Journal of The Academy Of Veterinary...

Journal of

The Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy

The highest ideal of therapy is to restore health rapidly, gently, permanent-ly; to remove and destroy The whole disease in the shortest, surest, least harmful way, according to clearly comprehensible principles.—Dr. Samuel Hahnemann

Summer2014

Register for the 2014 AVH Annual Case Conference Early Registration Deadline June 30th

What’s InsideAIH Conference .........................................1Journal Information ....................................2Editor - AVH Foundation ...........................3Notes From The Office ..............................4President Message ......................................6Cure, Palliation & Suppression ..................7Case Report - Sassy the Cat .......................9Welcome New CVH Tara Simpson ..........11

continued page 5

Count Down To Portland!

American Institute of Homeopathy Conference March 2014

By Shulamit Krakauer, DVM, DCH

After several months of planning, the AVH / AHVMA joint conference is coming together nicely. Big thanks go out to Jeff Feinman, Ann Swartz and Larry Bernstein for their continuing hard work and creativity. Please sign up soon – the early bird rate is extended through June 30, 2014.

The conference venue is the Red Lion Hotel on the River in Jantzen Beach, Portland, Oregon. Our meeting dates overlap somewhat with the AHVMA meeting (Sept. 13-16) to enable participants to attend both conferences. AVH members are offered a complimentary day pass for the AHVMA

The AIH conference of 2014 brought 65 licensed health professionals, including 7 veterinarians, together for two and half inspirational days. The lectures and cases were presented by Dr. Prafull Vijayakar and his son Dr. Ambrish Vijayakar, founders of a school and clinic that calls itself “predictive homeopathy.”

continued page 8

Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy Annual Case Conference Co-sponsored by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

“Practical Homeopathic Philosophy” Join us in Beautiful Portland September 12-14, 2014


Summer 2014 Page 2Journal Of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy

AVH Officers and Board

President Lisa Brienen, DVM

President-Elect Lisa Brienen, DVM

Past-PresidentAnn Swartz, DVM

Chairperson of the Board Lisa Brienen, DVM

Secretary Chris Crosley, DVM

TreasurerGeorge Tarkelson, DVM

Larry Bernstein, VMDTodd Cooney, DVMShelley Epstein, VMDJeff Feinman, VMDSid Storozum, DVM

The AVH welcomes submissions dealing with any subject germane to the prac-tice of homeopathic veterinary medicine. A submission is received with the un-derstanding that it has been approved by each author and that neither the article nor any of its parts is under concurrent consideration by any other publication, nor has it been previously published. We prefer that, at least, one of the authors of a report dealing with clinical interpretations or treatments should be a veteri-narian but may decide to print relevant articles from non-veterinarians. Please provide complete contact information, including telephone, fax, and e-mail address. The AVH reserves the right to reject any manuscript. A report suggesting that animals have been subjected to adverse, stressful, or harsh condi-tions or treatment will not be published. Submissions should be sent to Dr. Lisa Brienen or Dr. Larry Bernstein via e-mail or on electronic media:

Larry Bernstein, VMD, CVH 751 NE 168th Street North Miami,Beach FL 33162 [email protected]

The AVH assumes copyright ownership of all material accepted for publication unless otherwise noted.

Guidelines For Submissions

Journal Committee of the AVH:

Lisa Brienen - ChairLarry Bernstein - Journal EditorBetsy Harrison - AVH Editor

The Journal of The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy is the official publication of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy.

©2014 Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. All rights reserved.

Contact Information

The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy PO Box 232282

Leucadia, CA 92023-2282Phone and Fax 866-652-1590

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



http://www.theavh.org



Larry Bernstein, VMD, CVH Journal Editor

I am pleased to announce the culmination of almost a year’s work in bringing a new entity into being, the AVH Foundation (www.avhf.org). Since the announcement on the AVH Forum, I have been asked why we need something else to worry about. Why do we need to have another group requesting our support and donations? These are valid questions, especially in these difficult economic times for those of us trying to keep our services affordable for the average animal owner and not just the upper echelons of the economic spectrum.

I am glad for an opportunity to address those concerns, present a vision for the future and answer the question: “why another non-profit fundraising group?” First let’s take a trip back in time.

When I became a founding board member of the AVH in 1997, the holistic and homeopathic world seemed a more peaceful place. I started with holistic medicine in 1990 after being introduced by the AHVMA lectures at Eastern States (now NAVC). Then, after Dr. Allen Schoen’s short course in Boston, I was enthusiastic to attend the IVAS course in 1991 in Atlanta. While trying to acquire acupuncture cases, I was asked if I wanted to attend a weekend course on this thing called “homeopathy” taught by Dr. Christina Chambreau in a tiny apartment in Fort Lauderdale. I figured it would help me obtain acupuncture referrals, so what the heck.

Little did I realize, that weekend would change my life for good (and for the better). I fell in love with homeopathy and when Dr. Richard Pitcairn started his second class, I shared the experience with people like Joyce Harman, Ed Sheaffer, Carvel Tiekert, Adriana Sagrera, Judy Herman, Jordan Kocen, Lori Tapp , George Glanzberg, Wendy Jensen (originally Thatcher since she got married that year) and so many other great veterinarians that formed the core class. The first class, before us, had 13 people and this one had 30. Our teachers included Don Hamilton, Christina Chambreau and Dee Blanco to get us started and then Dr. Pitcairn took it from there. A few years later, we formed the AVH exploratory group in 1995 and officially launched AVH in San Antonio in the spring of 1997.

