VETERINARY CASE REPORTS
Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 11:48 am
As reprinted in UK's Heal Thyself, March 1947, made available by free subscription
www.homeopathycourseonline.com
Couldn't find original online from Journal below to link to, so posting:
VETERINARY CASE REPORTS
By W. J. Cross, D.V.M.
(From Journal of The American Institute of Homceopathy;
July, 1945)
IT was suggested that I give a few case reports somewhat in the
fashion of Dr. Compton Burnett in his book, Fifty Reasons for
Becoming a Homoeopath. Although imitation is the sincerest
form of flattery, I am sure doing more than merely giving a few
case reports would be highly presumptuous. I have not the flair
for word building, the dramatic case reports to draw from, nor
knowledge of the art so necessary to become such a master
prescriber.
However, there are countless reasons—perfectly apparent to
those who possess the conscience, the will, and the opportunity
to test and compare—for applying the Simile principle to the
treatment of animal diseases. It constantly and consistently
accomplishes curative results that are seldom attained by other
methods. This is especially true in chronic conditions and those
that are not self-limiting in character. Anyone conducting a
general veterinary practice is certainly operating under a severe
handicap without the secure anchorage of its precepts and the
serene knowledge that the potencies will exert their beneficent
dynamical energy on animal diseases as well as on those of man.
For case reports I have selected some common everyday conditions,
more aggravating than serious, for which crude drugging
offers little or nothing.
Pruritis.—I am sure most of you can call to mind some dog
whose life is made miserable by a persistent " floor-thumping "
scratching. Let us assume that the animal has gone through one
or more of the regular clinics. He has been wormed and defleaed;
the diet has been changed with the moon; he has been
literally stuffed on current panaceas, the vitamins and sulfas;
possibly a fashionable operation has been suggested. Without
doubt the unfortunate animal has surely run the entire gamut of
local treatment. I have in mind a number of such cases.
First. Large male pointer, about six years old. There was a
persistent scratching, day and night, which stopped only when
the attention was seriously engaged or upon active movement. No
local lesions were shown other than those caused by the mechanics
of the claws. Itching promptly stopped under the influence of
Sulphur \m, three doses given one hour apart. The remedy was
chosen on the following indications: redness of the body orifices;
a slight but pronounced skin odour; either a burning sensation
as in man, or aversion to heat, as denoted by the constant digging
of cool places in the earth in which to lie; lassitude or laziness,
with a general ungroomed appearance.
Second.—Short-haired terrier, four years old, female. No
skin lesions were evident, but a persistent scratching was incited
by the slightest touch. When occurring in inaccessible areas, the
sensation was gratified by rubbing under various objects such as
chair legs, the bed, stove, etc. Graphites 3x was prescribed, two
doses daily for six days. The condition was removed for a month,
after which time Graphites 30 in three doses, eight hours apart
completed the cure. This remedy was selected because the animal
was fat, chilly, costive; in addition there was a history of oophorectomy.
Graphites seem to be commonly indicated in dogs
following such an operation.
Third.—Wire-haired terrier, young male. Presented an intermittent
day and night scratching. The irregular attacks lasted
from a few hours to a few days and the intervals between were of
about the same duration. Fagopyrum 30 was given, six doses,
twenty-four hours apart. Indications: occasional flea-bite lesions
although no parasites were present; a very sore skin and the
soreness was definitely increased by scratching; the itching was
apparently aggravated by cold and cold applications.
Another minor condition, often causing acute distress to a
sensitive owner, is dog odour. One case in mind concerns a little
mutt of devious lineal descent whose days were spent riding in his
master's car. A very pronounced body odour, however, changed
all this, and he was not only denied this privilege during the day,
but was also barred from the house at night. It is to be concluded
that all orthodox treatment had been tried as he had made
numerous and prolonged trips to various veterinary hospitals.
The odour not only resisted this pseudo-scientific onslaught but
challenged all domestic treatment as well, including daily baths
with a well-known fog-horn soap. Psorinum soon restored him
to his former social standing. Two doses of the 200 were given
two hours apart and in two weeks one dose of the \m. Reasons
for prescribing: first the odour; second, the aversion to cold or
conversely the constant seeking of heat. Of course any remedy
listed in the materia medica may be indicated for such cases, but
when the condition seems to be confined to the skin itself and is
not augmented by the odour of other body excretions the first
line remedies, in my experience, seem to be Psorinum, Sulphur,
Sepia and Petroleum.
