Need dog advice - Warning - it's long

I took my 4 year old Snickers (part Lab, part Duck Toller)to the vet yesterday for her rabies shot. I decided that the rabies was the only one I wanted to get for her because PA law requires it and we have a lot of rabies cases in our County. I've read that her breed can develop autoimmune disorders from vaccines so it is recommended to keep them to a minimum. My vet understood that, but really tried to talk me into the Parvo and Distemper. She went on and on about how safe they were - no mercury, etc etc, but I still said no. She then suggested having the titers done, but I had other things I wanted to check (heart worms and such) and I knew the bill was already going to be high, so I put that off for now. She said she has heard of a lot of cases of Parvo in foxes, but I have no foxes in my area. Snickers had those vaccines as a puppy.

The weird part is that she seems to also really be into homeopathic meds. She had told me about some when my other dog was sick, and she gave me some Traumeel for Snickers yesterday to combat feeling bad from the rabies vaccine. I don't get the double messages here.

This is the disturbing part. I read that Snickers' breed has a high risk of PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) so I asked her to look at her eyes (not normally part of the exam). She did, and when she was finished, she turned around and said that she did notice some abnormalities in her retinas. She is referring us to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist in Pittsburgh (an hour away). I'm sick about it. I won't relax until I know for sure. PRA dogs go blind - there is no treatment or cure. This dog is my baby and I just lost my other dog 5 weeks ago. All I'm doing is looking at her eyes to check for dilation and glow (symptoms) and testing her vision by throwing things at her to catch. It's making me crazy.

Has anyone ever had a dog with PRA or suspected PRA? If so, please tell me your story. I've become obsessed with researching it. There is an antioxidant available that may prolong vision loss; $75 a month. I'll do it if I have to.

I used Traumeel when I broke my leg and ankle last year. Interesting she's suggesting it for post-vacccine discomfort. We also only do the rabies shot with our dog so I get where you're at. Can't help you on the eye thing. Hopefully it will turn out fine. I have found that my vet that does both homeopathy and standard vet care is also very double minded about it. I wonder if they're afraid that if they don't do the shots and an animal gets sick they'll get into trouble? or 2) if they're afraid people will think they're nuts for doing alternative pet care? Don't know. But like I said, mine is the same way.

hope it all turns out okay!

Not much advice to add. Just wanted to mention that I have a dog named Snickers also,(lab spaniel). Dang deer tick gave her Lyme diease, so treating with antibiotics. Not to be gross here, but she threw up a few days ago came and sat at my feet with this Sad look. I looked at her and said, what did you do that for. Those Sad eyes said, "I'm sorry". So I comforted her. She is a very spoiled Dog!!
Hope it turns out OK. Sorry about your other dog.
It is tough loosing a pet and taking care of one with health issues. If they could only tell us what is wrong.

PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY

Homeopathic remedies can be used on animals, given on the same indications as humans. Here are some possible Rubrics we could use for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) from the Complete Repertory (what follows are the abbreviations of remedies known to help this symptom):

EYES; ATROPHY; retina (3) : acetan., iodof., nux-v.
(atrophy of retina)

VISION; LOSS of vision, blindness; atrophy of; retina, from (2) : phos., tab.
(Loss of vision or blindness from atrophy of retina)

VISION; LOSS of vision, blindness; night (30) : anac., arg-n., bell., cadm-s., chel., Chin., chin-s.,dig., hell., hep., hyos., iodof., Lyc., meph., merc., nit-ac., nux-v., petros., phos., phys., psor., puls., ran-b., ruta, sil., stram., stry., sulph., verat., zinc.
(Loss of vision or blindness at night—this is usually one of the first observable symptoms of PRA.)

So, the main remedies I’d look at would be Phosphorus, Tabacum or Nux vomica, seeing which one seems to match your dog’s total symptoms the best. Give ONLY ONE remedy—not all three. Low potencies, such as a 6C, taken 4 times/day or 12C, taken 3 times/day would work best. The lower potencies are usually better suited to affect tissue change.

Best to dissolve 3 pills in water, then succuss the bottle 10 times each day, immediately before giving a dose. A dose is one teaspoonful (or one ‘glug’). No need to add more remedy pills each time—always save a little water, kind of like sourdough starter:

When the bottle has 1” of water left, fill ¾ with water and shake vigorously 40 times. Pour off some water, leaving 1”, and again fill ¾ way and shake 40 times. One last time, pour off water, leaving 1”, add water to fill to ¾, and shake 40 times. Proceed giving as before. You can store the remedy in the refrigerator.

