Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (55 page)

Impacted Anal Glands

Since this condition is associated with sluggishness of the tissues and often with toxicity and obesity as well (see “Weight Problems”), regular vigorous exercise is an important part of the treatment. If you add vegetables and a little bran mixed with olive oil to the food, it will help to regulate the intestines and encourage bulky bowel movements. Copious evacuation will stimulate the natural emptying of the glands.

In addition, a hot fomentation of either marigold flower (
Calendula officinalis
) solution or red clover (
Trifolium pratense
) blossoms will stimulate the glands and soften their contents. Make a “tea” with these herbs, adding boiling water to the herb. A good ratio is a heaping tablespoon of the herb over which you pour a quart of boiling water. Let sit for 15 minutes or so, until cool enough to handle. Then pour off the liquid into a bowl and immerse a washcloth or small towel into the warm solution. Wring it out and apply to the body. As necessary, warm up the compress every couple of minutes by putting it back in the bowl and wringing it out again. The idea is to warm the affected area, increasing blood flow and softening the tissues. You can also make up this solution by using herbal tinctures—add 1 teaspoon of the tincture to 1 quart of warm water.

Immediately after the application, use gentle pressure with a “milking” action to help to empty the glands manually. Consider the manual emptying as a temporary measure, not something to do regularly. It’s much better (I’m sure you would agree!) if the glands empty naturally.

A useful adjunct to the above measures is to give one dose of the remedy
Sulphur
30C.

ANEMIA

Anemia is often caused by blood loss from wounds, or parasites such as fleas and worms, especially hookworm. The problem is characterized
by white (or pale) gums, weakness, and a fast pulse. Occasionally, it indicates more serious diseases like feline leukemia or a toxicity resulting from drug exposure. Here, however, we’ll consider only the more common and simple anemia caused by blood loss, with an emphasis toward promoting the growth of new red blood cells.

T
REATMENT

A diet rich in iron, protein, and vitamin B
₁₂
is important. That’s why the following foods are particularly helpful.

• Beef liver (for protein, B-complex, B
  ₁₂
  , and iron)
  
• Nutritional yeast, supplemented with added B
  ₁₂
  (same benefits as liver)
  
• Green vegetables (for iron and other minerals)
  
• Kelp powder (for iodine and other trace minerals)
  
• Vitamin C, 500 to 2,000 milligrams a day, depending on the animal’s size (promotes the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract)
  

In addition to the nutritional supports, give one of these remedies (whichever seems best indicated) for ten days.

Homeopathic
—
China officinalis
6C, using Homeopathic Schedule 6(a) (
view
). This is strongly indicated following blood loss that has resulted in marked weakness and loss of strength.

Homeopathic
—
Nux vomica
6C, using Homeopathic Schedule 6(a) (
view
). Try this remedy when your pet has become withdrawn and irritable after the blood loss.

If anemia is caused by parasites, these must be controlled (see “Skin Parasites” or “Worms”). In such a case, use the nutritional advice given for anemia, but instead of using the anemia remedies suggested, follow the treatment guidelines under the appropriate section. (For an anemic animal, however, do not use the fasting program.)

Flea infestations are most safely controlled by a combination of frequent bathing with a nontoxic soap (there are several types available, some with herbal constituents; some contain d-limonene from citrus, which can be used on dogs but not cats), controlling fleas in the environment, and using the lemon skin tonic described in chapter 7. When the animal is stronger, you can use more strenuous flea-control methods if required, but I do discourage the use of poisonous chemicals, because they are not really effective in a long-term way and are very toxic to both humans and animals.