Car sickness in dogs is another condition that often proves
exceedingly irritating, especially so when it is the causative factor
of a washing or cleaning job. I will not give any specific case
reports but Cocculus is usually the first thought, especially in the
absence of indications specifically calling for another remedy.
Its chief indication is terribly contracted muscles during the attack.
This is especially marked in the muscles of the neck, chest and
abdomen. Sepia should always be remembered in young pregnant
dogs. The possibilities of Tabacum, Petroleum, Lobelia, and
Gelsemium should always be investigated, and last, but not least,
Ipecac. Tabacum presents the most persistent vomiting. The
animal is not plagued with just a little waterbrash, but is deathly
sick all over. Petroleum has the easiest vomition characterized
by panting. Lobelia must be considered if there is much salivation.
Gelsemium has an involuntary stool which no doubt may in part
be attributed to fright, especially if occurring in puppies or dogs
on their first ride. You are of course familiar with the persistent
clean-tongued vomiting of Ipecac. Middle to high potencies
have worked better for me than the low.
Gun-shyness.—This condition, said to be incurable, may often
be overcome by a course of careful training, supported by the
artful use of the high potencies. Do not employ anything below
the cc in these cases, as you will only be wasting your time. The
first three remedies to be considered in these cases are: Borax,
Aconite and Theridion. The chief indication for Borax, coupled
with the fright, is the fear of downward motion. The dog will not
range down hill; if he comes to a gully he will not descend and
climb up the other side, but will hunt around the head of the wash
or valley. He has no objection to being lifted out of a car, or
being picked up in the arms, but may struggle or suddenly snap
on being lowered to the ground. Aconite is given according to
general indications, especially the restlessness and anxiety following
the gun report. Theridion presents the fear of short, sharp sounds.
The prolonged sounds, however loud or rumbling, such as thunder
and trains, have little effect. An auxiliary treatment consists
in tying the animal, especially at feeding time or when hungry,
between two well-seasoned veterans of the field. Then, when his
attention is centred on eating or guarding his food, start off at a
considerable distance with firing a small calibre rifle. With
patience the distance may be decreased and the calibre increased
gradually until the animal becomes accustomed to the noise and
his nervousness is correspondingly lessened. Now do not take
it that all cases of gun-shy dogs can be cured, but there is certainly
more virtue in the high potencies than any other form of treatment.
Furuncles. Great dane, male, two or three years of age.
Scattered lesions extended over the neck, shoulders, forelegs and
on down to the toes. Almost everything had been tried on this
animal, including all the various rays and even an autogenous
vaccine made from the discharge. After the lesions, the first
thing noted was his sensitiveness to slight touch. He would
attempt to snap on brushing or contacting the areas but would
stand hard pressure. The second note was his desire to keep
out of draughts. He would not stand in the open, but would tug
on the leash to gain the protection of a wall out of the wind.
Prescribed Hepar 200, three doses one hour apart, and repeated
in one week. There was no reason for a repetition of the remedy
after that short interval' but I have found that young animals
will tolerate repeated d0ses of Calcarea and Hepar even in the
200 potency. The rapidity with which the lesions dried and
cleared up was almost unbelievable even to one who has become
accustomed to the rapid action of a well-selected remedy. In fact,
in the opinion of the owSIr, it bordered on the miraculous. He
said that it was too much to expect of a few powders and the
results must have been derived from something given previously.
I feel that I am taking far too much of your time, but I would
like to mention one other condition, occurring in cows, that is
quite common and which often becomes serious. It is the use of
Pyrogenium for retained secundines. I have used Secale, Pulsatilla
and Cantharides, but very rarely, as Pyrogenium seems to be the
best for the removal of these offending membranes. It has even
affected their shedding after the failure of Stilboestrol, a popular
remedy so much touted at the present time. By the way, Stilboestrol
is usually recommended in 15 to 25 milligram doses for
a cow, therefore it may prove homoeopathic although not suspected
and certainly not conceded. The potencies of Pyrogenium used
have been from the 30 to the cc, all in this range apparently being
effective. A favourite is the 48. It is usually prescribed in four
powders, to be given dry on the tongue, twice daily; that is, morning
and night at milking time.
In conclusion, there are two things that I would like you, as
homoeopaths, to consider, the first being of especial benefit to
tyros; the second to veterinarians. First—when mention is made
of a remedy in case reports, please add the potency used, the
number of doses prescribed and the intervals between doses,
together with the reasons leading to its selection. Second—what
can be done to promote the teaching of Homoeopathy in at least
one veterinary college to the end that men graduating from this
institution would at least know the meaning of the word and not
be denied the opportunity to judge the two dominant systems
www.homeopathycourseonline.com
Couldn't find original online from Journal below to link to, so posting:
VETERINARY CASE REPORTS
By W. J. Cross, D.V.M.
