Help finding a remedy for my senior dog

[hsutopia]

My 12.5 year old dog has started having what looks like a movement disorder, triggered by certain sounds. It causes her to do a couple seconds of involuntary twitching/tremoring movements. Sometimes the twitching is just in her face; sometimes it starts with her face and causes her front legs to buckle (generally the right front leg); sometimes it starts with the face and ripples down the back; sometimes it can cause her to splat onto the floor (all 4 legs splatted out). Again, this is a very short duration- just a couple seconds- and then she's back to normal. The biggest problem with this is she could get hurt or pull muscles when she splats, and I have had to massage her for tight muscles.

Example sounds that can cause a problem tend to be softer sounds such as: keys jingling, a crunchy treat dropping on tile, ziploc bag opening, crinkling sounds. It can even happen if she is chewing something that makes crunching sounds like duck necks (which crunch very loudly), or certain treats. This doesn't happen with louder sounds like barking, traffic, etc.

She otherwise is doing great: she is in great physical condition, very stable, and can walk/run/hike for miles. BEAM is great. Her hearing seems fine. I have found that if I put cotton balls in both ears, she is essentially normal. Everything else about her is the same, EXCEPT when she was hurting, probably from splatting before I started using the cotton balls in her ears. The chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage seem to have resolved the discomfort, so all that is left is this movement disorder.

The day this first started happening, her symptoms were even more strange as she seemed to be painful being moved onto her side (either side), then as the day went on she became lame on her left front leg. I found and removed an embedded tick above her left eye at the end of that day, then after a bad night (and being given Arnica, Rhus Tox, and CBD), she was fine the next day. I chalked it up to possible tick paralysis, but then several days later this all started happening.

As far as her history is concerned, she has been very healthy her whole life. She has been raw fed since she was 6 months old. Her last vaccination was almost 6 years ago. The two top issues she has had that come to mind are: 1) two surgeries to remove mammary tumors. The first time was a benign tumor. The second time (4 months ago) was to remove two tumors which were low grade, removed with clean margins. 2) occasional bouts of acid reflux.

Since this started happening she has been to see a couple veterinarians, and chiropractic and acupuncture. Her bloodwork (including T4) is normal, urinalysis is normal, SNAP-4dx was negative.

I would like to try to help her with homeopathy now that her symptoms are becoming more clear, but could use some help!

These are the rubrics I've been able to come up with (these are from the ABC Homeopathy site):

ear; noises in ear;
ear; noises in ear; worse noise;
generalities; twitching; twitching, involuntary movements;
generalities; twitching; twitching, involuntary movements; begins in face and spreads to body;

In the Repertory there are many sound types listed next to noise. Is it reasonable to try to characterize the trigger sounds and use those? For example, ear; noises; crackling . The reason I didn't use them is because I didn't know if they were supposed to be internally generated sounds or external (as mine are).

Initially I also had this ("ear; noises in ear; with vertigo, dizziness;") in there, which resulted in Phosphorus being the remedy, but I'm not sure vertigo is right since she has more involuntary twitching. When I think of vertigo I think spinning, nausea, which is not her.

Otherwise, with only the other rubrics it comes up with Secale Cornutum before Phosphorus, and I'm not confident in that result.

Thanks for any guidance! I've added more detail in this post per Dr. Jeff's email attached below.

Christine

----------------------------------------

Hey Christine-

Lots and lots of detail can be added to the forum.

Such as:

1.Fleshing out this symptom in as much detail as you can, e.g. frequency, severity, concomitants, loud vs. soft noises, etc..

2. All other symptoms as well as her full history will be needed in a case like this.

Unlike acute problems (like injury-associated lameness), this symptom is just one piece of a much bigger health puzzle. It needs to be put into context.

In other words, where does this symptom fit in regarding her longer term balance?

Is this perhaps her body’s doing the best that it can do?

Was it associated with any potential mental/emotional (or other) triggers?

Does she have other general changes or modalities? Changes in sleep position? Clinginess, isolating, etc.

Thanks!

Dr. Jeff

 

[Dr. Christina]

First, good for you to try cotton balls. "I have found that if I put cotton balls in both ears, she is essentially normal." Also, good for you to be using all the different modalities and to report on her BEAM symptoms. You do really understand looking at the context and supporting the body in many ways - and you have a happy energetic dog.

I am still not completely clear on the timing.
She had surgery 4 months ago and this started afterwards?

I do think it would be best to be working with a very skilled homeopath - remember as a member you can become one of Dr. Jeff's clients. We are not able to actually prescribe via email like this. We are helping you understand, but this is a very unusual presentation and we cannot fully flesh out a remedy for you to try. Because it is probably neurological, therefore deep, and because she has a history of breast cancer with surgery (which is sometimes suppressive), I do recommend professional help.

Having said that - let's look at what you have done so far to learn more.

