Minuet – 3 year-old Thoroughbred mare – Chronic Salmonellosis

Minuet was presented on 27th April 2000, with critical weight loss, chronic diarrhoea and worm damage. She had been referred from Essex to a prominent equine veterinary centre, for specialist care, since she suffered chronic watery diarrhoea, severe and critical weight loss and inappetance. When worms were found and treated with anthelmintics, she would go down with a Salmonella infection. When that was treated with antibiotics, she would go down with a heavy worm burden. This was a repetitive pattern. Clearly, her bowel and immune system were severely compromised. Finally, the Salmonella infection would not respond to antibiotics and probiotics. The condition was worsening with each setback and the equine specialists decided upon euthanasia, as the only option. The owner sought a further (homeopathic) opinion.

The mare was moved to Oxfordshire on 8th May, with relevant MAFF (now DEFRA) notification (for Salmonella). The  veterinary centre handed her very formally into my care, warning of the hazards of pursuing the case. She was kept in isolation and homeopathic treatment commenced. She had no conventional drugs, whether antibiotic, anthelmintic or other, from that date onwards. Her well-being improved within two days. Whether this was from the change of environment or from the cessation of drugs or from the commencement of homeopathy or even from any permutation of those, cannot be said with any certainty.

Repeated tests continued to reveal Salmonella until 23rd June. On 27th June, Campylobacter and E. coli were also reported. By 10th July, no more Salmonellae or Campylobacter were isolated but on 7th August, Klebsiella was identified. This was a most unusual series of bacteriological findings and clearly represented deep immune and homeostatic disruption. All of these infections were cleared, without the use of drugs, using homeopathic prescribing. All bacteriological and helminthological tests were clear by mid August and remained so. She had just started to put on a little condition before this but now it became dramatic. She went home in October 2000 and has remained very well ever since. We have more recent reports.

This case illustrates the ability of the body to control serious, refractory and dangerous infections and to undergo restoration of health, under the guidance of homeopathy alone. Antibiotics are not 'de rigeur', even with such serious organisms. Euthanasia had appeared to be the only option, in conventional terms, after a great deal of illness and suffering. The prognosis can be very different, using natural medicine, owing to the stimulus it provides directly to the powerful endogenous healing and balancing processes.

Betsy – 3 year-old Welsh Pony mare – Auto-immune disease

Betsy was presented on the 5th August 1997, with auto-immune disease, characterised by scabs and painful, itchy, hot lesions over her entire body. She had ventral oedema and her legs were swollen. She had first started with what appeared to be fly bites, just after her 2nd birthday. She was treated with antibiotics. Each time it appeared to clear, it would break out again, worse, after ceasing antibiotic. It became much worse in September 1996. She was referred to a Veterinary School. After a 24-hour stay there, she was sent home with a cortisone treatment régime, to last until January. One month after the treatment stopped, it all broke out again. She was now at a stage in which, each time her dosage fell below 30 steroid tablets per day, she would break out again. The outlook was becoming very bleak indeed.

Homeopathic treatment commenced on about 7th August 1997.  She had a patchy Autumn, as the steroids were reduced, during the homeopathic treatment. In mid-December, after having been off steroids for 6 weeks, she had a lesser break out. She was itchy but with less swelling and the lesions were resolving without steroid. By mid-January, she was described as ‘incredibly well and behaving like a 3 year-old, at last'. She had a very slight re-appearance of lesions in February, which was transient. There was a minor outbreak at the end of March, which was again transient. In early May, she was reported as ‘wonderful; to see her enjoying life so much’. In mid-May there was a more severe breaking out.  The owner was very upset, having come so far. The homeopathic treatment was changed, to take account of new symptoms. By mid-June, she was fine again and reported as ‘brilliant’ on no treatment for the previous 6 weeks, towards the end of July. In June 1999, she was reported as having been very well for over a year and on no treatment but with a bad outbreak again. We restarted the homeopathic treatment of May 1998. She was reported as improving, in July 1999. She was fine until January 2000, when there was another episode. This was very minor. Minor outbreaks of a few spots were reported in March and in June. All was very well until November 2000, when there was a further episode, which rapidly cleared. As her legs swelled a little this time, more antibiotics were given at the end of November. The report of 7th December was 'very happy in herself and the lesions clearing'.