Why the stroll down memory lane? Because, here we are in 2014, and we are fighting some of the same battles we faced back then, but they are more insidious. A strong movement is still afoot to discredit homeopathy (and holistic medicine in general) and even make it illegal. A struggle still exists to maintain members and support the cause (and, in addition, support our families).

Announcing the AVH Foundation(and a trip down memory lane)

continued page 20

http://www.avhf.org



Notes From The OfficeKathy Combs

Dear AVH Members,

I hope you are all enjoying some warm sunshine after what has been a long, hard winter. Now that June is here, it’s time again for a mid-year review.

AVH Website: A few months ago, AVH launched a new website, offering more features for members. Journals, reference databases, cases and conference proceedings are a few examples of what you will find. Speaking of cases, be sure to look at the mini-cases submitted by AVH

member and wizard Kevin Fenton. They are listed under the “FAQ and Mini-Cases” tab on the website. I don’t know if Dr. Fenton has mastered lions, tigers and bears yet, but he certainly knows his way around chickens, rabbits and turtles. Many of you have wonderful stories like these to share. We hope to have more of them posted in the future.

Remember, to access the members’ only section of the website, you need to register. Go to http://theavh.org/ and click on “New Registration”. Once you have registered, I will change your status from a free subscriber to an AVH member. You will then have access to everything in the members’ only area.

AVH Conference and Approved Continuing Education Credits: AVH is back in beautiful Portland, Oregon this year. The conference, held Sept. 12-14, will be in conjunction with the AHVMA conference. AVH members receive one complimentary day where they may attend AHVMA lectures. Details about the lectures, speakers and schedule are on the AVH website.

Obtaining continuing education credits for the conference can be challenging. This year, we are going the distance to get the conference approved in more states. One way to do that has to become a co-sponsor with AHVMA. Since AHVMA is a constituent allied organization with AVMA, approved CE credits are awarded in more states. As a co-sponsor with AHVMA, AVH has the same benefit.

If you have a question about getting approved CE credits, or would like us to file for you, please contact me at [email protected]. Recently, I updated the registration form to include this question. All you need to do is check the box saying that you need credits when you register.

Membership Renewal: Just a reminder that 2014 membership dues were due April 30. The membership renewal form is now available on line. See the “Membership” or “ “Members Only” tabs on the website.

Looking forward to seeing you in Portlandia!Kathy CombsAVH Manager

http://theavh.org/

http://theavh.org/




Dr. P. Vijayakar started by explaining that what they are practicing and teaching is just homeopathy itself, but that by adding the adjective “predictive” it will appeal to more people, especially young doctors. He went on to explain that really all homeopathy, if practiced correctly, is “predictive”, since we know that cure happens by Hering’s law and we can look through the patient’s history and predict the course of healing, the superficial inflammations and discharges that will appear as healing occurs.

The first day was a wonderful review of embryology and how an understanding of embryological development helps to understand the direction of suppression of disease as well as the direction of cure, Hering’s Law. He gave an example of when a patient develops a psoriatic lesion we may think we are moving in the correct direction, but since psoriasis is a lesion in the dermis and we know the dermis is from the mesoderm, not the ectoderm, we still have deep pathology. Although this was somewhat of a review of disease suppression as we have learned it in our veterinary homeopathy courses, it was a good reminder on how to evaluate our prescription effects and how to know if we’re actually suppressing disease or moving towards cure.

He also explained why Hering’s Law holds true for cure moving from up to down, and dorsal to ventral in terms of embryological development, since the embryo develops the prochordal plate, the neural tube and the head in the earliest stages. These earliest developments are the most fundamental to life and in terms of disease are the last to be affected and the first to heal. He calls these directions of healing the “morphogenetic gradients.”

Dr. Prafull presented many cases to illustrate his points and to demonstrate their own particular understanding of materia medica and repertorization. The cases had severe pathology, many were

continued page 18

AIH continued from page 1



Over the past several months the AVH Board of Directors and Dr. Richard Pitcairn have been discussing the standards of practice among our membership but especially among our Certified Veterinary Members. Dr. Pitcairn’s concern is that if we do not stand up for the foundational beliefs, the AVH will become irrelevant. We must continue to hold AVH to a higher level, as the go-to organization for classical homeopathy. We must continue to distinguish our practice recommendations from eclectic methods. We want to preserve that being a Certified Veterinary Homeopath means that you are able to provide an ideal level of Classical Veterinary Homeopathy, guided by the AVH SOP. I firmly believe that the process and the certification are worthy accomplishments. Additionally, the process of becoming a CVH is a fantastic educational process.

There have been a variety of concerns regarding veterinarians mixing modalities from the onset of therapy, or client confusion that homeopathy is being practiced when it is not (confusion that diet, herbs, and other treatments are homeopathy). There is concern that some CVH veterinarians are not being clear with clients when they are not practicing (or when they are deviating from) classical homeopathic principles.