I do not recommend using ABCs repertory except for acute ailments. I do recommend starting with Kent's repertory, which you can access on-line - http://homeoint.org/hidb/kent/repertory.htm or purchase for $20 or so. We will be spending a few hours at the acute homeopathy class in June learning how to use this repertory. One book to help you learn at home is by Karen Allen and myself. Be sure to get the one I co-authored (second edition). They are hard to find - https://www.gettextbooks.com/isbn/9781886546080/. If that link does not do it - search for Homeopathic Tutorial with both our names.

OK - let's now look at the rubrics you found for the noise sensitivity and see how these human ones translate to the human repertory.

ear; noises in ear; - <em>this would be like tinnitus, which you could only know if you or an intuitive could ask her about</em>
ear; noises in ear; worse noise; <em>the worse noise is accurate, but again not the noises in ear</em>.&lt;
generalities; twitching; twitching, involuntary movements; <em> good </em>
generalities; twitching; twitching, involuntary movements; begins in face and spreads to body; <em>good if it ALWAYS starts in the face, or 80% of the time. </em>

In the Repertory there are many sound types listed next to noise. Is it reasonable to try to characterize the trigger sounds and use those? For example, ear; noises; crackling . The reason I didn’t use them is because I didn’t know if they were supposed to be internally generated sounds or external (as mine are). <em>I think you are correct, that these are internally generated noises.</em>

Initially I also had this (“ear; noises in ear; with vertigo, dizziness;”) <em>Vertigo can manifest as falling down, but not usually with the trembling.</em>

<em>From Kent's Repertory I might select:
Generalities: Trembling, externally.
" " " ;from noise
Hearing; acute; noises..and in synthesis they have crinkling of paper and others.
Chest; tumors; mammae
Mind; sensitive; to noise ... then a few of the subrubrics like slightest, shrill,
From the Synthesis repertory (more modern) -
Injuries; operation; ailments from - IF this began after the last surgery.

Remember, we take into account everything that has ever been wrong, not merely the current problem. We prefer to have a "three legged stool" with symptoms from three different parts of the body, or 3 different types of symptoms.

As Dr. Jeff said, it would be good to have any changes, even slight - in temperature preference, temperature preferences, food and drink, emotions, etc. These would be some of the legs of the stool.

Keep posting more symptoms even if you begin to consult with a homeopath.
By searching the repertory, you may have more information to give the homeopathic vet. The final choice of the remedy is based, not on the repertory, but on a detailed reading of the materia medica, and I routinely use Morrison's Desktop Materia Medica, Herring's (10 Volume), Clarke's (3 volume), then sometimes refer to veterinary Materia Medicas.

Most importantly, the reaction of the dog to the remedy given is our measure of the accuracy of our choice.
</em>

 

[Dr. Christina]

Merryn,

I also wanted to comment a moment on the two repertories I referred to.
A repertory is an index of symptoms. Remember that the first ones (by Hahenemann's friend and colleague Boenninghausen, and others) were written with quill pens by the light of candles! No computers. So there are errors that have been corrected in the more modern ones, like Synthesis, Complete and The New World Veterinary Repertory. They are an index of the symptoms from the testing done on humans (never done on animals) and from clinical practice. They all have errors, which is one reason we use the 3 legged stool principle and rely on the Materia Medica, the books describing the symptoms.

Veterinarians have compiled repertories over the years. They are all based (even the New World Veterinary Repertory, and probably the new ones being assembled now in Europe) on the human repertories, so it is best to start by learning how to use Kent's repertory.

The veterinary homeopathy books can be very useful, though limited. They are good for acute. They can be used to find additional rubrics. For instance, if Christine was reading MacLeod, Day, Hamilton, Saxton, Wolff, or others, you may see a specific description of trembling or falling after hearing noises. Whatever remedies they mention may be possible, but not necessarily a good match. You would create a rubric, "Dr. Day suggests...and list the remedy (ies)".

Let me know if anything about this does not make sense.

 

[hsutopia]

Hi Dr. Christina,

Thank you for your reply! (BTW your post for Merryn went onto this thread instead of hers).

The surgery was 4 months ago, and the first time we noticed this happening was 2.5 months post-surgery, so I don't know if it could have been related. I suppose it's possible that we missed little things were happening prior to the dramatic presentation.

re: acute vs long term chronic (from both you and Dr. Jeff)
I guess I was hoping this could be considered acute, since it is not something that has happened in the past, nor has she ever been noise sensitive. Just as a matter of curiosity, if one were to treat it as an acute issue and give that remedy, what would happen? I'll be following up with Dr. Jeff about working with her.

re: symptoms from full history
Would this only be necessary for finding a full constitutional remedy? For an acute issue (like a cough), then previous symptoms like mammary tumors would not be required? I'm presuming that she doesn't have mammary tumors now, though she does have a couple lipomas and small fatty cysts in other areas. I should add those to the list.

Thank you also for the resources, links, and suggested rubrics. Regarding materia medicas, there always seem to be several items that make it look like a good match, then in the same list there will be several items that are completely off base, especially with regard to sidedness, time of day, etc. How do you resolve those?