PHOSPHORUS-- Light is perceived through the eyes and Phos. has a special effect on the eyes. The eyes of the Phos. patient may be bright, even brilliant, and many conditions can arise within the eyes (affecting all parts of the eye), such as cataract, haemorrhage, atrophy of the optic nerve, detachment of retina etc. The eyes are also very sensitive. Phos. affects all parts of the eye: retina, choroid, vitreous and crystalline lenses, cornea and conjunctiva. Thrombosis of retinal vessels and degenerative changes in retina. Retinal trouble with the lights and hallucination of vision. Eyes turned outwards. Lachrymation (watering) in wind. Photophobia (sensitivity to light). Glaucoma. Cataract,Vitreous opacities. Atrophy of optic nerve. Diplopia (double vision), due to deviation of the visual axis.

NUX VOMICA--Nux is indicated in many diseases of the eyes. AMAUROSIS, FROM ATROPHY OF THE RETINA OR OPTIC NERVE. Catarrh. Conjuctivitis. with photophobia, worse mornings, keratitis, with excessive photophobia, worse mornings. Scrofulous ophthalmia. Spasms of the lids. atrophy of the retina or of the optic nerve. Hyperaesthesia of the retina, any attempt to use the eyes is accompanied by intense pain and lachrymation (watering).


[TABACUM-- Left pupil larger than right, optic discs pale. In many cases of chronic Tobacco - poisoning, amaurosis* from atrophy of the retina has been produced. Hutchinson has proved statistically, that, out of 37 cases of amaurosis resulting from white atrophy of the optic nerve, 31 occurred in immoderate smokers. And Sichel declares that there are few persons who have smoked during a long period more than five drachms of Tobacco per - diem, without having their vision, and frequently their memory, enfeebled.

* amaurosis - partial or total loss of sight without pathology of the eye; caused by disease of optic nerve or retina or brain.]
In light of this, I’d make sure that your dog is in a smoke-free environment.

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From a friend’s homeopathic book for treatment of dogs and cats (I am not sure of the name of the book-she had to go before I could ask her.):

The main remedy for Progressive Retinal Atrophy is PHOSPHORUS. It gives good results in the chronic state.

Other homeopathic remedies suggested by this book:
HAMAMALIS
CROTALUS HORRIDUS
[These can be important remedies for the eyes, especially if there’s any bleeding (which I don’t think is a normal symptom with this condition, from what I’ve read. So, a bit surprised that they were included, otherwise. Possibly this section was on retinal problems in general.]

In case of Acute Eye Pain symptoms:
ACONITE, followed by:
BELLADONNA and / or APIS, to reduce pain, redness, inflammation and swelling.
SPIGELIA or COLOCYNTHIS can be used to help relieve the pain.
[Again, not so sure this is a problem with PRA-maybe in certain stages?]




Remedies should be given only one at a time, and it’s action observed, before changing to another remedy. As PRA seems to be mostly asymptomatic, this will be more difficult to judge. So, it would be important to have your dog’s full case taken. Just like a human, all of his medical history would be looked at—past physical complaints, any suppressive drugs, ointments or creams used are very important, vaccination history, family history, any surgeries or injuries. Although it’s a bit open to interpretation, the homeopathic vet would depend on your observations and descriptions of your pet’s personality, fears and idiosyncrasies, behaviors and likes and dislikes.
That way, these other things can be observed to see if your dog is getting better or not.

It would be important to find a homeopathic vet that understands ‘miasms’—a bit of a difficult concept to understand, and I won’t go into it too much here, but is a way in which the underlying genetic weaknesses can be addressed. Your dog will need the appropriate anti-miasmatic remedy for best chances of healing. There are three main miasms, though others have been added over the years. We can look at the type of ailments that a dog (or person) is expressing or is susceptible to, to help determine what remedies might be most useful.