Subsequent reports received: 5th January 2001, ‘seems fine at moment, had reaction to one of the injections given by vet, but over that now, rode today and full of beans’; 30th January, ‘doing very well at the moment’.

This case shows the transient nature of the effects of antibiotics and steroids and shows the typical step-wise worsening at each stage, after release of suppression, that is a feature of the true chronic case. There is also a report of an adverse drug reaction. Auto-immune disease, of such a severe and deep nature, is usually slow to resolve but we expect a good outcome in most cases, whether in dogs or horses.

Henry – 8 year-old Hannoverian x Thoroughbred gelding – Severe Wound, Serious Infection and Tissue Deficit

We were called to Henry on the 17th July 1990, with a 'burst' wound (acquired from hitting a fence at speed), that had been stitched but which was now breaking down and was looking worse than prior to stitching. It was grossly infected and the leg was very swollen. Henry was unable to use the leg and was extremely reluctant to move at all. Antibiotics were not holding. The horse was to be euthanised that day. I attended with the local vet and we started homeopathic treatment, stopping the antibiotics as they were failing, with a warning that the wound would break down even more, by the next day. This did happen. The swelling in the fore leg had reduced considerably by this time, however. It would have been futile or even damaging to repeat the efforts to stitch the wound at this stage.

By the 23rd July, the wound was looking much more healthy and Henry was much happier. He was walking ‘really well’. At this time, a rigorous exercise programme was put in place, in order to ensure healing of a relevant and functional nature.

Henry was provisionally signed off by 10th August, as things were looking so good. Later in August, we received a glowing letter.

A series of photographs was received in September, showing the course of healing. Henry had, by then, resumed full work and the last photograph of the series barely showed the scar.

We next saw him in April 1991, with a tendon injury, which healed well in 6 weeks, with laser therapy. The old wound was scarcely detectable.

This case illustrates how homeopathy may help cases, in which antibiotic is failing to provide the necessary benefit. It also illustrates the quality of wound-healing that we often see with homeopathic treatment. We have not experienced ‘proud flesh’ in any injury patients who were treated with homeopathy from the outset. This presumably means that granulation tissue behaves differently, under homeopathic ‘guidance’.

Chicken – a 7 year-old Thoroughbred gelding - Chiropractic case

First seen: 30th November 2005, because he was showing an awkward left canter. 

History/information: Trips, takes own shoes off deliberately, saddling issues (still in process), stops, refuses, temperament changes, pulls back when tied up, had equine massage (without alignment), lazy, reluctant to ‘come off leg’, left-lead canter is four-time, rather than three-time, splint off fore (recent). 

Observations/findings: Teeth wrong at back, face wrong (right hand side), stands wrongly behind, right pelvis (lumbo-sacral joint), three misalignments in spine (back problem), withers sore, foot balance 100%, narrow feet, feeding unsuitable.

Action: Full holistic advice, chiropractic manipulation, discussion. 

Report: 8^th December 2005: "Yippee! 1000% improvement! Different horse completely, Instructor couldn’t believe it when saw him move – on the right hand side of his wither, he used to sweat profusely and now not sweating at all! Will be in touch if he needs manipulation again."

This case-report illustrates how not every patient requires medical intervention. It also illustrates the important point that massage or physiotherapy will be of limited value while skeletal misalignments remain uncorrected.

Case to be re-written

Case to be re-written

Case to be re-written

Case to be re-written 

Henry - a thirteen-year-old chestnut gelding - Inveterate skin problem

First examined: 9th March, 1993. Presented with extensive alopecia and exfoliation of the skin of face and head. This condition was non-pruritic. History from 4.1.93, when it was first obviously considered to be a 'problem':

14.1.93: skin/hair/swab sample: mixed bacterial growth, cell interface poor, diagnosis 'dermatosis'. Blood sample 'nothing abnormal'.

Treatments as written in referral note: Antibacterial Foam, Vetsovate, Defungit, Antibiotics, Ivermectin, Dexamethasone. Vet's bills approx. £2,000.00 to date.

Owner's notes: started in small patches, feared ringworm, gradually spread & coalesced, despite treatment. Steroids stopped during the previous week.

Had sarcoids removed, from chin and axillae, in summer 1989.

Started coughing in December 1992; prevented with dampened hay but then the skin lesions appeared.

Last vaccine dates: October 1992.

Treated homeopathically, for 'vaccinosis', commenced on 11.3.93.