C

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Christine-

No question that this is a chronic issue. Chronicity in homeopathy does not refer to new or old health challenges. But rather, the tendency to resolve spontaneously. Or not. Acute diseases either resolve spontaneously, or the patient dies.

Not so for <strong>chronic dis-eases (imbalances). They tend to worsen with time and don't resolve spontaneously. </strong>

An injury is often acute. Especially if it is observed. If it's not observed directly, then it may or may not be.

A cough also may or may not be, depending on the full context. For example,a cough secondary to an infectious agent, e.g. flu or bordetella is different than a cough secondary to CHF and heart dis-ease.

In general, it might be helpful to assume chronic unless there is an obvious trigger (like an injury or a nasty "bug").

Regarding your other questions and the "constitutional" remedy, this is a very important topic. I'd therefore like to think about my reply and add to this thread later.

Thanks for starting this important thread. I look forward to our continuing it and helping you help Sport.

Dr. Jeff

PS-Please expand on her reflux (or any other) symptoms.

 

[hsutopia]

Thanks, Dr. Jeff, for explaining acute vs chronic again. You've talked about it many times, but sometimes it takes time for it to sink in. I think I'm getting there.

I'm gradually filling out more symptoms. This is what I've got for her now, and there are some items I don't know how to repertorize.

<strong>Acid reflux</strong>
<em>Throat; swallow, constant disposition to
Throat; swallow, constant disposition to; eating amel</em> [guessing 'eating amel' means eating makes it better. In this case, it's only eating grass or Tums, Pepcid, so not sure this applies generally]

This is something that she has dealt with at least since she was 4 years old, maybe earlier, but I've forgotten now. It manifests as constant swallowing noises and agitation, and she wants to go out and eat grass, which usually makes it stop. However after a particularly bad incident years ago where she ate and vomited gobs of sharp-bladed grass in which the grass and acid did a number on her throat, I stopped letting her eat grass. I found that keeping her calm and giving Tums and/or Pepcid AC was effective. It used to happen almost always in the middle of the night. These days if it happens, it can be any time of day or night, but mostly evening. I think it's linked to digestion. I feed bones as part of a raw diet, and she is a fast eater/gulper. I used to feed things like pork necks, and over time I noticed eating things like that being linked to the acid reflux events. Fat may now be linked as well now that she's older. Frequency - maybe once a week, which is more frequent than when she was younger.

<strong>Noise-triggered twitching</strong>

<em>Generalities; twitching; twitching, involuntary movements;
Generalities; twitching; twitching, involuntary movements; begins in face and spreads to body;</em> [I *think* this is true at least 80% of the time but am not sure. Maybe it's best left out?]
<em>Generalities; twitching; right;</em> [the right side seems more involved than left side]
<em>Generalities: trembling externally; noise from</em>
<em>Hearing; acute; noises to;</em> [typically crackling, crinkling, jingling sounds. crumpling paper doesn't seem to do it.]
<em>Hearing; too sensitive;</em>
<em>Mind; sensitive; to noise; slightest</em> [slightest and shrill are the closest, but not sure it fits unless slightest can mean the quieter sounds. shrill to me is like alarms and shrieking, which don't seem to bother her]
<em>Injuries; operation; ailments from</em> [Does 2.5 months after surgery make this relevant? We didn't know what the issue was at first, but the first dramatic presentation was 2.5 months after surgery.]

<strong>Age-related nuclear sclerosis</strong> (bluish cloudy appearance- not cataract), probably causes her not to see as well in the darkness.

<em>Eye; spots, specks, etc., on the cornea; bluish</em> [is this the right rubric?]

<strong>Various lumps and bumps</strong> - how to characterize these? Are they considered tumors in the repertory?

- Medium sized lipoma on left shoulder, another little one near it
- Couple flat sebaceous cysts on right side, on loin behind ribs
- Medium sized lipoma nestled beside base of tail on the right side

<em>Generalities; tumors, cystic
Abdomen; tumors
Chest; tumors; mammae</em> [historical]

If I were to dig deeper... you wanted things like temperature preferences, food and drink, emotions, etc.

- She seems to run hotter on our walks and is panting hard, open-mouthed and foamy. Note that these are not forced walks- she prefers to go fast.
- Does not prefer to go out in the dark (maybe due to not being able to see as well in the dark now).
- No changes with food and drink. She is a typical Golden, will eat pretty much anything at any time, and eats fast. she loves citrus. only thing she might not want is whole raw fish.

That's it for now- how did I do?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

<em>Thanks, Dr. Jeff, for explaining acute vs chronic again. You’ve talked about it many times, but sometimes it takes time for it to sink in. I think I’m getting there.</em>

Great (that you are getting it)! Although the concept is simple, it's different than the non-homeopathic definition so it's not automatically intuitive (but will be).