Another concern has come up that we are not responding adequately to referral requests. The AVH board is planning to field such complaints in a fair and communicative manner. We are also considering other certification reviews such as surveys and update tests every 5-10 years. The logistics are not clear cut as to who will do this testing. We already have CE requirements in place that ensure that a CVH is kept well educated in veterinary homeopathy. We are working on a Code of Conduct and a review of the SOPs to make them easier to understand by the lay person.

After many years in a multi-modality practice, I can certainly not purport a perfect record of following the SOPs; but I know them well, they guide my practice of homeopathy, and I endeavor to have the majority of my cases fall within this framework. I agree that the pure homeopathy cases (with very little if any supplementation and not much more than ensuring a nutritious diet) are clearer to interpret response, are more rewarding and do better overall. Those cases, however, require a cooperative interaction between the patient’s life force, the client’s emotional and intellectual abilities, interests and background, and the homeopath’s time, skill and application of homeopathic care. When the combination is correct amazing healing can happen. If the combination is off, it is much more difficult: that is where one can fall down on the SOPs.

When a case fails to respond to homeopathy I might refer to a colleague or provide another therapy.

President’s MessageLisa Brienen, DVM, CVH

continued page 10



Examples of Cure, Palliation and Suppression of Disease in Equine Practice

By Madalyn Ward, DVM

continued page 14

With the prevalence of formulated feeds, extensive vaccinations and multiple over-the-counter drugs, most horses have some level of chronic disease. To follow are examples of frequently seen chronic disease states and a discussion of whether the commonly practiced approaches represent cure (the patient is as good as, or better than before the treatment); palliation (improvement occurs briefly but requires higher doses to maintain and signs recur when treatment is stopped); or suppression (signs disappear but the patient is worse overall).

Some general chronic disease signs in horses include poor quality hooves, skin allergies, nervous temperament, poor digestion and degenerative musculoskeletal issues not related to age or injury.

Poor quality hooves:

Horse catalogs have whole sections devoted to hoof supplements and topical conditioners. Most of these products provide temporary palliation if they offer any help at all. Most hoof problems are the result of an unbalanced diet, inadequate exercise or poor shoeing. In some areas of the country, or under certain growing conditions, individual minerals may be deficient in the horse’s diet. Adding additional sources of these minerals can be curative if they are correcting a deficiency in the diet.

Horses with poor hooves that do not respond to diet and management changes may have assimilation problems relating to a poor constitution or over vaccination. Excessive drug use in show horses can strain the horse’s detoxification mechanisms leading to frequent hoof abscesses as the body attempts to clear the excess toxic load. Homeopathy can be curative in these individuals.

Example of a curative response:

Tess was a 3 year old, warmblood filly with hooves that were so soft she was lame even on soft ground. Her hooves had multiple cracks and a pancake type appearance. She had received a minimum of vaccines and did not show any other signs of vaccinosis. She was at a good body weight but still growing. Observations indicated that her diet was not adequate for her level of growth and that she may have been adequately assimilating calories but not micro nutrients. A single dose of Silicea 1M was given and blue green algae was added to her diet as a supplemental source of vitamins and minerals. Her hooves improved over the next 6 months but then started to crack again. The blue green algae was still being supplemented so a second dose of Silicea 1M was given. Six months later Tess had strong, upright hooves with good wall thickness and no cracking.

Skin allergies:

Hypersensitivity to insect bites is a common chronic disease sign in horses. An over reactive immune response is the cause of most insect hypersensitivity reactions. Owners attempt to find relief for



meeting, so check out the AHVMA conference schedule to select your day. There are 2 more days past the last AVH day so you don’t necessarily need to miss any of the AVH conference. On Friday we will have our annual AVH member meeting lunch, generously sponsored by our long time supporter PetGuard. The AHVMA gala banquet is scheduled for Sunday evening and is $65. Tickets are available on their website.

The focus of our upcoming AVH meeting is how knowledge of Samuel Hahnemann’s The Organon of the Medical Art has helped in the diagnosis, treatment and management of cases. Please link to the conference page Conference 2014 Main for speaker details and the schedule. For accommodations, please be sure to be registered under the AHVMA room block https://resweb.passkey.com/go/AHVMA2014.

We are also very excited that this conference will have accepted CE for many states. AVH has RAIVE approval for our meeting which covers NH (this state only allows 25% of the total CE to be holistic), OR, MT and NJ. By offering AVH as a joint conference with AHVMA the following states are covered: AK, CA, CT, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MN, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, WI, WV, WY. There is limited approval in ID (6 credits). Missouri has approved for 6 credits and Washington approval is pending. Michigan does not have a CE requirement. If you have questions about whether your state accepts CE for this meeting, contact Kathy Combs [email protected].

For a complete orientation on the coordination of your free day, costs to purchase additional AHVMA meeting days and lunches please go to: Conference Orientation – Questions Answered Here

We are very excited for this fantastic opportunity to spend time with our fellow holistic veterinary friends. We have timed our breaks on Saturday and Sunday to coincide with AHVMA meeting breaks to ensure this opportunity. Please remember to check out the vendor booths including the AVH / PIVH (Pitcairn Institute of Veterinary Homeopathy) booth. Stop by to say hi and check out our updated brochures and literature.

