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Elle has only
been treated Homeopathically since January, but was on herbs since October.
She has progressed nicely and I belived she will either be pf free in the
not too distant future or live very comfortably with her condition.
Elle was born Dec. 24, 1995; her lines are all German. Elle was given to us
(a long, long story) in August of 1999.
Elle began Frontline in September of 1999
Normal vaccinations were givne in June of 2000
Rabbies shot was given August 26, 2000 (she threw up 1/2 hour after shot.
As with most dogs before diagnosis, Elle was licking her butt a great deal.
I lifted her tail one day and saw two holes and a bloody, raw mess. Elle
was diagnosed with pf on August 30, 2000. We went the simpliest route in
case it wasn't pf and tried Cyphalexine and a medicated wash. She got
worse.
October 2000 - began Betadine wash and put Elle on Cyclosporine. I also
switched back to my old vet because I was looking for something natural to
help with the pfs. Elle began taking Glycothymoline (to help clease her
colon), Burdock Root and Yellowdock tinctures (to aid in waste elimination
in her bowels). She takes both twice a day. At the recommendation of Dr.
Metcalf, I also added steamed veggies to Elle's diet (with the liquid the
veggies are steamed in). Also in October I removed Elle from Frontline.
When first diagnosed, Elle began to have her anal sacs expressed. At first
it was pretty bad. She has improved and hasn't had to have the sacs
expressed in many months.
November 2000 - Swithed to California Natural Lamb and Rice dry dog food
(still including steamed veggies). Chiropractic treatments were added -
every two to three weeks.
Elle did improve on the Cyclosporine, but in December, early January, she
hit a plateau. I was thinking of trying the tac. when I was introduced to a
Homeopathic Vet through a friend of a friend. Now mind you, I live in
California and the vet is in Lousiana!
January 2001 - I had a phone consultation with Dr. Sagrera, the Homepathic
vet. I was told to remove Elle from the Cyclosporine. I discontinued the
Cyclosporine on the 17th and began follwing the advice of Dr. Sagrera. I
began giving Elle vitamins immediately (Vit. A, Zinca and Selinium), 2 days
later I administered Thuya, 5 days later, Lyssin and about 10 days later
Silicia. I also switched Elle from a betadine wash to a Glycothymoline wash.
Elle has since had two more doses of Silicea. I call Dr. Sagrera every 5 to
10 days, depending on the treatment and to find out what treatment is needed
next.
The Homeopathic vet treats the whole dog and was interested in Elle's
environment (the weather where we live, is Elle inside or outside, when in,
where does she lay, what is Elle's personality, etc. Through more carefull
observations, I found that Elle had a hot spot on the top of her head and
her right back flank.
Elle has had a slight backslide using the homeopathics, which is normal, but
did not go back to her initial condition (which was possible). She has
bouts of not eating and runny stools, but I am told it is becase of the
treatment and after a treatment, it clears right back up.
Elle is making
progress and receive periodic blood tests to monitor her levels and
deficiencies. She looks great, is a good weight, has a beautiful coat and
is not bothered in the least by her pf. Elle does not lick, there is no
puss and no blood. While the pf's are not gone, they are looking much
better. Elle has one small hole that opens and closes. She still takes her
vitamins and herbs. I added Fish Oil capsules in February. All in all, her
anal area looks much healthier then when on Cyclsporine and her body has
responded to being off the drug.
I should note that Elle's regular vet is very supportive of the treatment
and I love having both vets working on Elle's behalf!
I belive wholeheartedly in the course of treatment I have chosen for Elle
and feel so relived to have her off all meds (my pocket book is happy too!).
All in all, the Homeopathic route has made a difference.