The best place to read more about it is in the theoretical part of Hahnemann's "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chronic-Diseases-Peculiar-Hom%C5%93opathic-Classic/dp/1330048997/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1521842451&sr=1-1&keywords=Chronic+Diseases%2C+Their+Peculiar+Nature+Their+Homoeopathic+Cure" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chronic Diseases</a>..." I highly, highly recommend this book (once you have read his Organon that is).

<em>I’m gradually filling out more symptoms. This is what I’ve got for her now, and there are some items I don’t know how to repertorize.

Acid reflux
Throat; swallow, constant disposition to
Throat; swallow, constant disposition to; eating amel [guessing ‘eating amel’ means eating makes it better. In this case, it’s only eating grass or Tums, Pepcid, so not sure this applies generally]

This is something that she has dealt with at least since she was 4 years old, maybe earlier, but I’ve forgotten now. It manifests as constant swallowing noises and agitation, and she maybe once a week, which is more frequent than when she was younger.</em>

I believe you are describing the "gulps". Possibly esophageal spasms or exuburps ("reflux").

These can be found in the throat and stomach-eructation sections. However, it sounds like you may not have a professional repertory to find appropriate rubrics.

When you do, we can talk more specifically. Did you attend and/or have a chance yet to watch last year's classes on repertorization? I believe we discussed this symptom and the corresponding repertory section there as well.

In fact, when you and Merryn both have repertories + complete symptom lists, we can all schedule a live class preview of the June in person (and online) classes.

<em>Noise-triggered twitching

Generalities; twitching; twitching, involuntary movements;
Generalities; twitching; twitching, involuntary movements; begins in face and spreads to body; [I *think* this is true at least 80% of the time but am not sure. Maybe it’s best left out?]
Generalities; twitching; right; [the right side seems more involved than left side]
Generalities: trembling externally; noise from
Hearing; acute; noises to; [typically crackling, crinkling, jingling sounds. crumpling paper doesn’t seem to do it.]
Hearing; too sensitive;
Mind; sensitive; to noise; slightest [slightest and shrill are the closest, but not sure it fits unless slightest can mean the quieter sounds. shrill to me is like alarms and shrieking, which don’t seem to bother her]
Injuries; operation; ailments from [Does 2.5 months after surgery make this relevant? We didn’t know what the issue was at first, but the first dramatic presentation was 2.5 months after surgery.]</em>

I'd classify this symptom as: <em>MIND - STARTING - noise, from: (79 remedies) </em>

and, MIND - FEAR - noise, from - slight noise: (2). This rubric is incomplete (as most are) as a quick search of all MM reveal 6 other potentially useful remedies.

<em>Age-related nuclear sclerosis (bluish cloudy appearance- not cataract), probably causes her not to see as well in the darkness.

Eye; spots, specks, etc., on the cornea; bluish [is this the right rubric?]</em>

Usually this common age-related symptom is not useful for analysis.

<em>Various lumps and bumps – how to characterize these? Are they considered tumors in the repertory?</em>

Ditto (unless new or a "4 P" symptom).

<em>She seems to run hotter on our walks and is panting hard, open-mouthed and foamy. Note that these are not forced walks- she prefers to go fast.</em>

Seeking hot or cold? Might she be panting from discomfort (other mobility symptoms?) or anxiety?

<em>That’s it for now- how did I do?</em>

Fantastic!

You are doing great. Practice makes perfect!

Dr. Jeff

 

[hsutopia]

For anyone following this thread, I had an appointment with Dr. Jeff regarding my dog.   She had seen him several years ago when I found her first mammary tumor, so he already had some historical information about her.   We discussed her current symptoms.  He did not use the <em>Generalities; twitching; twitching, involuntary movements; </em>rubric since the movements aren't strictly involuntary, since it happens as a direct result of some external trigger.   The main symptoms had to do with <em>Mind-Starting-Noise from</em> , as well as rubrics (which I don't have) for the gulping/acid symptoms that she occasionally has.  One of the concomitants is that she tends to feel worse in the morning.

Those in combination with some of his knowledge about remedies that have worked well for similar cases that had neurological symptoms, resulted in choosing <em>Nux Vomica</em> for her.   She got the dose several days ago, and I'll post an update after a couple more days.

 

[Dr. Christina]

thanks for keeping us updated!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Christine-

Dr. Christina and I both appreciate the update.

The only thing I'd want to add is that any symptom modification by time (symptoms are physiologic functions that can fluctuate based on circadian rhythms) is actually a modality.

In this case, energy modified by time. Weakness in the morning. General modification.

Vomiting and diarrhea happening together would be concomitant symptoms.

It can be a fine line and hard to distinguish.

But does this make sense to you or anyone who wants to learn more (like Becca, Kelley, Merryn, etc) ?

Dr. Jeff

 

[hsutopia]

Dr. Jeff-- Yes, that makes sense- thanks for correcting my terminology.

