Veterinary Homeopathy

Some Relationship and Behavioral Problems

Written by Jacques Millemann

The author discusses the homeopathic treatment of relationship and behavioral problems in dogs.

I. Introduction – Warning

Homeopathy is certainly the ideal method to treat aberrant behaviours, when these are the direct consequence of education flaws. Never rely on allopathic medicine to correct relationship problems induced by faults made by the parents or the owners of an animal.

II. Problems with the mother

Suckling and lactation will be treated in a different paper, considering the vastness of the subject. However, some problems may appear in pups during this particular time.

A. Abandoned by the mother
(Forsakes her own children K. p.49)

1. Lycopodium*
Lycopodium is quite famous for his mind. Well organised, very much of a coward, he hides his fears under a will to dominate others. Arrogant, easily menacing, he mistrusts himself completely, and is overwhelmed by anyone stronger than himself, as long as they show self insurance. When he feels cornered, he panics and becomes all the more dangerous that he is no longer in control.

On a physiological level, he shows great metabolic disorders, particularly with assimilating food. He often looks a bit dried out and undernourished, which makes him look older than he actually is. His changing appetite increases after he has started eating but he soon feels full because his liver cannot store all the nutriments he ingested and digested in one go. He tends to be constipated, belches

and may suffer from flatulence, or on the contrary he can have a foul smelling diarrhoea, also with flatulence. His urine shows red sediment. His caricature would be a fat belly, skinny legs and prematurely greying hair, with a dry skin often wrinkled.

B. Mother indifferent to her children
(Indifferent, her children to p.54)

1. Kali iodatum*
The Kalium iodatum bitch is blunt and rough, and generally ill tempered. She is however rather dependent on others and more of the dominated kind than the other way round. She is aggravated by any draught of air, by weather changes and usually does not like going out in the open air. She gets angry easily and bites as soon as she gets her nose touched. She tends to be skinny with oedema somewhere or other (eyelids, legs…). Her eyes are wet. In damp weather she coughs or sneezes and often has nose or ear affections and respiratory disorders. She can also suffer from anaemia or plain weakness with sleepiness (general feature in Kali remedies).

2. Lycopodium**
See above.

3. Natrum carbonicum*
This is a bitch hypersensitive to open air, to music, wind and diet mistakes. Easily solitary, she shows the same irritable and anxious weakness as the Kali iodatum bitch, but she is not so morose. Her sleep is agitated and she dreams a lot. She often limps as her tendons are fragile. Wind, draughts and winter do not go well with her. She tends to suffer from digestive disorders and ear ,nose and throat affections, as well as sprains and dislocations. Milk and starch give her diarrhoea.

4. Phosphorus***
This is yet another hypersensitive bitch, particularly on an emotional level ; she is perpetually in motion, and often moves in slow motion. She is not submissive, although rarely the leader of the pack. However, she is good in leading some of the games and takes the rest of the pack with her. Proud, slender and pure-bred, she is always friendly and affectionate. She hates being alone, and when left so, she can make a point of this fact, get in the house, leave a turd on the carpet or pee on the sofa. On the other hand, she can be very sympathetic and will try to console or keep company to the one in the family who is sick or just sad. She loves drinking cold, or even icy water, but often throws it up a few minutes later. When she is given the attention she demands and actually needs from her owners, she will adopt her pups more easily.

5. Pulsatilla**
Under this heading, I feel Pulsatilla should be mentioned. She is not really indifferent to her pups, but she has to be considered and get more attention than she does from her owners. She is then quite capable of leaving her litter to seek the reassurance of a few strokes from her owners. She is an immature female who already caused a few problems during coition, had a parturition that lasted for ages, and lots of problems with her heat periods (she never had them, or had them too often, for too long, etc.). To complete the picture, Pulsatilla is also an excellent candidate for phantom gestation and spontaneous lactation.

6. Sepia***
Rather plethoric, the Sepia bitch is characterised by her frog-like belly and her slack ligaments. She does not like company, but hardly bares true loneliness. She tends to withdraw into herself and stay in the same place. She likes heat and any game where she can exercise her physical strength. She is prone to suffer from digestive pathologies (liver insufficiency with engorgement of the portal vein) or genital affections (where things also tend to get slow). She tends to show ptosis, spraying and dislocations. Her dry skin is rather unhealthy with seborrhea or dermatosis. She is nevertheless aware of what she does, but it seems that, although she is capable of a lot of affection, she does not really want to be involved and prefers indifference.