First client report 26.3.93: "Miracles! Within three days bad skin started to drop off rapidly, good skin showing underneath, hair started to grow through 2-3 days later, very pleased."

Next client report 14.9.93: "Henry appears to have made a rapid and full recovery. You can keep the enclosed photos." (These were dated and showed a virtually 100% recovery, with full hair regrowth, within 8 weeks.)

Henry 13.03.93	Henry 13.03.93	Henry 20.03.93	Henry 27.03.93
Henry 27.03.93	Henry 06.04.93	Henry 06.04.93	Henry by May 1993

Next client report 26.11.93: "Henry been fine but last couple of weeks had flu/tet jab (12.11.93) and 7-10 days after that started to develop patches of hair loss on his face. Will restart homeopathic treatment and report."

23.11.93: "Recommenced homeopathy on 17.11.93. Skin of right stifle and upper leg and left chest wall feels very rough with small scabs; skin on face shows very small areas of hair loss."

1.12.93: "No further hair loss, a little bit of regrowth, but skin showing in a couple of patches where did lose hair. It is dry with small flakes."

15.12.93: "Only fine dandruff left now, rest cleared, hair all regrown."

17.12.93: "Now appears to have made a full recovery, worrying about next vaccine due May 1994. Should I ask for different brand? Has to have as competing. Had double shots in Autumn (12.10.93 & 15.11.93) as just missed annual booster date!"

Recommended a homeopathic 'vaccine buffer' for the coming May.

8.4.94: Client rang and ordered 'buffer'; vaccine booked for 9.5.94

21.6.94: "Sorry for delay in writing, vaccine buffer was 90% effective, hair on face only went a little sparse around forelock, cleared easily with a repeat of the homeopathic treatment."

Henry's case illustrates the coincidence in timing so often seen, between vaccination dates and onset of symptoms/signs. It also illustrates the futility of treatment, until the underlying immune imbalance is addressed and it shows the need for and effectiveness of the 'vaccine buffer'.

        

Impey - 17 y.o. Welsh Section A gelding - Losing condition & can’t put weight back on him

First seen: 31.08.05 – eating loads, keeps upping the ration – if gets wet, becomes very cold. Fairly long history: started last year – bad winter in very wet field – suddenly lost condition – drops weight in April, has done for last 2 years but much worse last year.

Blood sample: ‘viral’ 2004 – antibiotics helped.

Much worse in the cold/wet. Heavy frosts in May this year didn’t help. Loose dung – never been tested. Bottom of peck order.

At examination, found extensive jaw problems – ‘can’t chew in round-and-round fashion’. Wasted muscles in cheeks.

Manipulation of neck & jaw. Teeth good. Dentist says ‘arthritic jaw’ – old injury. Supply homeopathic treatment.

Reported October doing well.

Revisited – definite improvement; held most of facial adjustment; filling out slowly (Oct '05) – much brighter – looking better.

Jan 2006 – doing really well - happy little pony.

April 2006 – filled out well – needs vaccine booster for PC meeting – supply 'vaccine buffer'.

28.04.06 "Doing incredibly well – looking marvellous – never seen him looking so good."

Here we see the recurring theme of vaccination coincidence and the need to address that underlying imbalance, before the body can correct its problems.

A. D. – 4 year-old Mare, presented by Mrs - - - - - - - - -  of Cumbria - a chiropractic case

I would like to thank you for all you have done for A----- D--------, following your treatment in November, she has resumed her racing career, and I am pleased to say that to date she is certainly back to her best.  We have raced her on 10 occasions since the beginning of April and she has won four races, had three second places and two third places, only being unplaced once, when she had to pull up due to an incident in front of her.

Hopefully we will not experience any re-occurrence of last year’s problems, but I feel it may be beneficial if you were to look at her again following the racing season, and I will contact you again later in the year.

Sometimes, all we need to do is 'back work'.

Paparina – 10 y.o. Thoroughbred cross mare – Chronic maxillary sinus infection

Presented 23^rd January 1992, with chronic discharging, very malodorous aperture in right face, from a non-healing sinus operation. The bones of the face were distorted and the maxillary sinus had collapsed.

The problem had started in May 1991. After X-ray diagnosis, removal of a tooth and failure to respond to various antibiotic and other treatments, she was hospitalised at an equine practice for 1 month. She had periods of being very ill and her face would swell badly from time to time.

