Archive for March, 2008

Horses and ponies with scurfy skin despite having a good, shiny coat may be suffering from an inadequate diet. Good doers particularly may need supplements to ensure that they are getting sufficient vitamins and minerals. Those that help the skin are the same as those for promoting better hoof growth – biotin, methionine, ciysteine, Vtiamin A, Calcium, Zinc, copper and iodine are all important. It is important that these are fed in a balanced ratio, although a the digestive system ensures the correct amounts are absorbed.

Feed balancers may be helpful when a good doer or laminitis-prone equine is on short rations. Feed balancers help provide nutrients without so many weight-boosting calories. Many of the top feed companies produce feed balancers, and their nutritionists are always available on the telephone for advice.

I came across a common problem to discuss when skirting round to find a suitable topic for the naturally healthy pet blog today.

Some horses get agitated about passing urine in front of people. They tend to hold it in until they return to the known safety of their home. This can cause discomfort and resultant anxiety, agitation and rapid breathing.

If this happens more than once or twice, first get a thorough physical examination from your vet. You need to exclude any physical problems.  Check his urine before the visit, so that you can report any abnormalities of colour or volume.

If nothing physical is found, it may be that Bach flower remedies, healing or homeopathy may help. All of these look at the horse as a whole, rather than just looking at the system that appears to be showing signs.  The horse’s personality and response to stress, as well as any recent bereavement or changes, can all affect the remedy chosen.

The homeopathic remedy nat mur is perfect for horses who have aversion to company during urination. The perfectly matched horse may suffer from depression and be a bit of a loner as well, and may drink more than average. By far the best results will be achieved if you consult a homeopathic vet such as those listed in the holistic vet section of the website.

Whatever you are doing this week, enjoy your animals!

Love & light

Alison

My article on equine influenza is now winging its way around the internet – perhaps you would like to read it & discuss?

I am particularly interested in the efficacy or otherwise of homeopathic nosodes in the prevention of equine influenza, as it is such a severe illness.

Equine Influenza – Know the Facts!

Copyright © 2008 The Naturally Healthy Pet.com

Introduction: Equine influenza (‘flu’) is probably the main respiratory infection affecting horses. It has a worldwide distribution, and can cause a severe illness in some cases. Fortunately, prevention is possible with current vaccinations.  This is a very current topic, with a recent outbreak in Australia in August to October 2007. This continent had previously been unaffected by equine flu, and the outbreak appears to have spread from imported Japanese stallions.

What is Equine Influenza? This is a severe respiratory viral infection, with a short incubation period of 3-4 days, and a rapid worsening of symptoms. It is particularly likely to spread rapidly in overstocked situations.

The virus is spread by inhalation of water droplets via the nose, and then causes damage to tissues lining the respiratory tract. It can cause death of large areas of the lining tissue or mucosa.

Symptoms: These include high temperature, clear nasal discharge, dry cough, and swollen submental lymph nodes (under the jaw).  In addition, you may notice that your horse has depression & lethargy, a clear eye discharge, a poor appetite, and a reluctance to drink.  There may even be a degree of swelling of the limbs, with a resultant reluctance to move. Occasionally secondary pneumonia can occur, especially in the very old and the very young; this can lead to death.

Causative Agent: Equine-1 (H7N7) and equine-2 (H3N8); influenza A is a subtype of the latter. These are more stable subtypes than the human influenza virus which changes every year. Horse flu viruses were only isolated in 1956.

Occasionally carrier status occurs in equines, when an incomplete immune response to infection has occurred and the virus has not been eliminated.  Such horses are shedding virus and infectious despite appearing well.

Current Western Treatments: Affected horses need complete rest for at least 6 weeks. It takes 1 week to recover at best, but 6 weeks for any mucosal damage to be reversed, hence the need for a longer period of rest. During recovery, it is important that any stable used must have good ventilation, with minimal dust levels. Mucolytic agents & antibiotics may be needed if secondary infections occur.

Complementary Therapies: Supportive care can include reiki, spiritual healing, crystal healing, acupressure, shiatsu, and aromatics.  These can help the horse’s immune system and ability to heal itself. The aromatics (animal aromatherapy, whereby the animal chooses remedies on the basis of scent and taste from a selection offered) may have specific effects on resistance to infection and the release of supportive hormones.

Prevention: Influenza vaccines have been available for many years, and initially only provided protection for a few months. Current improved vaccines protect for 10-15 months. Vaccination is given as a primary course of 2 doses, 3-6 weeks apart, followed by boosters at 6-12 month intervals. Side effects are rare, and may be due to inflammation at the injection site, occasional allergy, or general  poor well – being.

Certification of flu vaccination may be needed for horses that travel or compete

Homeopathic nosodes may be helpful in preventing influenza. Nosodes are created from the equine virus by diluting many times in water. The water then holds the memory of the molecule, which may be enough to stimulate an immune response. There tends to be a lower side effect rate with nosodes, but there is limited evidence of their efficacy.

Hi there,

We had a great time at the animal healing group in Streat, near Lewes, last night. After a great meditation we gave healing to a hyperthyroid cat with an oral carcinoma, a collie, and a huge 7 month old leonberger (9 stone, likely to be 12 stone by the time he is fully-grown) with growing pains, as well as sending distant healing to a rescue greyhound with a broken leg. It is great to feel the energy flowing, & know we can help them all.

Don’t forget to put on the forum any animals that need to be sent distant healing….

Don’t forget how important it is for mutual support to meet up with like-minded people periodically. If you can’t do it physically, then at least our virtual community can help!

KR
Alison x

Hi there!