The Psoric miasm would be useful for any diseased condition characterized by DEFICIENCY, SCANTINESS or ABSENCE and all ‘HYPO’ conditions,
e.g. atrophy, anemia, ataxia, anorexia, hypothyroidism, etc. Also, IRRITABILITY, on both the physical and mental planes, typically we see skin irritations. In a dog, things like itching all over the body, from fleas or skin conditions, eczema, mange, etc.
On the mental plane it may manifest as fear, apprehension or constant alertness.
There may be deficient immunity and greater susceptibility to getting infections, or a HYPERSENSITIVITY. Progressive Retinal Atrophy appears to be a Psoric expression.

So, whatever remedy is chosen, it should be an “anti-psoric” remedy that can help with the PRA. There are hundreds of anti-psoric remedies, but some of the most important are: Sulphur, Calcarea carbonica, Psorinum, Cuprum, Natrum muriaticum. Both Phosphorus and Nux vomica are anti-psorics, but Tabacum is not listed as such.



If your dog has had many vaccinations or antibiotics, it may have created an additional ‘layer’ of disease in him. This will often be what we call the “sycotic” miasm, which is characterized by EXCESS or PROLIFERATION, OVERPRODUCTION, all ‘HYPERS’,
e.g. hypertrophy, hyperplasia, hyperactivity, hyperthyroid, hypersexuality,
excess working (workaholics)
Physically there might be overgrowths such as tumors, fibroids, warts, polyps, endometriosis or other growths. There may be frequent colds with an overproduction of mucus or eye goop.
In the Sycotic miasm, we also see incoordination—in development, in comprehension in the sensorium. Many dogs will develop an incoordination of their limbs after vaccinations, especially of their back legs. Thuja, one of our greatest anti-sycotic remedies, will often correct that when given in the proper dosage and form.



The other main miasm that we see, and that can also be fueled by vaccinations (even if your dog hasn’t had many, his ancestors may have, and this is passed down), is known as the Syphilitic miasm. It is characterized by DEGENERATION or DESTRUCTION, PERVERSIONS OR IRREGULAR manifestations, all the ‘DYSES’,
e.g. dystrophy, dysplasia, dysphgia

Irregularities may be seen in things such as one blue eye and one brown eye, skeletal deformities, birth defects, irregular peristaltic movement resulting in dysenteric spasms and stool,
Common physical manifestations would be ULCERATION (cellular destruction and degeneration), PUS FORMATION (degenerated cellular debris), NECROSIS (structural degeneration), such as in OSTEOMYELITIS. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (degeneration and destruction of the joints).




Here's some more naturopathic ideas that you could incorporate or choose to try on their own:
The following recommendations for Cell Salts and Herbs come from
www.daveshealingnotes.com
You can read more details on each of these on his site. These can be purchased from many different places, so shop around, as I’ve seen prices vary between $5-$20 for the exact same thing. (Bottles normally contain either 500 or 1,000 tablets)
Online sources are often the least expensive (of course you have to figure in shipping.)
But, in the US, I think the only company that makes cell salts is Hyland’s, which has been around since the 1800’s, so it’s easy to compare prices.

Cell Salts (aka Tissue Salts) to Help with Retina Problems

To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.

Make sure you purchase the right potency—6X

#1 Calc fluor 6X – to maintain tissue integrity
#2 Calc Phos 6X - calcium metabolism, especially after abscess, sensitive to light.
#11 Nat sulph 6X – liver health
#12 Silicea 6X - connective tissue, also corneal ulcers, weak vision


Herbs for Retinal Problems

These herbs are valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties.

Pycnogenol – helpful for general vision problems and is a powerful anti-oxidant.

Bilberry – circulation for a healthy retina

Chamomile – anti-inflammatory as well as a digestion aid.

Blackberry- anti-oxidant, strengthens blood vessels, protects eyesight

From www.southerngracefarms.net/blackberryinfo.htm
* Blackberries abound in antioxidants, such as anthocyanin pigments, responsible for the purplish-black color of blackberries and may impart health benefits because of their antioxidant properties. Additional antioxidants in blackberries are vitamins C and E, and ellagic acid; all may provide protection against cancer and chronic disease. Cooking does not seem to destroy ellagic acid, so even blackberry jams and desserts retain ellagic acid health benefits. Interestingly, blackberries are a natural source of salicylate, an active substance found in aspirin. [So, ITP patients should be cautious about taking this.] Potential benefits have yet to be explored and some experts advise caution to particularly aspirin-sensitive individuals. Because of their many tiny seeds, blackberries are a source of soluble fiber, such as pectin. (wholehealthmd.com)