She was referred to Newmarket in October 1991. Further surgery was performed but no improvement gained. She still suffered persistent facial discharge and periods of illness and swelling.

At the time of presentation (January 1992), she was a very unhappy mare and still in a great deal of pain. Homeopathic treatment was started at that time.

By the end of May, the face had healed, but her nose and eye still discharged a little. Until mid-October, we had reports of basically very happy horse with episodes when she was a bit ‘down’, along with changes in nasal discharge. An X-ray in May had revealed a ‘halo’ around the neighbouring tooth, so it was assumed that there was still some deeper trouble not resolved.

With a change of homeopathic prescription, we provoked a swelling at the operation site again, which discharged. By early 1993, she became very well and stopped all discharges.

In June 2001, she had a temporary relapse. This responded well to homeopathic treatment only and the mare was checked at Langford Veterinary School. A scan and examination only detected old damage, with no sign of tooth infection or sinus infection.

We have received good updates since then, even up to 2006.

Jessie - 21 y.o. Anglo-Arab mare - Urticaria and possible Cushings

First seen: end of January 2006

Complaints: Skin inflamed, scurfy, itchy; urticaria on left side; swollen legs; coat ‘moth-eaten’ and ‘shaggy’ in appearance; lacks energy, stressy mare; never ‘right’ all year round; poor condition.

History: Vaccinations April, each year; has had two colt foals, now aged 9 years and 4 years; since the first, mildly but severe since the second, has this skin problem; always on the left side; first night after she came in last year, she became very itchy and remained itchy all winter, despite changing to shavings, from straw; this year, came in 6 weeks ago – all returned first night she was in, plus swollen left fore leg.

Vet gave steroid (cortisone) injection and things settled within two days; turned her out and steam-cleaned the stable; signs came back a week later – swollen over nape of neck, very tender to the touch; settled with steroid tablets; not clipped but looks as if she has been; never gains a proper summer coat; never has laminitis; still has ‘seasons’ but no obvious effect on the problem.

Diet includes various manufactured feeds and patent supplements.

Treatment: Changed diet, to more suitable food. Glandular sarcode and homeopathic Lachesis.

Reports: Noticed much brighter, within 10 days; walking with ears pricked and looking more alert; condition slightly improved already.

14^th February 2006: Much brighter in herself – more interested in life and looking more ‘rounded’; has developed large scurfy area over left shoulder, wither and neck; itchy when rugged.

Prescribed homeopathic Thuja

13^th March: Moulting heavily and the particularly scurfy patch is vastly improved; looking better overall and still happy.

26^th April: Last few days become very itchy on left neck and shoulder – homeopathic Ledum.

18^th May: No more itchiness

7^th July: No more itching and has been hacking happily – still moulting, though and coat is quite thick – homeopathic Juglans.

11^th August: Absolutely super – coat slightly long but stopped moulting – very bright to ride – full of energy – back to how she used to be – very pleased – stop remedy but continue sarcode.

2^nd October: Continued looking well and happy.

30^th November: Absolutely fine – back to how she was.

19^th January 2007: Very well indeed.

7^th March: Really doing well – come through winter superbly – thanks.

12^th April: suddenly lost top line – possibly hormonal (just come into season) – coat gone dull – similar to how you fist saw her except well and happy in self – homeopathic Arsenicum iodatum.

25^th April: after ten days of treatment, starting to improve – bit more ‘settled’ but season just finished.

10^th May: Looking a lot better – condition going on well now.

Kalabre – 13 y.o. (1981) TB gelding - Collapsed pastern joint (and other problems)

Previous history: First seen May 1994 for bone spavin (& diagnosed degenerative foot problems at visit) - treated homeopathically with good results.

Good reports up to June 1999, when reported not holding – became so bad that owner had put him on 'bute' & taken him off the homeopathic remedies, as assumed they couldn’t work with 'bute' – improved but gradually worse again – restarted homeopathic remedies in August – big improvement again.

Good reports in 2000, then we heard nothing.