Everyone else - here are the rubrics that Dr. Jeff used for my dog.  I don't seem to be able to insert the screen captures he sent into this forum, so here is the text:

current symptoms:
MIND - STARTING - noise, from
MIND - STARTING - easily
MIND - FEAR - noise, from - slight noise
MIND - FEAR - noise, from - sudden, of
GENERALS - WEAKNESS - morning - rising - after - agg.
GENERALS - WEAKNESS - morning - waking; on
Regional - Trunk (torso) - Neck (&amp; throat) - Neck - ventr  <em>[cut off.. I think it's ventral]
</em>MIND - STARTING - easily etc...  <em>[I believe Dr. Jeff said this is a grouping of all the MIND symptoms in the tool so they are not overrepresented]
</em>EAR - NOISE - agg.
EAR - NOISE - agg. - slight noise

historical symptoms: (a few of which were temporary that I hardly remember!)
MOUTH - WARTS
FACE - ERUPTIONS - Lips - Upper
STOMACH - NAUSEA - sleep - during
THROAT - SPASMS - Esophagus
THROAT - SWALLOW, constant disposition to - lump in throat
THROAT - SWALLOW, constant disposition to
STOMACH - ERUCTATIONS - swallowing - empty
STOMACH - ERUCTATIONS - convulsions
MIND - CONSOLATION - amel.
FACE - ERUPTIONS - Nose
STOOL - MUCOUS - covered with mucus
EXTREMITIES - SENSITIVE - Feet - Soles
MIND - FEAR - dark; of

The update so far.  She got the Nux Vomica dose last Tuesday evening, 3/27. She seemed worse that evening afterward, even doing some odd skipping motions on her right rear a couple times, and the noise triggers seemed worse as well.  The next day 3/28 was essentially the same (but without any limb issues).   On 3/29 she was dramatically and surprisingly improved in terms of overall vigor, vitality, and interactivity/engagement (surprising because we had thought those things were generally fine).  She still had the noise triggers, but they didn't seem to bother her, which was not exactly what we were hoping for, but definitely better.   On 3/31 she jumped on the bed at 3am, fully awake, wanting attention and petting for several minutes.  This was unusual- usually if she does something like that it would be because she had the gulps, but this didn't seem to be the case.  That day we even started thinking the noise triggers were starting to lessen.   By late that night the improvements were starting to decrease, and on 4/1 she was quiet, bothered again by noise triggers.  Though her appetite was good, she didn't want to chew a raw bone in the evening, probably because of the sound issues it would cause.  This morning (4/2) she was re-dosed.

 

[jenniferleadulin8]

this thread is so helpful to me....    i need to re.read it a few times..   especially helpful is the discussion between chronic and acute, as well as the presentation of acute within the chronic that was brought up in the empower hour monday night...  i love how christine is using the repertory in her reports.... and i still need to review and refine my understanding of symptoms..  even after more than a year of journalling and reporting... still needing to understand and learn... the differences.    your sweet dog has many of the symptoms my dog has.     the leg involuntary  movements..   the tick ... the sensitivity to sound       i will keep reading.. there is more to say...   but what i love is the similarities and the differences...  and the difference in remedies that are needed even if in the western mode. our cases may appear at times the same..   thank you for what you are sharing... i would be very interested in more updates.   jennifer and ella pickle

 

[merrynb]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing, and I'm also interested to hear further updates and actions. What potency did you give, and why? Yes it's making sense Dr Jeff, though like Jennifer I need to re-read tor really take it in.

My cats are both sensitive to loud and shrill sounds

 

[hsutopia]

Thanks, Jennifer and Merryn.  I'm glad this is helpful for you.  I agree- there is still so much to learn and understand.  Jennifer, I hope your dog is doing well.  Merryn, the remedy was Nux Vomica 30c, 10 succussions, q-tip dose.  Dr. Jeff said in the Empower Hour that because she was displaying a hypersensitivity (to noise in her case), he chose the q-tip dose for her since she could be hypersensitive to the dose.

The current update.  During Monday's meeting I said that after the first dose she first worsened for 36 hours, then had a dramatic improvement for 2.5 days. Then she worsened again, and had a second dose about 24 hours after worsening.  She didn't appear to worsen the day of the second dose nor was there much improvement. However, starting that night and into the next day/night (so for another 36 hours), things got much worse with lots of sound triggers and stiff gait.  Then she started improving again.  I'm not sure if this is a normal pattern, but I keep finding in my journey with homeopathy like when I think things have gotten bad enough that something really needs to be done, then it turns and I often see improvement again.  Does anyone else feel that way?

 

[hsutopia]

It has been about 2.5 weeks since my last update.   I've been keeping a log attempting to show a trend showing the Nux Vomica dosing and a few key symptoms.  It's not always easy keeping the scale consistent since my numbers are usually relative to the day before. But is my scale now exactly the same as it was on 3/29?  I can't be sure.  Also, the scale starts on 3/26 with all symptoms in the mid-point since I had been palliating with cotton balls in her ears, but at its worst the noise triggers would have been at 9 prior to the first dose.