AVH Confrence continued from page 1

Early Bird Registration Extended to June 30thwww.theavh.org

http://theavh.org/conference-2014-main/

https://resweb.passkey.com/go/AHVMA2014

https://resweb.passkey.com/go/AHVMA2014


http://theavh.org/conference-orientation-questions-answered-here/

http://theavh.org/conference-orientation-questions-answered-here/

http://www.theavh.org



Sassy, a 7 yr, SF, tortie and white DSH, was presented on June 28, 2012, because of persistent and aggressive chasing and attacking of her tail. The problem began in October 2011, with mild tail

chasing that quickly became violent and with no apparent cause, according to her guardians. She was an indoor cat, and lived with two adult humans and a female littermate. They described Sassy as “always sweet.” She was vaccinated in November 2011, for rabies and fvrcp, when presented to their usual veterinarian for the tail chasing. The sign of concern was fully developed prior to the vaccines.

In the words of the clients: “At home she was constantly trapping her tail and biting it, unless it was bandaged. She ran and looked behind her, as if something was trying to get her. She used to act like she could see ghosts or flies, then she became focused on her tail. Her back rolled up and down.”

Initially, at their local vet hospital, the tail was bandaged, then amputated. She was prescribed phenobarbital and wore an E-collar at all times. On her initial homeopathic evaluation, 6/28/12, other than the bandaged bob, all vital signs, physical, and mental/emotional signs appeared normal. The clients described nothing else unusual, notable, or persistent in the history, and no apparent inciting cause. She was fed a dry grocery store brand of food. Her thirst was increased since starting phenobarbital.

My conclusion was that her signs were a result of hyperesthesia. Yasgur’s Homeopathic Dictionary, 4th edition, defines hyperesthesia as: “an abnormal sensitivity to stimuli, particularly pain, and excessive sensibility.” I repertorized this case using an elimination-type hand analysis.1

My rubrics were as follows:

-Mind, Senses-acute

-Back, Pain-sore

-Spine, spinal irritation

-Generals, Inflammation -Nerves, of (Neuritis)continued on page 12

Sassy, the Bobbed Cat: A Case Reportby Laurie Lofton, DVM, CVH



In our practice we keep the patient within the practice which still offers holistic options, balanced diet counseling, minimal vaccination and an emotionally healing environment. I find that some time later, the patient has improved in health and responds well to homeopathy.

If there is a complaint or question about a certified veterinary homeopath, the starting point is compassionate communication and dialogue. To avoid confusion in the first place, a good point of practice is this: if you find yourself in a situation of departing from the standards of practice, be very clear with your client that you are doing something different from what is set forth by the AVH. “Muffin is having such severe and ongoing symptoms that I am recommending that you take her to a specialist…or, I am recommending a course of conventional therapy… or, I am referring you to another veterinary homeopath… and, we will be doing something other than classical homeopathy.” It is important to be very compassionate and available during crisis. Chart very thoroughly that the client has been offered referral, other modalities etc., as well as the client’s response. It is important to do one’s best to ‘read’ the client. None of us needs the experience of a state board review. I find that many clients will stick with me prescription after prescription even during hardship and we make it through.

When homeopathy is at its best you have full consent, cooperation and understanding between you and the pet guardians. The patient responds well and predictably to the remedies. You are astute and ingenious at remedy selection. However, as we all know we are frequently the end of the road at the start of a patient case. This can be a great situation in that there are no fall-back treatments and massive amounts of diagnostics have been already performed; often there is nothing more to lose and you are free to do your best. This can be a trial, the patient’s vital force is beat, there are several meds on board, the clients are tired or overly emotional.

We know that one is not always going to have an unsullied case. The patient may be extremely reliant on medications and, although the ideal goal is to wean them off, this may not happen. I feel angst over the patient that is not actually “my” homeopathy patient and is on a chronic medication – but I happen to be seeing them for an acute problem in which a single dose of remedy may be very helpful, or may open up a chronic disease mess. The clients may request another therapy if the patient is not doing well – or they go to another practitioner. There will be times when the client- veterinary-patient relationship is incompatible.

Our main goal and message is that we all be mindful of our communication with our clients and how we are conducting homeopathy under the title of Certified Veterinary Homeopathy. Be very clear with them regarding what constitutes a homeopathic medicine and classic homeopathic prescribing. In the event you must depart from homeopathy, be very clear then also. The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy and the Certified Veterinary Homeopath have special meaning. We wish to work together to preserve our value in the eyes of the public and our veterinary and human homeopath colleagues.

Respectfully,

Lisa Brienen, DVM, CVH AVH President and Journal Chair

President’s Message Continued from page 6



Like many of you, I found my way to veterinary homeopathy through patients failed by conventional therapies. Training in veterinary homeopathy and becoming a CVH has helped so much in furthering my skills to assist the healing process of many different kinds of animal for which there originally was no hope.