Summer 2001 – involved equine specialist vets as couldn’t really walk, he was so bad at the front – X-Ray revealed severe ringbone & one pastern joint 'collapsed' (explicit report stated: "severe chronic remodelling of distal 1^st & proximal 2^nd phalanx at dorsal aspect (both) – total collapse of medial aspect of pastern joint (L) with periarticular bone forming a bridge in one area")

Vet advised euthanasia but the owner was unwilling, in view of Kalabre's demonstrated ability to recover in previous years - vet insisted, on welfare grounds (x-ray pictures show why he was so concerned) – explicit letter from vet on this issue (see below); accused osteopath of having diagnosed a liver problem with no diagnostic tests and of having taken Kalabre off all homeopathic medicines & 'bute'; put him on 'no-bute' (certainly this is not a legal course of action for an osteopath).

left pastern, lateral view showing new bone around the joint	right pastern, lateral view showing similar but lesser lesions	left pastern, dorso-palmar view showing severe collapse of medial side of the joint, resultant curvature of the limb and rarefaction of bone in the long and short pastern bones in that area - a hopeless conventional prognosis

 

Seen by AVMC on 2^nd Aug 2001 – prescribed homeopathic Ledum, Laspar, Thuja, Guaiacum

Reports: 06.08.01 better almost at once!

09.08.01 delighted with progress - reduced 'bute' to once daily.

17.08.01 – continuing to improve – playing about with dosage of 'bute'.

19.09.01 – really pleased – back to walking out well.

November 2001 – cantering if escapes.

January 2002 – struggled a bit with hard frosty ground.

28.01.02 increased 'bute' to every 4^th/5^thday & ok on that.

15.04.02 – owner says vets get regular reports via the farrier but that she would get more pleasure reporting in person! (to support homeopathy)

A few interim reports received.

January 2003 – reported "you won’t believe it – even being ridden!"

January 2004 – still riding but gone ½ blind in R eye – vet notes (see below) sent for postal treatment in February (corneal chemosis & keratosis – on & off since March 2003 tried Optimmune – reacted badly - stopped – offered Prednisolone drops) – owner almost accepted he’ll be blind in one eye but had such success in the past – will try again – eye not bothering him but waters a fair bit.

Prescribed homeopathic Kali bich. and Silica – stopped Guaiacum.

10.03.04 Not so good on legs since stopped Guaiacum but definite improvement in the eye on new remedies.

07.06.04 – Eye more or less normal! - less & less whiteness.

13.10.04 – Looking fantastic & now 22 y.o. – only occasional 'bute' before riding.

29.06.05 - Doing excellently – galloping round field – still riding – on no 'bute' - can’t believe it!

28.11.05 – The boy is doing really well – no 'bute' – occasional 'devil’s claw' – still riding – very pleased!

06.08.07 - Still doing very well, six years on from x-rays and twenty-six years old.

Supporting paperwork:

Vet’s letter re. leg 1^st August 2001:

Kaliber was examined at The - - - - - - Equine Hospital this afternoon with a history of forelimb lameness and a liver complaint. It seems the latter diagnosis was made on the basis of an osteopathic examination and resulted in the horse being taken off all medication - homeopathic and 'bute', although I understand he has now been on 'Devils Claw' for a few days. I have taken a blood sample (results enclosed) which does not suggest any liver dysfunction. The result for total bile acids will follow tomorrow.

Examination revealed Kaliber to be in moderate body condition with a long hair coat. He was very stiff and reluctant to move, and around 5/10 lame on the left forelimb, unable to trot. Even limited flexion of the left lower forelimb joints was both resented and very limited, causing pain. He was reluctant to pick up the right forelimb, however there were similar findings with this limb. There was an obvious enlargement of the dorsal aspect of both middle phalanxes.

Radiographs were taken of both pasterns - lateral medial views - plus a dorsopalmar view of the left fore pastern. There was severe chronic bony remodelling of the distal first and proximal second phalanges at the dorsal aspect of the pastern joint. The dorsopalmar view revealed total collapse of the medial aspect of the pastern joint with periarticular new bone that had formed a bridge in one area.

In conclusion this horse has severe ringbone involving both forelimb pasterns joints which has resulted in collapse of the left fore joint. I tried to advise Miss K--- that treatment and prognosis were hopeless and that it was in the best interests of the horse to euthanise him on welfare grounds. This was not a concept she was willing to accept and has asked that I forward my radiographs and the blood results to you for a second opinion.

I would be grateful if you would review these, and if you feel necessary examine the horse as a matter of urgency as I consider that his welfare is not best served by any further delay to a decision being made regarding his future.

If you wish to discuss this case further please do not hesitate to contact me.