(From Journal of The American Institute of Homceopathy;
July, 1945)
IT was suggested that I give a few case reports somewhat in the
fashion of Dr. Compton Burnett in his book, Fifty Reasons for
Becoming a Homoeopath. Although imitation is the sincerest
form of flattery, I am sure doing more than merely giving a few
case reports would be highly presumptuous. I have not the flair
for word building, the dramatic case reports to draw from, nor
knowledge of the art so necessary to become such a master
prescriber.
However, there are countless reasons—perfectly apparent to
those who possess the conscience, the will, and the opportunity
to test and compare—for applying the Simile principle to the
treatment of animal diseases. It constantly and consistently
accomplishes curative results that are seldom attained by other
methods. This is especially true in chronic conditions and those
that are not self-limiting in character. Anyone conducting a
general veterinary practice is certainly operating under a severe
handicap without the secure anchorage of its precepts and the
serene knowledge that the potencies will exert their beneficent
dynamical energy on animal diseases as well as on those of man.
For case reports I have selected some common everyday conditions,
more aggravating than serious, for which crude drugging
offers little or nothing.
Pruritis.—I am sure most of you can call to mind some dog
whose life is made miserable by a persistent " floor-thumping "
scratching. Let us assume that the animal has gone through one
or more of the regular clinics. He has been wormed and defleaed;
the diet has been changed with the moon; he has been
literally stuffed on current panaceas, the vitamins and sulfas;
possibly a fashionable operation has been suggested. Without
doubt the unfortunate animal has surely run the entire gamut of
local treatment. I have in mind a number of such cases.
First. Large male pointer, about six years old. There was a
persistent scratching, day and night, which stopped only when
the attention was seriously engaged or upon active movement. No
local lesions were shown other than those caused by the mechanics
of the claws. Itching promptly stopped under the influence of
Sulphur \m, three doses given one hour apart. The remedy was
chosen on the following indications: redness of the body orifices;
a slight but pronounced skin odour; either a burning sensation
as in man, or aversion to heat, as denoted by the constant digging
of cool places in the earth in which to lie; lassitude or laziness,
with a general ungroomed appearance.
Second.—Short-haired terrier, four years old, female. No
skin lesions were evident, but a persistent scratching was incited
by the slightest touch. When occurring in inaccessible areas, the
sensation was gratified by rubbing under various objects such as
chair legs, the bed, stove, etc. Graphites 3x was prescribed, two
doses daily for six days. The condition was removed for a month,
after which time Graphites 30 in three doses, eight hours apart
completed the cure. This remedy was selected because the animal
was fat, chilly, costive; in addition there was a history of oophorectomy.
Graphites seem to be commonly indicated in dogs
following such an operation.
Third.—Wire-haired terrier, young male. Presented an intermittent
day and night scratching. The irregular attacks lasted
from a few hours to a few days and the intervals between were of
about the same duration. Fagopyrum 30 was given, six doses,
twenty-four hours apart. Indications: occasional flea-bite lesions
although no parasites were present; a very sore skin and the
soreness was definitely increased by scratching; the itching was
apparently aggravated by cold and cold applications.
Another minor condition, often causing acute distress to a
sensitive owner, is dog odour. One case in mind concerns a little
mutt of devious lineal descent whose days were spent riding in his
master's car. A very pronounced body odour, however, changed
all this, and he was not only denied this privilege during the day,
but was also barred from the house at night. It is to be concluded
that all orthodox treatment had been tried as he had made
numerous and prolonged trips to various veterinary hospitals.
The odour not only resisted this pseudo-scientific onslaught but
challenged all domestic treatment as well, including daily baths
with a well-known fog-horn soap. Psorinum soon restored him
to his former social standing. Two doses of the 200 were given
two hours apart and in two weeks one dose of the \m. Reasons
for prescribing: first the odour; second, the aversion to cold or
conversely the constant seeking of heat. Of course any remedy
listed in the materia medica may be indicated for such cases, but
when the condition seems to be confined to the skin itself and is
not augmented by the odour of other body excretions the first
line remedies, in my experience, seem to be Psorinum, Sulphur,
Sepia and Petroleum.
Car sickness in dogs is another condition that often proves
exceedingly irritating, especially so when it is the causative factor
of a washing or cleaning job. I will not give any specific case
reports but Cocculus is usually the first thought, especially in the
absence of indications specifically calling for another remedy.