In 2003, I graduated from Oregon State and joined my first veterinary practice. I met Dr. Ann Swartz and had my first experiences seeing homeopathy in action. Later, I worked as a relief veterinarian for Dr. Kim Henneman in Park City, UT. I’ve known Kim a long time and she was instrumental in helping me see the value in homeopathy and helping me find training opportunities.

In the fall of 2006, I started working at Best Friends Animal Society (animal sanctuary and certified wildlife rehabilitation facility), in Kanab, UT. Over time I felt driven to learn other modalities. This sanctuary houses all kinds of animals: dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, wildlife, horses, pigs, sheep, goats and birds. We were the end of the road for many of these animals. They were unadoptable. I had an unbelievably sick case load of patients and witnessed much abuse of allopathic medicine - too many medications on board and a lot of iatrogenic disease. I clearly saw the failure of conventional therapies. Many of these animals had also been terribly mistreated, resulting in long-standing behavioral problems. There had to be something more than conventional medicine to offer these individuals.

I called Kim many times to help me out. She suggested homeopathic medicines along the way and I was very impressed with the results. I knew I was interested in holistic medicine, but I still didn’t know much about homeopathy. I decided to train in chiropractic first and was certified in 2011. It only took a few months longer for me to know I needed to learn more about homeopathy. I received a timely e-mail from Kim about the ANHC veterinary homeopathy course. Before I signed up, I was not sure how I would pay for the course. I spoke with my boss and was granted time off. Then I was fortunate to receive a veterinary continuing education grant through the Best Friends Animal Society. I trained in Sedona from 2012-2013. The whole process of learning about homeopathy has been eye opening and paradigm shifting. The exceptional instructors, homework and discussions all contributed to a great learning experience.

When the training in Sedona was done, I decided to get started on certification right away so that I would continue to study and stay motivated to keep learning. It is hard to stay motivated when you don’t have the demands of homework and classes. I wanted to keep learning.

I thank the Certification Committee so much for all of their hours, advice and patience during my certification process. They helped me so much in developing and understanding my cases. Overall, the process to become certified has been very beneficial. During this process they helped me improve my knowledge of the homeopathic medicines by helping me to painstakingly reevaluate why I decided

Welcome New CVH - Tara TimpsonInterview by Lisa Brienen, DVM, CVH

contined page 15



on a particular medicine or course of action. As I explained why I made a particular decision, my knowledge of homeopathic principles deepened. As I received feedback I realized in retrospect that some of the things I had missed were obvious – but I now can think more clearly about a sign and translate my observations into more accurate rubrics. We would take a magnifying glass and take another look at everything in detail. It made me understand what it was to ‘see’ a counteraction or an aggravation. It helped solidify the learning process and allowed me to feel more confident when I had a correct remedy. Through preparing my cases in the manner required by the certification process, I’ve been motivated to keep my clinic cases organized so I can look back and understand them better.

My goal now is to form a study group to study behavior cases. They respond so well to homeopathy, but I have trouble sifting through signs and rubrics to decide upon an appropriate homeopathic medicine. I find much of my prescribing is by trial and error; and I am sure a group would be beneficial in better understanding and helping these patients.

I’d like to share one of my early and memorable cases which happened after session number two of the course.

I first examined the mature female Golden Eagle, the day after she had been hit by a car, tossed to the other side of the road and hit by another car. Therapy from the day before included Metacam and Vitamin K. Upon exam, she was moribund, non-visual and with a heavy lice load. She was in such a state of shock that she did not respond when handled. I instructed that she be given fluids and B-vitamins. I analyzed rubrics related to trauma and concussion. The medicines that were at the top of the analysis were Arnica, Hypericum and Ruta. She was given Arnica 200C – 2 doses at 11:15am and 5pm, day 2 after the trauma.

On day 3, although she was still very ill, she was alive, which was incredible. Her therapy plan involved a dose of Arnica 200C every 6 hours.

On day 4, she was still not visual but otherwise stable. I decided that Hypericum 1M would address the head trauma more effectively. I prescribed 3 doses in 24 hours. I increased the potency since she was stronger.

On day 5 after 2 doses of Hypericum she was visually tracking and doing so well she no longer needed to be in the oxygen cage. I opted to not give a 3rd dose of the medicine.

Day 6 she had improved so much that she was attacking the caretakers and no one could handle her or clean her cage. She ate 4-6 mice eagerly.

Day 7 she appeared to be adequately visual and was released into a flight cage.

Day 14 she was released into the wild and has been thriving.

Welcome Tara continued from page 11



continued page 14

-Mind, Escape, attempts to

-Mind, Delusions -spectres, ghosts, spirits, seeing

The homeopathic medicines similar to this case, found in each rubric were: Belladonna, Phosphorus, Arsenicum album and Nux vomica. Other homeopathic medicines to consider in a hyperesthesia case were Silicea, Opium, Stramonium, depending on the totality, but these did not occur in all rubrics of the analysis. In evaluating the homeopathic medicines to determine the one most similar (i.e., homeopathic to Sassy at this time), I compared each one in terms of the generals of the patient, the specific rubrics expressed at presentation and the totality of the patient.