Owner’s letter re. eye 17^th February 2004:

Dear Chris,

I'm pleased to enclose the report from my vet regarding Kalabre's right eye. I've almost accepted that he is going to be blind but we have had great success in the past so I thought it worth a holistic approach.

Given that I've spent rather a lot on vet's bills already, I would not wish another visit cost: but I hope you will be able to assist from this report.

On the plus side, he is not really bothered at all with the eye although it does weep a little.

I'm riding once or twice a week and he's looking really well, particularly as he's clipped - not bad for a condemned horse!

I will ring in a day or so and see what you suggest via your team.

Kind regards,

Vet’s notes re. eye 17^th February 2004:

21^st March 2003: Right corneal chemosis and keratitis, Fluorescein negative, no uveitis, blepharospasm or lachrymation. No evidence of a foreign body, slight mucoid unilateral discharge from right eye. Treatment was initiated with chloramphenicol eye ointment three times daily and later changed to Maxitrol eye drops and chemosis resolved after several weeks. Horse never painful with the condition.

18^th November 2003: Right corneal chemosis returned. Punctate abrasions noted again superficially on surface of cornea. Not painful, no evidence of uveitis, fluorescein negative again. Horse well in himself clinically. Small area of corneal scarring evident on left cornea but left eye otherwise normal. Treatment initiated with Maxitrol eye drops, no clinical response. Suspect immune-mediated keratitis, therefore tried Optimmune eye ointment but client reported that this aggravated the problem, therefore treatment stopped. Will possibly try Pred Forte eye drops in one month’s time.

It is impossible to sum up this case without a lump in the throat. This brave horse has thrived, against seemingly impossible odds, defying several conditions that could each be potentially terminal, with tremendous support and faith from his owner.

        

Megan - 13 y.o. Welsh Section D mare - Skin problem

First visited: 30^th November 2006, near Reading, with a ‘skin problem’.

History: Started problem at about March 2006. Skin scrapings etc. all negative. Injected for mites – no help. Louse powder - no help. Ringworm treatment – no help. It appears to start when she ‘coats’. Vaccinated November each year (worse since vaccination this year). Skin hot, flaky, scabs, loss of coat. Both she and the owner love to ‘show’. All cancelled this year, because of skin.

Prescription: Homeopathic Sulphur, followed by Apis mell. Chiropractic work.

Reports:

18^th December 2006: Following visit, much more like old self – very bright-eyed, playful, chasing dog etc. Attributing this to back work, as happened so quickly. Hair is re-growing in the bald areas but she is still itchy and biting herself.

Megan was later given homeopathic Thuja, Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum. Each appeared to have some positive effects but insufficient long-term benefit.

Revisited on 18^th April 2007 as, although much better than last year, she was still very ‘dandruffy’ and not able to go to shows. Gave homeopathic  Pulsatilla and Kali sulph.

3^rd May 2007: Reported so much better I am kicking myself for not entering Windsor Show! Bright eyes, lovely shiny coat, dandruff almost gone.

Megan yet again shows the need to rebalance the underlying immune issues, before a 'cure' can take place. Again, we see the recurring vaccination theme. Again, there is the observation of the patient 'feeling better', before external signs improve.

Merlin - Dartmoor Pony gelding - Chiropractic case

February 2006: I thought you would like to see a picture of Merlin! He thunders around the field now and moves really pretty well. No pain in his back, as far as I can tell. I haven't ridden him yet, as I'm concentrating on Dinky.

Again, if back manipulation is all that is necessary, why do more?

Monty - 5 y.o. Shetland Pony gelding - Chronic Laminitis

First seen: 10^th January 1995 - chronic laminitis – keeps going lame - 'Bute' at first – apparently helped then relapsed after 3 weeks - X-Rays 16^th Sept 1994 showed severe rotation. Examination: feet very warm, all round.

Prescribed homeopathic Hypericum.

25^th Jan 1995 – feet trimmed – heat still there – not lame – shape better – walking fine – added homeopathic Ginkgo

8^th Feb 1995 – Seems fine – no lameness – slight heat – still not obviously losing weight

21^st Feb 1995 – started lead rein work, as full of beans – 15-20 minutes grass – feet slightly tender again – not lame

6^th April 1995 – 20–30 minutes grass per day – lot slimmer – feet growing less rapidly

25^th April 1995 – fine & sprightly

27^th June 1995 – absolutely fine

24^th October 1995 – been absolutely fine – in harness – trotting on road – no problems – no shoes – 2 hours grass per day – fractionally foot-sore after latest trim but OK again now.

