By Ilse Garriss
As homeopathy treats the entire patient and not just the pathology, we start with the owner filling out quite an extensive questionnaire, trying to pinpoint every aspect of a particular case. The owner’s powers of observation and knowledge of his/her hound are very important here. In this particular discipline, animals are much more challenging to work with than human clients, as they cannot answer the myriad of questions needed in order to arrive at an effective course of action. Thus the owner’s notes and reports are vital and must be ongoing, - as this HAS to be an interactive effort. In my experience, nutritional support has proven to be very helpful in seizure cases and I ask that 1 oz. Of Colloidal Minerals be given in the morning along with B-50 Complex and 100mg. of B6. In the evening, a Chelated Calcium 500mg. and Magnesium 250mg. Combination tablet is given, along with another 100 mg. of B6. These nutritional supplements can be mixed right into the breakfast and dinner meals. I also suggest that a small amount (about 4 oz.) of raw meat be fed, at least every other day along with the regular food, plus whatever raw fruit and vegetables the hound will eat. The vegetables can also be ground up in quantity (always with lots of fresh garlic) and stored in the refrigerator or frozen. Homeopathically, I have opened my seizure cases with a remedy called Thuja occidentalis in the 30C potency or strength. Three to ten doses (according to indication) are given at 12-hour intervals. In intact animals, the next remedy would address any possible hormonal implications in the seizure activity. After that point and depending on the responses observed, Kali bromatum in the lowest available strength (3 times per day) would probably follow and has shown us very promising results to date. When all has gone well for about 30 days of this, the strength of the remedy is changed and, according to the indications of a particular case, another remedy is phased in. It is very difficult to make any statements at all about just the 3 Irish Wolfhound cases that I am currently treating, as this number is totally insignificant from a statistical point of view. However, I have worked with seizure disorders in other breeds, especially Labrador Retrievers, and have found, in general, that the sooner this type of complimentary therapy is started the better the result. Starting this type of regime after conventional therapy has been initiated (e.g. Potassium bromide, Phenobarbital, etc.) has brought us, in my hands at least, only some improvement, such as lengthening of intervals between seizures and perhaps slightly milder episodes, when they do occur. No complete remission has been achieved in these cases to date. Also, and in addition to the above, I most strongly advise that no further vaccinations of any kind (except for those absolutely demanded by law) be given these animals. From personal observations and data collected thus far, it would be my suggestion that, if a hound first presents with a seizure disorder and the owners are willing and able to comply with the total regimen outlined above, this treatment protocol will be followed first. If, however, no significant improvement is obtained within a reasonable time span, more conservative treatment should be sought and instituted in the animal’s best interest. Concomitant complimentary supportive treatment can still be utilized in these cases and has been shown to be of some benefit. And yes, last but by
no means least; the owner MUST keep a positive attitude. It is very important
that he/she only see the hound as healthy and happy. Any negative thoughts
and pictures must be banished from the mind - totally. No disasterizing.
These animals of ours are extremely sensitive and perceptive. They want
to please us with all of their being, to make us right, do their utmost
to fulfill our expectations, - whether they be good……, or bad……….Ilse Garriss, 1998 All
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