The problem started in the mental/emotional realm, ‘seeing ghosts, or flies’; then quickly became extremely intense involving the physical, with aggressive attacks on the tail. It was considered that the intensity of signs were due to inflammation as the core. Rubrics or descriptions of sensations were not included in the analysis as I did not know her sensations; it would be an assumption to do so. Rubrics were based on as objective and factual assessment as possible. The following homeopathic medicines were compared and considered to determine the best prescription.2

Belladonna

Bell acts upon every part of the nervous system producing active congestions, furious excitement, perverted special senses, twitching, convulsions and pain. Hyperesthesia of all senses. Patient lives in a world of his own, engrossed by spectres and visions and oblivious to surroundings. Wants to escape. Fear of imaginary things; wants to run away from them. Acuteness of all senses. Neuralgic pains that come and go suddenly. Violence of attack, suddenness of onset. Spasms, shocks, jerks, twitching.

Phosphorus

Inflames spinal cord and nerves. Suddenness of signs. Insidious onset, gradually increasing debility, ending in severe or rapid disease. Easily vexed. Fearfulness, great tendency to start. Anxious, fear of ghosts. Fear of imaginary things.

Nux vomica

Nervous, irritable. Irritawwble nervous system. Hypersensitive. Twitching and jerking. Neuralgia. Muscular spasms and general hyperesthesia without impairment of consciousness. Spinal irritation

Arsenicum album

Oversensitive. Violence. Self-torture. Tears own body. Irritability and restlessness

Sassy’s Case continued from page 9



The Prescription

The violent intensity and nature of the signs led to Bell as the most homeopathic to the patient and the first prescription. On 6/28/12, Sassy received Bell 30C, one dose as #10 dry pellets.a In retrospect, a higher potency may have been appropriate, especially with the intensity of the signs and the mental/emotional focus; but I wanted to avoid a homeopathic aggravation. The guardians were advised to gradually taper off phenobarbital, and change her diet from the dry grocery store diet to a wholesome, grain-free canned food.

On 7/3/12, 5 days post Bell 30C, they reported that Sassy was perkier, with less rippling of her back. She was still running from her tail, but not attacking it. They had discontinued the phenobarbital completely. We waited. On 7/19/12, 3 weeks post medicine, the client reported that the rippling of the back was less, but she was going after the tail just as much as before. Since the patient had strong vital energy and persistent, intense signs, the next prescription was Bell 200C, one dose. She received the medicine on 7/24/12. 5 days later, the guardians reported that she was clearly doing better. She was still occasionally chasing her tail and washing it, but not biting it, so they were able to remove the E-collar. There were still occasional back ripples.

On 8/22/12 they described Sassy as doing very well. She occasionally looked at her tail, but otherwise seemed normal. On 11/29/12, 4 months post prescription of Bell 200C, there was continued progress and no new signs. On 5/23/13, 10 months after Bell 200C, the client described Sassy as doing fine. On a 4/9/14 phone consult, the report was: “she seems normal, but every now and then she will look at her tail and her back ripples, but she does not go after it. Her littermate, Pepper, had been aggressive to Sassy since the problem started.” Since the signs had recurred, although in a milder form, it was suggested that Sassy receive a further dose of Bell 200C and the littermate have a homeopathic consult as well. 4/26/14 Sassy received another dose Bell 200C. Almost 2 years from the last dose, on 5/23/14, the client reported: “Sassy is doing fine, and I think she is calmer and definitely not as interested in her tail.” I will continue to follow Sassy, to tail her (!). I will increase the potency if indicated. Based on the resolution of all signs, I feel confident in Bell still being the simillimum and in our progress toward cure.

Natural Health Supply, Santa Fe, NM

References:

Schroyens F. Synthesis Repertorium Homeopathicum Syntheticum. 7.1 ed. London: Homeopathic Book Publishers, 1998

Vermeulen F. Concordant Materia Medica. 2nd ed. Haarlem, The Netherlands: Merlijn Publishers, 1997

Sassy’s Case continued from page 13



these horses with medicated shampoos and protect them from insects with full body mesh fly sheets. Each season the itching becomes more severe and non-responsive to topical relief. This is a classic example of palliation with the sign picture responding initially to treatment but returning when treatment is discontinued or requiring additional treatment to keep the signs under control.

When these palliative measures fail, potentially suppressive steroid medications are often employed. Even when steroid treatment is able to completely control signs for one insect season, the next season the allergy is generally worse and the signs are not easily controlled. This would be a case of the steroid being palliative initially; but when the signs do not return the next insect season, the suppressive action of the steroid drug is manifested. It is common, when taking a case of a horse with insulin resistance, to find a history of insect allergies previously treated with steroids. The steroids cause an excessive release of glucose into the horse’s bloodstream which is stored as extra fat. Fat, in turn, generates inflammatory hormones which are harmful to the horse. Fat in the organs interferes with their function, especially fat in the liver.1

Skin allergies are unpleasant and difficult to treat, but at least they are on the surface of the body. Insulin resistance is a deep seated, chronic disease state affecting multiple internal organs and body functions.

Over vaccination can be a trigger for over reaction of the immune system. Drug or environmental toxins can also weaken the immune system. Homeopathy, especially when used during the non-insect season, can be used to bring the body back into a balanced, toxin free state.