She has not had any acid reflux issues since we started the Nux Vomica almost a month ago (yay!!!).   Here's the chart. The dose indicator shows up to the right of the date it was given.  It shows the succussions and type of dose.  The dates of dosing were 3/27, 4/2, 4/10, 4/19.

<img src="https://www.holisticactions.com/wp-content/uploads/hm_bbpui/33997/7fztosaxnrodh9m7gwg736ruh86zt2hr.png" alt="" width="931" height="547" />

The first and second doses seem to show an aggravation, then short-term improvement before getting worse again.  The third dose had another aggravation, then had her bopping about for quite a while before reversing all noise trigger progress completely ... at that point I thought the remedy was no longer helping.   The latest dose did not aggravate and showed a quick short term improvement which might be starting to go back up again.

Another item of note is that she has been having bad stools since 4/5- anything from puddles to slightly formed soft-serve. Always with mucous in it.  At first it was diarrhea (a couple days of more frequent 3-4x/day, uncontrolled), then back to regular schedule but just bad.

Any feedback about how to interpret all of this?   Thanks!

 

[jenniferleadulin8]

dear christine,   aggravation means increase in tired, stiffness and noise triggers...   and an improvement in acid reflux?  your graph is wonderful!!     when describing stools... bad equals diarrhoea ......   then regular schedule...     i'm finding my way with good and bad too...  but trying to imperically report without qualifiers...  which is very hard when they are in a process.   the way ginny wilken describes this to us is that the waiting gives us a chance to see what is perhaps rising to heal and what underneath might be healing... it will be great to hear dr. jeff and dr. christina's sense of this...     my questions are is the graph reflecting aggravation, or is it reflecting precision of the remedy healing...  is the diarrhoea in service to removal of toxins, again another layer of deeper healing...      with pickle we certainly go through times like these...  where some of the expressions of symptoms seem worse, yet underneath her vitality is improving... you speak of this too  .... would love more detail about what the short term improvements were like...    what improvements actually are....     know that we join you in your journey... and love knowing... thank you for the report.  jennifer and EP   (ella pickle)

 

[hsutopia]

It has been 10 days since the last dose, and I've got a promising update (!!!).   This 4th dose had a different result than the first three.  I saw the noise triggers reduce dramatically for a couple days, then get slightly worse for a couple days, then go back down and has stayed steady at a relatively low-medium level (3/10 on my chart) for 4 days now.   Her stiffness has increased and is holding steady there, too (about 6/10).   This is the longest she has stayed at a lower level for the noise triggers so far, so I'm really happy about that!  Her stools are still not great- still those soft, mucousy piles- but not diarrhea.

Question about the stiffness.  Before starting the dosing a month ago, I was giving her a supplement that contained a bunch of things including MSM.  I stopped the supplement because of the sulphur in MSM, and am wondering what I can add that would help.  She has always been a very active dog and did competitive agility, so I wonder if she might just need something more to help with any possible arthritic changes.  Maybe turmeric?  Currently she gets Glycoflex 1 + supplemental DMG.

[Jennifer, I hope your ella pickle is doing well!  Was there something you wanted to know that I didn't answer?]

Christine

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Christine-

Great to hear that Sport's noise triggers reduce on their way down to 0!

Good work regarding stopping the MSM. The higher doses in most supplements are way too manipulative (of her symptoms) in this situation IMHO. Specifically, which supplement were you using?

Her stiffness and stool symptoms are clues that her body is giving us about what to do now.

What are other symptom details about them?

For example, exactly when do you see the stiffness? On first rising, while walking, inside, outside, at night, after a meal, etc.

Stool details like frequency, urgency, odor, color of the mucus, straining to defecate (beginning, middle or end of passing stool?), etc.

If you have a Kent's (or other) repertory, now's a great time to consult it for additional help with describing symptoms.

Your turn...

Dr. Jeff

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[hsutopia]

It has been a while since I've updated, and I'm looking for guidance on what remedy to try next.

My girl has been through a lot since the last update, as she had to have a splenectomy.  She had no symptoms, but we agreed with the vet that any mass on the spleen is problematic since even a benign mass can rupture, and we were afraid that it might be hemangiosarcoma (fortunately it was not).

She has been dosed with Nux Vomica several times since the last update, up to 200c, 20/q-tip the last dose a few weeks ago when she was having her noise-related shocks quite a bit. I think the Nux has done whatever it is going to do, and has not had much effect since the beginning of June.

I've been looking for more clarity on her symptoms, and found information about a disease that looks a lot like what she has.  It is one that is not typical for breeds other than some dachshunds/basset hounds/beagles, but for them it is a late-onset progressive neurological disease.  Lafora's disease.  <em>"A characteristic of this disease is myoclonus (clinical sign of a sudden contraction of a group of muscle), typified by rapid shuddering/jerking the head backwards. The myoclonus occurs spontaneously and in response to noise, flickering light (including television), and sudden movement in the visual field. ". </em> She does not have issue with flickering light, but mostly certain noises and occasionally sudden movement in the visual field.  Incidentally, that disease happens to people, too, typically older children.