Sometimes very young kittens or puppies are so besieged by fleas that they are almost drained of their blood. In such cases, it is essential not to use flea powders or sprays, even though the temptation is great. The young animals are much too small and weak to handle such an assault. Instead, bathe them often and use the lemon tonic rinse. To prevent them from getting chilled, dry them thoroughly afterward. Towel them off and then use a hair dryer set on low or place them in a warm, sunny spot. Keep them
warm and quiet in general and, if the weather allows, give them some fresh air and sunlight. Also use a flea comb to remove fleas not killed by the baths. Feed only natural foods—no commercial fare—and follow the treatment program suggested for anemia. You will be amazed at how quickly these little creatures can respond.

APPETITE PROBLEMS

Changes in normal appetite often show up as an aspect of an illness. This is a problem more common in cats than in dogs, probably because cats have such stringent nutritional requirements. The thing to understand about this is how gradually an inadequate appetite can creep up with a cat. Usually the first indication is what most people would call a finicky cat, one who rejects many different foods and prefers just one or two brands. Most people just give in to this demand and don’t think much about it. However, especially if it is coupled with regular water drinking, you have the beginnings of a more serious condition.

The next stage is a fluctuation in preferences. Maybe your cat no longer relishes what it once did. Or perhaps you find it necessary to open a different brand of food at each meal. Even this variation is not always totally acceptable, and your cat may pester you frequently for more food, only to reject what you offer. It is no wonder that some people end up feeding their cat tuna or liver exclusively.

If this deterioration continues, the next stage is inadequate eating with a gradual loss of weight. You may see a skeleton cat that eats just barely enough (with coaxing and indulgence) to maintain life. Cats like this do not eat enthusiastically. They just lick at their food or eat around the edges, leaving the less desirable parts in the bowl. Over time, these cats will waste away until they are finally diagnosed with some disease that is the end product of this long decline.

How will you know if your cat has started into this pattern? Ask yourself some questions: Is your cat addicted to a particular brand of food? Will she eat only dry food? Must you open a new can at every feeding (can’t use any leftovers)? Do you find yourself adding irresistible foods like tuna or liver to get your cat to eat? Are you required to sit there with your cat while he eats (perhaps petting him the whole time) lest he will leave his food?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you probably have a problem. Another test is to hold back on the food your cat always wants. Instead, offer a home-prepared diet or another good brand of canned food. If your cat does not accept the new food within five days, then you definitely have a problem.

Resolving this situation usually requires a specific homeopathic treatment (called constitutional therapy) or an equivalent method of alternative treatment best undertaken by a well-trained professional. Sometimes, however, appetite problems are just one
symptom of a specific disease for which you will find treatment suggestions in this section. For example, a loss of appetite can be the main symptom of conditions as diverse as inflammation of the bowels, or failure of the kidneys. You will need some help from your veterinarian to figure out what the underlying problem is.

ARTHRITIS

Arthritis and bone disease are much more common in dogs than in cats and usually take one of several forms.

Hip dysplasia: a malformation of the hip sockets that allows excessive movement in the joint, causing chronic inflammation, calcium deposits, and further breakdown. This was first seen in the larger breeds of dogs, but now is seen in any breed. Larger dogs, however, have more trouble with it because they weigh more (see “Hip Dysplasia”).

Dislocation of the kneecap: a malformation of the leg bones that causes the kneecap to repeatedly pull out of position, slip back and forth and set up a continuous low-grade inflammation. Mostly seen in small breeds, it is fostered by poor breeding practices and low-quality food.

Degeneration of the shoulder joint: the breakdown of cartilage in the shoulder, leading to inflammation and pain on movement. Mostly found in medium to large breeds, it is always an aspect of an overall chronic disease condition that affects other parts of the body as well.

Arthritis of the elbow: a condition that is caused by improper bone formation and is considered to be hereditary. It is generally seen in German shepherds. Like shoulder joint problems, it is part of a larger chronic disease condition.

Swelling and pain in the leg bones: seen in young dogs (a few months of age) of the large breeds. It is apparently partly caused by inadequate production of vitamin C and is the result of poor nutrition and heredity.