30^th April 1996 – on no treatment since Christmas – precautionary call only, as grass growing - been fine

25^th June 1996 – Monty doing really well – been lunging daily

5^th August 1996 - Lame straight after foot trim on 28^th June – only coming right now – wants to bring to see again

28^th August 1996 – cancelled appointment, as so good. So good contemplating return to cart.

30^th Sept 1996 – OK – better than he was – a little sensitive this morning (stole apples) – happy in self

1^st October 1996 – abscess in RF – vet thinks laminitis again

November 1996 – OK again

6^th January 1997 – fine at present

21^st Feb 1997 – OK but not brilliant – sore feet on and off – add Graphites

11^th April 1997 – fine at moment – feet trimmed every 3 weeks – walking very well

25^th May 1997 – very well – better than for 2 years – turn out with muzzle

30^th June 1997 – fine – no worries

2^nd Sept 1997 – very well, no problems

10^th October 1997 – very well – brilliant – no sign of laminitis since April – started last year with new hay – that time again now, so becoming worried

2^nd December 1997 – doing fine

3^rd February 1998 – Monty really great – wouldn’t know he’d ever had laminitis!

8^th April 1998 – doing very well – no problems

6^th May 1998 – fine – no worries

3^rd August 1998 – very well – no problems at all – no signs of laminitis at all – well and happy

6^th October 1998 – very well – no worries at all

3^rd November 1998 – no lameness but white line separation

24^th November 1998 – sketch of foot sent – recommended clean up diet again - homeopathic Silica

15^th December 1998 – OK - no problems – crack in hoof growing out – farrier well pleased with progress.

23^rd February 1999 – very well – no worries

30^th April 1999 – fine – no worries

29^th June 1999 – very well – no worries at all

1^st September 1999 – Fine – no worries

16^th November 1999 – brilliant

2^nd February 2000 – Monty very well – no worries

12^th May 2000 – fine – no worries – hooves look good – nicely shaped – not splitting – moving well – bright & happy – been fine for 2 years now

23^rd February 2001 – slight colic just before Christmas – fine since

13^th June 2001 – very well at present

6^th September 2001 – very well

12^th February 2002 - he’s fine

12^th June 2002 – still doing well

30^th September 2002 – he is very well

6^th June 2003 – bit of ‘stiffness’ – suspicious – increase rate of homeopathic treatment

5^th August 2003 – Still well in himself but good days and days of ‘stiffness’

2^nd September 2003 – been more tricky this year but fine again now

16^th October 2003 – walking on roads again and fine

16^th January 2004 – fine – no concerns

23^rd March 2004 – doing well – no lameness

30^th June 2004 – fine

30^th September 2004 – fine

17^th December 2004 – fine

4^th April 2005 – doing very well

16^th June 2005 – fine no worries

3^rd October 2005 – foot shape deteriorated in August – farrier detected evidence of slight laminitis – kept in and now becoming worse – increased homeopathic medication

4^th October 2005 – Local vet came out – thinks not bad at all or already improving – owner thinks increased medication helped straight away. Very slight digital pulse

12^th October 2005 – still tender but vet not concerned

31^st November 2005 – not too good at the moment – was much better – relapsed since eating fallen leaves – moving around but ‘stiff’

25^th November 2005 - ticking along well

20^th December 2005 – doing well – walking well – riding again

9^th March 2006 – doing very well indeed

28^th April 2006 – OK

9^th June 2006 – Not affected – had to change farrier, as current one not coping with his feet properly

28^th July 2006 – absolutely fine

19^th October 2006 – slightly pottery – owner thinks being over-cautious but wants to be careful – will be in touch if needs help.

This case illustrates the need to be very watchful for recurrence of laminitis (watching esp. for slight ‘stiffness’ of the fore quarters), for ongoing very diligent foot shaping, dietary vigilance (and suitable foods only). It shows that cases of serious and chronic laminitis can be managed, even long-term, with homeopathic input and without drugs. It also shows the need for regular contact, so that homeopathic input can be modified in the light of new developments.

Morena – Andalusian mare - Arthritis, Navicular & Kissing Spines

First seen: March 2003, with X-Ray pictures.