This video shows what it looks like, though that poor little dog is responding to louder sounds:  <a href="http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/resources/laforas.mpg">Video</a>

Another common symptom is stiff gait, which I've noticed in my girl as well.

Dr. Jeff, in answer to your last question about supplements, I was giving her the Springtime Longevity supplement.  It has worked very well for all my older dogs, but of course has MSM so I've stopped using it.

I wanted to add two symptoms:

EXTREMITIES - STIFFNESS - walking, while.   <em>[she has no problems getting around, hiking, etc, but she just looks stiff-legged whereas she used to move very gracefully and fluidly]</em>

MIND - STARTING - electric, as if .  <em>[when she jerks back, it looks like a shock.  i don't know if it's valid to use if they can't tell you what it feels like]</em>

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Christine-

Yes, this certainly could be a manifestation of  "Lafora's" dis-ease.

You might inquire whether they saw Lafora bodies in the spleen biopsy (they are more commonly found in the liver).

And regardless of the dis-ease name, improved balance using homeopathic medicines will reduce symptoms (as you've already seen).

Yes. Both of your rubrics are applicable. Though the first may not be very characteristic as stiffness is fairly common in Lafora's. The exception would be when any common symptoms is very Prominent (or Problematic or Persistent).

Have you read Silica and <a href="http://www.homeoint.org/clarke/a/asar.htm">Asarum</a>?

Dr. Jeff

 

[hsutopia]

Thank you, Dr. Jeff.   Per your suggestion, I've been reading a bunch of MM for Silica and Asarum.

There's not that much about Asarum, but the keynote symptom that stands out is "Oversensitiveness of nerves, scratching of linen or silk, crackling of paper is unbearable".  The rest of it about feeling floaty, better in cold, is hard to know.

Silica matches  "starts at least noise", and it addresses skin lumps and bumps- lipomas?.  It does talk about expelling foreign bodies... if this were Lafora, would Lafora bodies count?  Splinters are mentioned a lot.  Still, there's a lot in the keynotes that don't apply: sweatiness, constant skin problems, etc.

Any advice on how to progress?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Christine-

What was the size, appearance of the spleen growth?

What did the histopathology of it show?

Interesting thought about "expelling" the Lafora bodies like splinters.

It certainly can happen, and the proof would be in the pudding (resolution of her symptoms after a remedy had Lafora bodies been seen on diagnosis).

I ask the specifics of the spleen, because it can provide great objective internal symptom clues to be used in your remedy decision.

Were any of these symptoms of Asarum present in the past?:

Vermuleun's Materia medica - Asarum europaeum: Violent colic, &amp; vomiting. 11 Cutting, in upper abdomen amel. passing flatus. Cutting in abdomen and sharp stitches in rectum, from above down-wards, before stool. In region of descending colon, &amp; discharge of stringy mucus. Pain from crest of one ilium to the other. OB 11 Rumbling and gurgling in abdomen."

Her next remedy may be chosen based on one of her reliable historical symptoms. Not the sound sensitivity.

However, that symptom also will be addressed by a curative remedy.

She may also just need an increase in the Nux potency.

Nux also addressees the spleen pathology.

Perhaps also consider giving a 1M to assess her response.

Let us know what you decide to do and see after you dose.

Dr. Jeff

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[hsutopia]

This is the report about the splenic mass:

HISTORY
Ultrasound revealed a complex mass in the left wing of the spleen. 6 x 4 cm grade nodule off the left wing with multiple adhesions on the mass. The remainder of the spleen seemed normal in size and architecture.

Entire spleen submitted for analysis.

MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION
Arising at one pole of the spleen is an approximately 6 cm diameter cream white mass. The mass is composed of a densely cellular, unencapsulated and infiltrative population of neoplastic spindle to polygonal cells. The cells are arranged into densely packed sheets and often contain intracytoplasmic variably sized lipid vacuoles. Anisocytosis and anisokaryosis are moderate. There are small numbers of karyomegalic cells. Mitotic activity is rare (1 mitoses per 10 HPF).

DIAGNOSIS
Spleen - Liposarcoma, intermediate grade.

COMMENT
This mass is a relatively well-differentiated liposarcoma.

There was no mention of Lafora, and I don't know if Lafora bodies can be visualized, but the vet said the liver looked normal.  I'm only guessing at Lafora due to the similarity of symptoms, so can't use that in any objective way.  It seems a DNA test just became available for dogs, though, at least in the UK, and am trying to figure out how to get her tested in the US.

re: Asarum historical symptoms

I don't recall her having painful abdominal symptoms in the past.

re: Nux

I don't have quick access to Nux Vomica 1M, but do have Silicea 30c.   Would it be reasonable to try a dose of Silicea 30c (10/q-tip) to see if she responds in any way, and be getting the Nux 1M in the  meantime?