I have a cold at the moment – just the normal, and I know why I have had two this year against none in the last two winters – because a. I forgot to take my echinacea (it works for me! I take it daily for 8 weeks then have 2 weeks off) & b. I have not been looking after myself, not going to bed early enough, etc etc.

Often I think illnesses occur to teach us to listen to our bodies – this is definitely one example!

Therefore I hope you won’t mind if I just copy a recent post from Dr Andrew Jones, the holistic vet in Canada whose informative E-course I have bought – perfect for continuing professional development, not to mention my own pets’ gains! See his amazing E-course and book – the links are on my site here.

Dr. Andrew Jones writes:

HELP…WHO do I BELIEVE?

I had a reader send in a question about ALL of the conflicting pet health advice on the internet.  Specifically this was in reference to Emergency Dog and Cat Care- and EXACTLY what to do if your pet ingested a Toxin.

She was told to NEVER induce vomiting, and to ALWAYS see your Veterinarian FIRST.

This is Great Advice if this is POSSIBLE, but WHAT if it is a known toxin ( such as compost or anti-freeze) and in these situations, the SOONER the toxin leaves your dog or cat’s body the BETTER.

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SO WHAT do I do then DOC?

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The way I see it there is the OLD conventional way of thinking, and the newer progressive alternate ways.

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There is The OLD CONVENTIONAL way

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In the OLD WAY the Veterinarian was seen as the ONLY source of pet health information and treatment.  If your pet was ill or injured you took them to the ‘Vet’.

• You didn’t question your Veterinarian.
• You would use CONVENTIONAL medication to QUICKLY treat the Symptoms.
• You FEED ‘balanced’ ALL in one Dog and Cat Kibble.
• You DON’T take matters into your own hands.
• You would NOT treat your dog or cat at home with holistic healing remedies.

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The NEW PROGRESSIVE HOLISTIC way

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• You STILL have a regular Veterinarian, BUT you ALSO have ALTERNATE ways of healing your pet.
• You are treating the entire pet- notice the word holistic- as opposed to JUST treating the Symptoms.
• You do QUESTION your Veterinarian- AFTER all this is your beloved dog or cat and you should be aware of things such as side effects from multiple vaccines. DON’T just blindly accept what you are told to do..be an ADVOCATE for your pet- they CAN’T speak.
• You use NATURAL HOLISTIC Remedies when you can, as opposed to CONVENTIONAL side effect ladden medication.
• Your Dog or Cat gets a variety of food- Some Home Made, Some Raw, and Some Premium Natural Kibble..The entire ‘Needs to Be Balanced” Mantra is way overblown and it is this FEAR that keeps many Pet Guardians from making their on pet food.
• You BECOME an INVOLVED EDUCATED Pet Guardian and you become confident in At Home Pet Health Care.

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SO HOW can YOU Alison become educated?

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There is the obvious pitch that I will make for myebooks, Home Study Course and Membership Site. I personally believe that this is the FASTEST and EASIEST way to acquire the SKILLS to be Utilizing these HOLISTIC pet health remedies at home.

BUT I DON’T have the MO**NEY

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Many people are weary of bu**ying ANYTHING on the Internet. And that’s OK. I was once just like you. This Cyberspace thing still creeps me out at times- I would much rather deal with real people at a book store. BUT..it does give you access to more Information and OPTIONS than ever before.

So here is the INEXPENSIVE way to get a Pet Health EDUCATION.

1. Sign up for My Newsletter and read about the Alternate ways of healing many common problems. I also have a great informative newsletter series on Emergency Care at

2. RESEARCH and learn about any of the DISEASES that your Dog or Cat may have, BEFORE you accept treatment.

I often refer people to VeterinaryPartner.com to read about the specific illness. Then research some of the alternate options.

Get comfortable Examining your pet at home- when you know what is normal, then you can decide what is abnormal.

3. Get one of my products knowing that if you are not satisfied you can get ALL of your Mon**ey back with my 60 day return policy-

PLUS keep all of the bonuses.

4. DO SOMETHING…If you just read this stuff, but fail to take ANY ACTION then your Pet is no better off, and you DON’T develop the healing Skills that You have. You CAN do this!

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P.S. Here is a small section of Pet Poisoning from Veterinary Secrets Revealed:

SIGNS

Your pet is acting unusual. Your pet may be trembling and shaking uncontrollably. He may be vomiting. He may have difficulty walking and stagger when he walks.

CAUSES

There are a number of potential toxins: common household cleaners, such as bleach and drain cleaner; medications, such as Tylenol; car products, such as antifreeze; common mouse poisons (warfarin); a variety of plants; and even the compost in your backyard.

SOLUTIONS

TO YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your pet is showing signs of ingesting a poison, it is important that she is examined by your veterinarian and treated appropriately. Some toxins can progress and lead to severe seizures. If you suspect Antifreeze poisoning, it must be treated within 4-6 hours, before irreversible kidney damage is done.

PURGE THE POISON. In most cases of poisoning, getting your pet to vomit is the most important thing that you can do. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING if something caustic has been consumed (such as drain cleaner or bleach).

NEUTRALIZE THE TOXIN. If a caustic substance has been ingested, DO NOT induce vomiting, rather give something to neutralize it. An alkaline toxin such as drain cleaner is neutralized by something acidic such as vinegar:

An acidic toxin, such as battery acid, is best neutralized with something alkaline such as Milk of Magnesia:

DELAY ABSORPTION. Activated charcoal is readily available at most pharmacies. It delays absorption of any toxin by binding to the toxic compound in the stomach. The easiest way is to give the capsule form. For those garbage-eating dogs (such as my own dog) it is a good idea to have hydrogen peroxide and activated charcoal always on hand.

It’s Your Pet. Heal Them At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew Jones, DVM