medication. After the initial dose reduction, one would wait for 8-10 weeks before further reducing the dose. One must ensure that the reduced dosage can still prevent seizures. If no seizures occur, the dose can be reduced some more.

GV20, GV14, GB20, GB14, BL04, BL06, and BL09 are the main head points for gold bead implantation for seizures. We may need to implant more head points (ST08, GV17, GV21, and GV23) occasionally. We also treat 3-4 paravertebral Shu-Association points that are specific for the Channels involved with the seizure. However, for dogs with cluster seizures, we treat all of the Shu-Association points, plus some Governing Vessel points along the back.

Because gold bead implants work slowly, dogs usually have some seizures during the first week post implantation. However, we see few seizures after one week post implant. Dogs that continue to have seizures must be reassessed, and further acupoints may need to be implanted.

We were unhappy with the outcome of seizure treatment in many dogs. However the owner was happy because our treatment was able to reduce the number, frequency and severity of seizures.

TESTIMONIALS

by Matt Fox

Hi There, I have been away this weekend, but was very glad to see this discussion thread getting some attention. I am Matthew Fox, owned by Ch. Toledobes Nairobi “Alyx”. I noticed her symptoms back in August of 2001, and I was heartbroken. At that time all I had heard was that when a dog was diagnosed with CVI or “wobblers” the end was near. It was horrid. She would cry out in pain when she would stand up or lay down. I put her on Rimadyl from the vet and that helped, but not much. They said the options were pretty much limited to spinal surgery at Ohio State University.

However, since I was working in an Orthopedic unit at the hospital at that time I was absolutely not a fan of spinal-fusion surgery. I have seen what it does to humans, a dog without the ability to understand why it should be still is destined for a horrible, if not impossible recovery, for what never seems to be a decent end result. I got on the internet and spent days trying to find an alternative. I located a website that described the same type of situation and I called the woman that created it. I wrapped Alyx’s neck in a towel and secured it with an ace bandage wrapped around that, to stabilize the neck and prevent further damage. She referred me to Dr. Durkes and I called and made an appointment for the next day. That was September of 2001.

I loaded Alyx up in the car and we drove to Indiana. Dr. Durkes took a look at her, confirmed my worst fear and said he would implant the beads the following morning. At 5 pm I picked her up the next day and brought her home. She didn’t do well at first with the neck brace, she hated it. She was unstable and uneasy and had to be assisted to do much of anything. HOWEVER, she needed no more Rimadyl and has not to this day, had to cry out in any pain since the DAY she had the implants.

As Judy can attest, after seeing her this summer, Alyx is completely recovered. She is in excellent health, (though JuD says she is a little fat, an old bit of contention between us-hehe, love ya JuD) and you would never know she had a problem. Unfortunately, it did seem to strike her son and two of her daughters also. Both have had the implants and both have improved dramatically.

Two things that I think are critical:
1) get it done immediately;
2) the BARF diet provides the proper nutrients and materials to facilit
ate healing. I spent days pre-preparing meals in ziplok bags for her – beef organs, chicken, veggies, etc. all ground up into a paste for her to easily eat without the danger of choking. It was kind of gross, but anything for her.

I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone that even suspects wobblers…I am SO happy that this was the path I chose for her treatment.

I would be happy to answer any questions if I can be of any help to anyone facing this problem. Not that I am an expert, but my god I remember what a horrible feeling that was when I found out she had CVI.

Hope this helps someone.
Matthew Fox

by Phil Green

Hey, guys and gals, I sort of hate to come into a thread in the middle and without knowing what came before, but…

I took my black rescue bitch Sinead (the Dobergal of Santa Fe who arrived at my house with a broken leg) to a vet in San Diego (actually El Cajon) who was recommended highly by Vic Monteleon. Although he is primarily a horse vet, he spends one day a week doing acupuncture and gold bead treatments, mostly on Dobes.

Although he did NOT diagnose Wobblers, he did find a calcium build up in between two vertebrae high in the neck, which he treated with gold beads. In the days immediately prior to the gold bead treatment, Sinead was inappropriately yelping in great pain more than several times a day. After treatment (now a year ago) the yelps of pain immediately subsided to a point where she now has a minor episode of pain yelps every two weeks or so, sometimes not for a month or more. I
was initially sceptical, but am now a convert.

Vet’s name is:
Dr. Kevin May
El Cajon Valley Veterinary Hospital
(619) 444-9491

Phil Green

by Christy Waehner

by Pam Taylor