Its chief indication is terribly contracted muscles during the attack.
This is especially marked in the muscles of the neck, chest and
abdomen. Sepia should always be remembered in young pregnant
dogs. The possibilities of Tabacum, Petroleum, Lobelia, and
Gelsemium should always be investigated, and last, but not least,
Ipecac. Tabacum presents the most persistent vomiting. The
animal is not plagued with just a little waterbrash, but is deathly
sick all over. Petroleum has the easiest vomition characterized
by panting. Lobelia must be considered if there is much salivation.
Gelsemium has an involuntary stool which no doubt may in part
be attributed to fright, especially if occurring in puppies or dogs
on their first ride. You are of course familiar with the persistent
clean-tongued vomiting of Ipecac. Middle to high potencies
have worked better for me than the low.
Gun-shyness.—This condition, said to be incurable, may often
be overcome by a course of careful training, supported by the
artful use of the high potencies. Do not employ anything below
the cc in these cases, as you will only be wasting your time. The
first three remedies to be considered in these cases are: Borax,
Aconite and Theridion. The chief indication for Borax, coupled
with the fright, is the fear of downward motion. The dog will not
range down hill; if he comes to a gully he will not descend and
climb up the other side, but will hunt around the head of the wash
or valley. He has no objection to being lifted out of a car, or
being picked up in the arms, but may struggle or suddenly snap
on being lowered to the ground. Aconite is given according to
general indications, especially the restlessness and anxiety following
the gun report. Theridion presents the fear of short, sharp sounds.
The prolonged sounds, however loud or rumbling, such as thunder
and trains, have little effect. An auxiliary treatment consists
in tying the animal, especially at feeding time or when hungry,
between two well-seasoned veterans of the field. Then, when his
attention is centred on eating or guarding his food, start off at a
considerable distance with firing a small calibre rifle. With
patience the distance may be decreased and the calibre increased
gradually until the animal becomes accustomed to the noise and
his nervousness is correspondingly lessened. Now do not take
it that all cases of gun-shy dogs can be cured, but there is certainly
more virtue in the high potencies than any other form of treatment.
Furuncles. Great dane, male, two or three years of age.
Scattered lesions extended over the neck, shoulders, forelegs and
on down to the toes. Almost everything had been tried on this
animal, including all the various rays and even an autogenous
vaccine made from the discharge. After the lesions, the first
thing noted was his sensitiveness to slight touch. He would
attempt to snap on brushing or contacting the areas but would
stand hard pressure. The second note was his desire to keep
out of draughts. He would not stand in the open, but would tug
on the leash to gain the protection of a wall out of the wind.
Prescribed Hepar 200, three doses one hour apart, and repeated
in one week. There was no reason for a repetition of the remedy
after that short interval' but I have found that young animals
will tolerate repeated d0ses of Calcarea and Hepar even in the
200 potency. The rapidity with which the lesions dried and
cleared up was almost unbelievable even to one who has become
accustomed to the rapid action of a well-selected remedy. In fact,
in the opinion of the owSIr, it bordered on the miraculous. He
said that it was too much to expect of a few powders and the
results must have been derived from something given previously.
I feel that I am taking far too much of your time, but I would
like to mention one other condition, occurring in cows, that is
quite common and which often becomes serious. It is the use of
Pyrogenium for retained secundines. I have used Secale, Pulsatilla
and Cantharides, but very rarely, as Pyrogenium seems to be the
best for the removal of these offending membranes. It has even
affected their shedding after the failure of Stilboestrol, a popular
remedy so much touted at the present time. By the way, Stilboestrol
is usually recommended in 15 to 25 milligram doses for
a cow, therefore it may prove homoeopathic although not suspected
and certainly not conceded. The potencies of Pyrogenium used
have been from the 30 to the cc, all in this range apparently being
effective. A favourite is the 48. It is usually prescribed in four
powders, to be given dry on the tongue, twice daily; that is, morning
and night at milking time.
In conclusion, there are two things that I would like you, as
homoeopaths, to consider, the first being of especial benefit to
tyros; the second to veterinarians. First—when mention is made
of a remedy in case reports, please add the potency used, the
number of doses prescribed and the intervals between doses,
together with the reasons leading to its selection. Second—what
can be done to promote the teaching of Homoeopathy in at least
one veterinary college to the end that men graduating from this
institution would at least know the meaning of the word and not
be denied the opportunity to judge the two dominant systems