* Berries: source of lycopene and ellagic acid, phytochemicals that prevent the cell damage that may lead to cancer. Blackberries are one of the few fruits that contain heart-protective vitamin E. Berries also strengthen blood vessels, protecting eyesight and reducing heart disease risk. (IDG books, 1999)


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From what I’ve read online about PRA, I see quite a few sites that sell anti-oxidant pills for dogs, to help prevent this condition. It makes some sense, but other than the sites themselves, I didn’t come across any proof that it works, or any research done on it. Then again, it was a rather cursory look, and ‘no research’ doesn’t necessarily equal ineffective. They do seem fairly expensive ($75-$120/mo, depending on the size of your dog, from the sites I looked at. A few of the sites claimed that anti-oxidants work differently in dogs, thus you can’t use the same ones as you would for humans. I’m not sure I believe that, doesn’t really make sense to me, but then again, I don’t know that much about dogs. Does anyone else know if this is true?
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EXPERIENCES:
I personally don’t know of any cases of dogs being treated for PRA, but, if it were my dog, I would at least try these things, as they may very well help. There are some homeopathic websites that have vet sections, and you may want to ask one of them your question. These rubrics about the atrophy of the retina appearing in the repertory, means that this was a clinical symptom that was cured with the corresponding remedy. Homeopathy has been around for over two centuries. We have many recorded cases of very serious diseases like cancer and such, that were cured using homeopathic remedies only. Back then, it was the old country doctor who treated everything—there were not the specialists of today. Many of the physicians were also homeopaths, most of them using homeopathy almost exclusively.

The expense is minimal, as is the difficulty. I am a homeopath for humans, not a vet, but I have been asked to help a suffering animal on occasion, and have been surprised at how well it’s worked. Sometimes, it may be too late for cure, but palliation and helping a pet to be pain-free or anxiety-free before death can make such a difference.

Ask Patti to tell about her recent experience with giving a homeopathic remedy to a neighbor’s dog who was badly bitten by a rattlesnake, and left to die. It’s pretty amazing!

A colleague in Germany told me of a recent case where a friend’s dog was diagnosed with Distemper, and she was very upset to have to put her dog down. She was told that her four other dogs would get it, and was told to bring them in and put them down, too. She asked my colleague if there was anything that could be done. She happened to be visiting a senior homeopath who had a homeopathic remedy that’s actually made from Distemper (called a Nosode). She was given two pills in a medicinal bottle, which she made up into a watery solution.

She succussed the bottle 10 times each day, then gave 3 drops, twice a day, for two weeks, and for the next two weeks, she gave once a day. All four remaining dogs got the remedy for one month.

She then took the dogs in to the vet, and he could not believe it, as not one of the dogs had any signs of distemper. He said this was impossible, as they were all living in close contact with the dog who had been put down. Impossible, but yet he could not explain how this could be.

Good luck with Snickers!

April

I'm going to call to get her an appointment tomorrow. I had to wait for the referral. Believe me, if she has PRA, I will be looking those things up! I have nothing to lose. Thanks.

Well, since April mentioned it.......

A friend had a dog bit by a rattlesnake (we live in high mountain desert and they are abundant here). The dog was dying. They took it to the vet and he wanted $1500 for the anti-venom. The vet sent it home to die because they weren't going to pay that. The dog had lost all bowel control and the portion of its face where it'd gotten bit was dying. I had him give the dog a dose of crotalus homeopathic remedy in a 200C. The next day the dog seemed to be perking up. They gave it another dose. By that night it had all bowel control again. They put it in water (like April described) and gave it a sip once or twice a day for a few more days. By the 4th day the dog was entirely normal and happy again. The necrosis on the face didn't seem to be getting any better so I had them give her a 200C of ledum because the puncture wound from the bite was still very evident. 4 days later and today they said the dead skin is sloughing off and they can see new skin underneath it. They are going to do a water spray of calendula on that wounded area until it heals.

So..... Lucie is alive and well after the vet sent her home to die. And I'm thrilled because she was this guy's absolute favorite dog (he has 4).

Thanks for the story. As I said, if need be, I will do whatever it takes since there is no traditional medical alternative.

Hey, Sandi,


I really hope that what your vet saw in Snicker's eyes just ends up being nothing to be concerned about, I've had that happen a few times before. It'll be a relief to find out one way or the other, so hope you can get in before too long.