Example of a curative response:

Gift is a 7 year old, half draft mare with insect sensitivity for the past several years. She has been given baths and steroid medications as needed but she was still itchy. On examination, her skin was raw in multiple places on her neck and chest and her mane and tail had several rubbed areas. She was slightly overweight and grazing a drought stressed pasture. She was not heavily vaccinated but her coat was dry and dull. One dose of Thuja 1M was given and her owner was told to keep her off the high sugar pasture, cut back her grain and add chia seeds as a source of omega 3 fatty acids and minerals. One month later Gift was still quite itchy but no worse. Nux vomica 30C was prescribed. The next month, Gift was much less itchy despite hot and humid weather conditions with lots of insects. The diet was continued over the winter and some slight itching has been seen this spring but no major raw spots so far.

Nervous temperament:

It appears that the horse show world is less about training and more about drugging. Horses are rarely given the solid foundation they need to be successful in the high stress environment in which they are expected to perform. Tranquilizers, sedatives and calming herbs are illegal in show horses

contined page 16

Cure, Palliation, Suppression continued from page 7



but the hormone progesterone is widely used to force horses into a depressed state so they will be safe to intensively train and compete. Homeopathy can be a tool to help a horse respond and adapt to the normal stresses of training.

Example of a curative reaction:

Little Peach is a 5 year old, Quarter horse that is started on barrels. She has been raised by her owner and taken through training in a careful, respectful way. Little Peach loves to run barrels but she had reached a place in her training where she was being asked to perform more consistently in her pattern. Little Peach struggled with the greater expectations and began to show anxiety at the races. Chamomilla 1M was prescribed to be given as needed on race day. She ended up needing 3 doses for each of the two race days. Her owner reported that Little Peach stayed relaxed all day. In the last race, her consistent performance had won money and a saddle. I have found that multiple doses may be needed in acute situations. I do not consider Chamomilla to be constitutional for Little Peach.

Poor digestion:

It is estimated that 60 to 80% of performance horses have stomach or hind gut ulceration.2 Digestive support in the form of prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes can help these horses with digestion to prevent ulcers. Soothing herbs can help protect the intestinal lining of the gut and give palliative relief but are generally not able to cure ulcers. Strong medications, that decrease the release of stomach acid, do allow ulcers to heal but at a huge cost. Without the natural release of stomach acid the pH balance in the gut is disrupted and the normal bacterial population is altered. This suppressive treatment leads to long term digestive issues in the horse even after ulcers are healed. Without continued low dose acid suppression you will see the ulcers return in addition to overall poor digestion.

Curing ulcers in show horses is difficult because the stressors are always present. Constitutional homeopathy can help keep a horse as balanced as possible so he can best withstand the stress he is under.

Chronic musculoskeletal issues:

Many horses do not receive good nutrition as foals and are worked hard at a young age. I steer my clients away from over use of palliative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and suppressive, steroid joint injections. My clients use homeopathic remedies such as Arnica, Ruta, Rhus-tox, Symphytum and Bryonia to treat chronic soreness and injuries related to training stress. Constitutional homeopathic prescribing has a place to help with mineral metabolism and nutrient assimilation.

continued page 17




Example of a curative reaction:

Lida was a 3 year old, warmblood that showed up lame in the pasture. I was asked to have a quick look at her when I was on the farm seeing another horse. She had some swelling in her lower leg but no heat or pain on palpation. I suspected a mild sprain and suggested stall rest for a few days and a support wrap. A month later I visited the farm and asked about the filly. The owner said Lida was still lame even though all the swelling had gone away within a few days. After Symphytum 30C, the filly was sound in a week and lameness never returned.

Actual cure of chronic disease in horses is elusive when the causative factors persist in the horse’s life. If palliation is necessary to give relief to the horse it is best to use nutritional support and gentle herbs rather than drugs. Suppression should be avoided at all costs.

References:

1. Cornelisse CJ, Robinson NE. Glucocorticoid therapy and the risk of equine laminitis. Equine Veterinary Education 2013; 39-46.

2. Hartmann AM, Franklin RL. A preliminary investigation into the association between competition and gastric ulcer formation in non-racing performance horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2003; 23(12); 560-561.

Madalyn Ward, DVM graduated from Texas A&M University in 1980. She worked in an equine practice until 1985, when she opened her own practice at Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic in Austin, Texas. In 1989, she began her training in alternative healing methods. Dr. Ward is trained in Veterinary Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Bowen Therapy, Network Chiropractic and Equine Osteopathy. Memberships include the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy and American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. She has authored three books, Holistic Horsekeeping, Horse Harmony: Understanding Horse Types and Temperaments and Horse Harmony: Five Element Feeding Guide. Madalyn’s websites are www.holistichorsekeeping.com and www.horseharmony.com.


http://www.holistichorsekeeping.com/

http://www.horseharmony.com/



children, and they were similar in many ways to the process of taking and working up a veterinary case. He relies on his powers of observation and what’s most striking and obvious in the case. Using the Organon frequently to remind us of the fundamentals of practice, he detailed their method of looking at acute vs chronic disease. In acute disease he might rely more on a causative factor, the change in disposition, and activity including thermals and thirst. It was quite remarkable to watch his videos of acute patients. One case was a young man who was in panic and respiratory distress and received Stramonium by olfaction and before our eyes became calm over the next 20 minutes. Another case was a man with 65% of his body covered by burns, hospitalized on oxygen. In this case he treated on a constitutional level. The man was covered in severe burns but said that he felt fine, which showed the deeply sycotic nature of the case, so Dr. Vijayakar felt that this was a deeper case than just physiological changes. He looked at the man’s disposition and gave him Mag-sulph. Within an hour after a single dose, he was able to come off oxygen and within 3 days he was looking quite good.