Actually, I'll wait to see if you have comments regarding the histopathology, in case anything there might add objective symptoms.   I don't see anything obvious, but am not a vet.     Thanks, Dr. Jeff!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Since your materia medica study shows that Silica may correspond, then yes, you can give a dose.

Your evaluation of the response to it will then determine what your next step should be.

The possibilities are:

<strong>Cure</strong> - much better BEAM, symptoms resolving - stop the treatment until any slight worsening

<strong>Palliation</strong> - symptoms better but not sure if other improvement. Continue the treatment until you see deeper improvement or search for a different medicine.

<strong>Suppression</strong>  - symptoms seem better, but BEAM is worse or other, more serious symptoms occur. This is a good time to consult with your veterinary homeopath or if much worse go to the conventional vet.

<strong>Nothing happens</strong> - the Silica was not sufficiently similar to the underling imbalance and another homeopathic medicine is needed.

Dr. Jeff

 

[hsutopia]

I gave a dose of Silicea 30c, 10/q-tip on Mon AM, 7/30.  Prior to the dose her BEAM (mostly energy) was not very good, and her symptoms (mostly noise triggers) had been steadily worsening.

The day of the dose, she was sleeping very deeply much of the day.  By the next day, her BEAM had improved in terms of energy and mood.  However, the symptoms of the noise triggers did not change and is still not good.  This continues to be the case this afternoon.  Of course it doesn't fit neatly into one of the 4 listed possibilities, since BEAM appears improved, but not the symptoms.  How should this be interpreted?  Would it fall under 'Nothing happens'?

Thanks!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Christine-

Better BEAM after a dose, even if the other symptoms are unchanged, is often an early curative sign.

I'd wait and watch until Monday (1 week since the first dose).

If she has not changed by then, consider a redose then. If her BEAM worsens before Mon., also consider a Sil 30c 10/Q-Tip redose.

Please let us know what happens!

Dr. Jeff

 

[hsutopia]

Just an update.  My girl was dosed with the Silicea 30c 10/q-tip on 8/6, a week after the first dose.  As a reminder her BEAM (energy, mostly) had improved after the first dose but her symptoms were unchanged and still quite bad.

After the 8/6 dose, her BEAM remained good-- actually she remained unchanged in almost every way for the first 2-3 days.  I wasn't sure the dose was helping, but in the last couple days the noise triggers have definitely been reducing in frequency, and some sounds that were causing some uncomfortable reactions are no longer triggering her.  This remedy is looking much more promising!

On a side note, she has been having some mucous in her stools but not diarrhea.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Awesome Christine!

Good work.

It's great see gradual improvement. Especially when they are accompanied by signs of "detox" (the mucus in her stool).

Discharges of any sort are another wonderful way to know that her body is doing its' job.

Dr. Jeff

 

[hsutopia]

Thank you, Dr. Jeff, for your guidance!   It will be interesting to see what happens next.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

You're welcome Christine.

Have a great weekend.

 

[hsutopia]

Hi there!  I am in need of some advice on next steps.

My last update was very positive, but a couple days after that her BEAM and noise triggers got worse again.   I changed the # succussions on the next dose so she got Silica 30c, 15/q-tip on 8/12.   She improved almost immediately and stayed improved for about 5 days, then was slightly worse than even before the 15/q-tip dose.   I dosed her again with the 15/q-tip on 8/18, but then I was out of town and didn't get to watch her much.

Her BEAM is okay right now, but the noise triggers have gotten progressively worse and are causing some quality issues.  I would like to dose her, but am not sure whether I should try something like a 3-day series of Silicea 30c, 15/q-tip?  I also have the Nux Vomica 1M on hand, though my notes seem to indicate that the Nux did not do as well for her noise triggers as the Silicea.

Her stools have been fine, and no other discharges noted.  She has always been a hungry girl, but lately seems to be extra hungry, almost frantic before meals especially if I'm running late.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Christine-

Yes, I would retry the Silica as it sounds like she's still responding well to it.

For this dose tho, you might want to try using a 100c or 200c.

When was her last vet check (to look for internal symptom clues)?

 

[hsutopia]

Thanks, Dr. Jeff.  All my go-to stores nearby have recently stopped carrying Boiron 200c potencies (really anything besides 6c and 30c).   It's very disappointing.  Will need to figure out where to get the Silicea.

She has been seen at the vet within the last few weeks, and has had bloodwork, x-rays, urinalysis within the last couple months.   Is there anything specific you think we should re-do?  Generally speaking she is doing okay, and she looks good- very energetic when we're out and about.  She does have a lump on her hip next to her tail that the vet is monitoring.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Christine-

Hahnemann labs (in SF area) would have the 200c.  (888) 226-6483

As would any other local homeopathic pharmacy (there are a few in NoCal).

If you can't find it locally, Amy can mail you a bottle, or you can order from Homeopathy Overnight.

No specific repeat tests that I'd advise without reviewing the recent ones you recently ran.