History: Accident in stable ~Feb 2002.

Seemed sore in right shoulder for ~ a year, then to vet – x-ray – arthritis hocks – poor prognosis – injected hocks for arthrodesis – didn’t regain soundness – x-ray front feet – navicular – regular injections of triamcinolone into navicular bursa, with hope of ‘holding things for about a year’. Feb 2003 navicular found to have deteriorated.

Homeopathic treatment started on 11^th March 2003. (Calc. fluor. & Ledum)

By June, off ‘bute’ and improved over when seen. (prescribed homeopathic Actaea)

Went to stud August 2003. October reported well. Confirmed in foal in late October.

February 2004 ‘very good’ – reduced medication.

Foaled August 2004.

Seen again, before transit to France – very well, bit thin, lost muscles in hind quarters – possibly spinal arthritis. Not lame. (prescribed homeopathic Guaiacum, Phosphorus and Calc. fluor, herbs etc.)

26^th January 2005 – reported very well indeed – in transit to France – running round like a Spring Chicken – absolutely sound – still needs a little more weight – hopefully will achieve that in more ‘native’ climate - will keep in touch.

Wizard - 25 y.o. Cleveland Bay X gelding - Chronic Corneal Ulcer

First seen: 3^rd January 2006

History: Cauterised 18 years ago (for possible ulcer) - cloudy spot on right cornea - clouded more over the years - last 3 – 4 years much worse - Maxitrol Neomycin/Dexamethasone/Polymyxin - August 2005 became much worse - swabs & tests found nothing.

Examination: 'Polo-shaped' cloudiness – clearish in middle - flared badly (AVMC assessment: prolapsed Descemet’s membrane - deep punctate ulcer) - copious glutinous discharge - 'bute' holds it a bit and non-painful (indolent therefore) - inkish area of blood vessels at 5 o’clock.

Right face required adjustment

Itchy horse

Vaccine in October - a factor in sudden worsening?

Discuss effects of 'bute' & Maxitrol

Warned of exacerbation as homeopathy awakes the currently dormant healing process

Prescribed homeopathic Merc. sol. & Silicea

Report 11^th January 2006: came off 'bute' & started remedies Friday - OK to Sunday - Monday eye closing – not so comfortable - more blood vessels showing in bottom ½ - pinker/fleshier-looking

16^th January 2006 - more improvement - ulcer calmed down & crater smoothing over - happy & eating well

23^rd January 2006 - looking good - white area no longer looking like a Polo - lots of extra blood vessels there - much happier & more comfortable - stiffness as not working (add homeopathic RRA)

31^st Jan 2006 - still looking good - white area improved - progress slowing now - eye looks very bright

24^th February 2006 - thinks things are moving on

27^th February 2006 - things looking very good indeed

5^th May 2006 - much better than was – still not as good as would like - plateau - cloudiness less dense but more diffuse

Prescribed homeopathic Aurum met

12^th June - possibly as good as gets - enjoying life - no discomfort at all

Wizard's eye was in grave danger of perforation and loss, in January. The condition had become indolent (i.e. no active healing processes at work), over a number of years. Homeopathic intervention appeared to awake the long-dormant healing processes and the eye was saved, with a good degree of vision. It is worth noting that, with homeopathic management, we have never had reason to resort to surgery for corneal ulceration, in any past case, however severe.

Red Fox – a 27 y.o. New Forest X gelding - Chronic Laminitis and Cushings Syndrome

History:

AP, AST, GGT, Bile Acids, Insulin and Cortisol high.

History: Recurrent laminitis in Spring and Autumn. X-Rays taken and very gloomy picture. 14^th November vet advised Danilon and that, with liver and lameness and possible Cushings, quality of life was possibly too poor and outlook too grim, for continuation.

On Founderguard, Happy Hoof, Haemolytan, AcP, 'Bute' and B₁₂ injection and been advised to add Danilon.

18th November 2006: visited near Chard, Somerset.

Owner very nervous of letting him out of the stable - understandably very cautious about changing diet etc., but persuaded very necessary, for hope of survival, as current diet and supplements not suitable. Bedded on shavings – advised change. Advised on exercise, grazing, feeding, herbs for nutritional and medical benefit.

Performed chiropractic manipulation (left pelvis, neck, jaw, shoulder), acupuncture.

Prescribed ho