Patti, thanks for sharing your story--a rattlesnake bite is not something many of us encounter. I have always made sure I have my Crotalus Horridus with me whenever we go out hiking, just for such an event, but have been glad I've never had to try it out. Your experience shows that the homeopathic remedy is a viable option (and sometimes may be the only option if you're in a remote area.). I just wanted to add something about the damaged tissue on the dog's face. The following is taken from a homeopathic journal called LINKS 1997, a case where a woman was bitten by a baby rattler. She was given anti-venom, antibiotics and heavy doses of Morphine, yet she was still in excruciating pain, the thumb was totally black, necrotic and grangrenous, and she was told itwould need to be amputated. Very soon after being given one dose of Crotalus horridus 200C, she needed no further doses of Morphine and the pain stopped. She was given one more dose and the swelling and black discoloration began receding. It stayed contained within the thumb, which was remarkable. Here is what transpired (Taken from the article):

For follow up care one week later, she saw the doctor who had insisted she be transferred from our local Emergency Room. The pad of the thumb was all that remained enlarged, the skin pulled tight over a yellow and pink discoloration. Having studied for some time with the elders of a local Indian tribe, he was astounded with her recovery. 'It is just as the Elder has described it', he said, 'not to cut it, not to lance it. The necrotic tissue does not become invasive. It simply sloughs off. With anything else that becomes gangrenous you would think to take it off, but with snake bite you leave it, even if it looks like it should be taken off, leave it. How amazing it has healed this fast, and so well! We should not do anything with it'. And then, in spite of himself, he took a razor blade and cut it open, 'to drain the fluids' . We left his office feeling the wound was now more susceptible to infection. The digit soon filled up with fluid and oozed again and the area that was slashed by the blade became black, swollen and necrotic. Yet, within a day's time, the cut he had made was closed and covered with new
tissue!

So, you might pass this on to your neighbor, not to cut any of the dead tissue off.
April

The appointment is August 1st. I agree, it could be nothing and I certainly hope it's not.

Hi April,

They're just letting the dead skin slough off. Seems to be working still! Thanks for the heads up. I will still mention it just in case they get tempted to peel off the dead skin themselves.

We went for the eye exam this morning. No signs of PRA! Her exam was perfectly normal in all aspects. They suggest a recheck in a year. Huge relief!

That's great, Sandi! Just shows that it's always a good idea to check it out with a specialist.
Gives some peace of mind.

April

Yes, all that my vet saw was a variation in the retina due to the breed. She is an unusual mix.

Glad you got good news!

Hey, that's great news, Sandi! Glad you got her checked out.

Me too - now on to other problems. What would life be without those?

Great about your dog, Sandi!

I have a story about our furry family member, a cute mix of (we think) collie and husky (some northern breed anyway).

Spouse wanted Revolution drops for her, flea prevention. Fleas are terrible this year! I didn't like the idea, but the vet said no reactions known. Let me warn everyone I can, there are reactions, one of which is seizures, bad ones! I called the manuf. of Revolution, and turns out yes, there have been seizures in some dogs. Uncommon they said, but more often in collies and herding types. Back to the vet we go, and he asked how did we know it was seizures, and how did we know it was the Revolution? We told him exactly what happened, and I told him I had called manuf. and they said it does happen, and that she has a case file there now. Vet did a blood test, and she had no other condition that would cause the seizures! So she's been on phenobarbital a month now, on the draw down phase now.

And the over the counter drops aren't without risk either. Our past pets always went nuts on those!

Point is sometimes your gut feeling about your furry family member is right on. Sad that mine was so right. She's coming along nicely now. As she gets completely better, we're going to use food grade diatomaceous earth on her. Used it on pets before, because I hated what the drops did to them, and it did the job, when used right. Only the food grade, no other grade, is good. Was just hard to find here. You can find it at pet and farm animal dealers, because it is commonly used to control parasites.

So glad your little friend is not going blind!

My beagle started with seizures when she was 4 years old. No known cause. She was on Phenobarb for years, thank goodness it's cheap! Her seizures were controlled pretty well and she only had maybe 3 a year. Then she was diagnosed with Cushings and that was pretty difficult to manage. The tests cost a fortune and the medication was really expensive! She died two months ago at the age of 13.

Scary about the flea treatment. I actually have to give my other dog a treatment this weekend. We use Frontline.