P
REVENTION

Most of these conditions could be prevented if the female were properly fed throughout her pregnancy. The time of growth in the uterus is critical in terms of the formation of essential structural tissues. Inadequate nutrition is most detrimental at this time (see “Pregnancy, Birth, and Care of Newborns”). Avoiding commercial foods and feeding a natural, wholesome diet is an important part of a preventive program. Homeopathic treatment during pregnancy is also an excellent means of minimizing the likelihood of this problem in the next generation. Of course, the mother should not be vaccinated while she is pregnant (see “Vaccinations”).

After birth, the regular use of vitamin C minimizes or prevents some of these problems. Depending on the size of the animal and its age, give 250 to 2,000 milligrams a day. For instance, a small puppy (like a Pekinese) would get 250 milligrams, a large puppy (like a German shepherd) 500 milligrams.
After the dog matures, give 500 to 1,000 milligrams daily for most sizes and perhaps up to 2,000 milligrams for a giant breed like the Great Dane or Saint Bernard.

Prevention is very important in arthritic conditions, because once the joints are distorted, the damage has been done.

T
REATMENT

Even in the face of an already-established condition, there are several things you can do to minimize your animal’s arthritic discomfort. The first step is to feed the natural diet, as described in chapters 4 and 5.

Add vitamin C to the diet, 500 to 2,000 milligrams a day, depending on the animal’s size. It’s best to divide the daily amount and give it twice a day. Other vitamins and supplements that are especially important are vitamin E and a vitamin A and D combination. Increase the amounts in the recipes by an additional 50 to 100 IU of vitamin E. Double the vitamin A and E supplement (or cod-liver oil). Supplements containing glucosamine can also be very helpful with some animals, primarily where the joints are involved. It does not help every animal, but is worth a trial. For a large dog, add 500 mg to food once a day and adjust proportionately for other sizes. Results will be apparent within 3 weeks, often within 1 week, if this supplement will be beneficial to your dog.

Be sure to include raw, grated vegetables in the diet, particularly carrots, beets, and celery.

In addition to these nutritional guidelines, one of the following remedies may help. Choose the one which best fits your situation.

Herbal
—Alfalfa (
Medicago sativa
): Indicated for the thin, nervous animal with a tendency toward digestive problems as well as arthritis. Depending on its size, add 1 teaspoon to 3 tablespoons of ground or dry blended alfalfa to the daily ration. Or you can administer alfalfa as an infusion using Herbal Schedule 3 (
view
). A third choice is to give your pet 2 to 6 alfalfa tablets a day.

Herbal
—Garlic (
Allium sativum
): Garlic is suited for the overweight animal with hip pain, especially a pet that has been on a high-meat diet. Include freshly grated garlic with each meal, using ½ to 3 cloves, depending on the body size.

Homeopathic
—
Rhus toxicodendron
6C (poison ivy): Do not use the herbal form, of course, but the safe homeopathic preparation, which you can order by mail in tablet or pellet form. Rhus tox. is indicated for a dog or cat with chronic arthritis, pain, or stiffness that is most apparent when the animal gets up after a long rest (for example, overnight). When it first starts to move, the animal shows discomfort or stiffness, but after a few minutes it seems to loosen up and feel better. If the pet also has a tendency toward red, swollen, itchy skin, Rhus tox. will work on both problems (see “Skin Problems”). Use Homeopathic Schedule 6(a) (
view
).

Homeopathic
—
Silicea
30C: This medicine fits many dogs that have inherited joint and bone disease problems. Typically, the symptoms
become more severe as the dog gets older, with stiffness, pain, and even distortion of the joints and legs in severe cases. I use this medicine for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, joint arthritis, and arthritis of the spine (spondylitis). Use Homeopathic Schedule 4 (
view
). Do not give this medicine more than once. If it is not effective, then work with a skilled veterinarian.

A disease that affects young dogs, hypertrophic osteodystrophy causes pain and inflammation of the bones of the legs. Here are a couple of remedies that can be useful.