The second day of the seminar was largely spent on miasms, which were taught by Dr. Ambrish in an extremely thorough and entertaining manner. He reminded us that no miasm is good or bad, they are merely defense mechanisms, from the cellular level onwards, and are largely ruled by our genetic inheritance. It was interesting to note that he really stressed the importance of recognizing sycosis and not using rubrics that represent the general state of sycosis, since it is so common. In general, it seems that he tries to find the most syphilitic element of a case, which is often the SRP, and use that as a main rubric. He also talked about recognizing the various miasmatic elements of remedies, such as the difference between a psoric, sycotic or syphilitic Nat-mur or Pulsatilla.

The final morning Dr. Vijayakar spent a fair bit of time discussing the affinity to sides that disease and remedies have. He talked about this in terms of embryological development and brain affinity, and went through the side affinity of many remedies. This was quite a good refresher in terms of material medica, and I found it interesting that he feels that even in cases of injury the side affinity is relevant, since the genetic predisposition will determine susceptibility to injury. He did go on to discuss side affinity in connection with the dominant side of the brain in terms of disease in a way that felt a little speculative to me. Perhaps this rings true from his vast experience, but I feel a little hesitant myself, to assume that people with right sided disease are left brain dominant (analytical, logical, aggressive) and left sided disease are right brain dominant (sensitive, creative, emotional), as well as other observations from his experience around certain cancers relating to relationship issues (woman with right sided breast cancer have a conflict with their husband or work partner). It would definitely be interesting to see if those observations hold true with our patients!

continued page 20




The highest ideal of cure is rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of health in the shortest, most reliable and most harmless way, on easily comprehensible principles.

-Dr. Samuel Hahnemann

Whether you treat one homeopathic case a year or one hundred a week, we welcome your participation

Come Share Our Vision!The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy

Membership is limited to veterinarians.

www.theavh.org Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy

PO Box 232282, Leucadia, CA 92023 Voice and Fax: 866-652-1590 [email protected]

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The seminar ended with a series of what can only be described as miracle cures – patients that are probably not the norm in a North American practice. He had cases of children with congenital blindness (sclerocornea) that became visual after treatment, a case of blindness after meningitis that became visual, and children with severe mental and physical disabilities who were able to become independent during treatment. His parting words were “we can make blind people see but those who pretend to be blind (towards homeopathy), we can never make them see.”

The orthopedic surgeon sitting next to me made a remark about publishing studies and cases, especially given the type of pathology and the numbers of patients that they treat at their clinic, and I wonder if that could be a bridge which would help homeopathy gain credibility in the scientific and lay communities.

All in all, it was a great chance to learn and re-learn the basics, to be reminded of how many layers to homeopathic practice there are to master in terms of study of the patient and study of materia medica, and to be re-inspired by the depth of possibility of healing from our remedies. It was also a wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends and new and to enjoy the city and food of New Orleans. See y’all next time!


I joined the AHVMA in 1990 and have been active with both organizations for decades. Presently both organizations are involved in a flurry of activity. The AHVMA became a member of the AVMA House of Delegates 2 years ago and joined ranks with the AVH to deflect an anti-homeopathy attack from the CT VMA. With the help of a strong donor, and thousands of small contributors, the AHVMA Foundation has become a million dollar foundation, which helps fund holistic research, scholarships and legitimate faculty programs at veterinary schools. All of which are worthy endeavors to help advance holistic veterinary medicine and blunt the ongoing attacks against homeopathy.

So… Why the AVH Foundation? It is time! Classical Homeopathy needs a strong, separate voice that has the ability to raise money from the general public and not just AVH veterinarians. As a tax exempt, nonprofit Foundation, we can accept donations from anyone and they gain the tax benefit. We can then, importantly, focus our energy on tasks that are better served by a separate foundation and not folded into the AHVMF or the AVH. The AVH will continue to organize and offer the conferences, the journal, political representation and webinars, as some examples.

The AVH Foundation will help address other items such as scholarships, public education, speaker out-reach and some research. The AHVMF is the main research funding organization, as it already has the complex infrastructure for that task, but some research funding may also fall, directly, under the AVHF. The AVH will gradually phase out some of its roles (like the Memorial Fund) as the AVHF begins to grow and gain more independence (as occurred in the case of the AHVMF). Presently, the AVH Foundation is new and delicate, and needs all of your support (both emotional and financial) to establish strong roots and move us forward together. Please visit www.avhf.org for more details.

AVHF Editor Column continued from page 3

http://www.avhf.org

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