C. Enraged, the bitch does not recognize her own litter
(Rage, does not know his relatives K 71)

1. Belladonna**
This is the only remedy in the rubric. Before you prescribe it, remember that the fit must be sudden and that the four key words: “Calor, Rubor, Dolor, Tumor” apply. It is red somewhere, hot, it hurts and it is swollen. The congestion appears on the artery in an acute form, and in most cases you can feel its heat from a distance. The bitch tends to seek refuge in dark corners and hide. You are better off leaving her alone as she is well capable of biting you.

D. She turns away from her litter
Children, (aversion to K 11)

This rubric must be considered along with the previous one. The difference in the cause of their behaviour being difficult to establish in animals. The difference is that here we may have irritation, but not the real fit of rage.

1. Platina*
This is the only remedy of the rubric. The Platina bitch likes to stand on high spots so as to be able to look down on the world. The places she prefers may well be uncomfortable, but as long as she can dominate the others, she is all right. She is proud and is very pleased with herself when praised. Thanks to her elegant demeanour she often wins prizes in dog shows, provided she complies with the breed standards. She is hypersensitive to emotions and contact. She is dried up and constipated with stools that may either be hard or soft but difficult to expel. She has already experienced problems during coition, which was painful, especially because of her vaginal dryness. She is generally better in the morning. It is not that she is lacking desire, on the contrary. She would actually ask for more but she does not really satisfy her desire. Giving birth typically was marked by a stop or a weakness of contractions, and more frequently by spasms, erratic and painful. Any contact with her external genitals is very painful.

E. She flees from her litter
Children, (Flies from his own K.11)

1. Lycopodium *
Only the Lycopodium bitch would not face her own progeny and responsibilities. She looks threatening, needs to dominate and rule to gain confidence. Her digestive or assimilation problems, her oldish appearance, her tendency to bite when she is cornered and panics make her usually rather easy to recognise.

III. Problems with the pups themselves
After a caesarean

1. Opium***
Half unconscious, they can breathe however more or less normally. They are more apathetic than they should be and are not very lively, even for new-borns. Their mother licking them does not even start their production of stool or urine. These pups are constipated, sometimes yellowish. Their heartbeat is rather slow (but this is sometimes difficult to determine). One single dose of Opium 30CH puts things back in order and gives them the urge to suck.
IV. Other behavioural problems
A – generalities

Once again, I would like to emphasise that medicine, no matter how wonderful it can be, can never replace education. Homeopathy can nevertheless come in handy when an emotional stress has severely disturbed the mind of an animal or human. Such a stress may follow abandonment, a violent attack by a stronger animal or a shock the animal has not recovered from.

B – Extravagant libido Manifestations

1. Origanum majoranum
In the last century, a French homeopath named Emmanuel Gallavardin and well disposed towards homeopathy, administered marjoram in high dilutions to moderate the urges of some monks, more inclined to flesh than mortification. I have personally often used this remedy in 30CH to quiet male dogs howling and being a downright pain when a bitch in heat is close by. In human treatments, Origanum has the reputation of being good for those women having difficulties in standing “widowhood”.

2. Cantharis
With this remedy, libidinous manifestation goes from howling to actual sexual behaviours. Generally, inflammations occur in the urogenital area (nevritis, uretritis, cystitis, etc.) and are accompanied by an intense sexual excitation.

C. – After abandonment

1. Nux vomica
Well known for his positive effects in the “morning after too much drinking”, or after a meal too rich to digest, this great remedy for tetanus and other spasms, does not react well to being abandoned by his friends. His reaction will be quick, hypersensitive and irritable, even though he may regret it afterwards. Whatever he does, he simply has to exaggerate. Dyspepsia and flatulence, hiccups and bloating are signs of his bad digestion and engorged liver. Cold, wind and dampness aggravate him, whereas he is comfortable in hot and dry weather.

2. Phosphoric acid
This is a worn out character who used to be passionate but had too much of it. This The upsurge that resulted in his current state may be either physical (an effort too long), or physiological (if he grew up too quickly), or, more often emotional (loss of a dear one, deep or too long affective disappointment). His indifference is extraordinary: to food, to rain, to anything. You can pick him up by the rear end, turn him in another direction without having a reaction. His urine is not clear, whitish and charged in phosphates.

3. Phosphorus
Like the match he is sometimes a constituent of, and to which he physically bears a resemblance, he catches fire as quickly and needs a lot of oxygen but perpetually lacks fuel to sustain his efforts. He is always hungry (particularly for sweets and cream). He is generally

too hot and drinks consequently, only to vomit his cold water a few minutes after having drunk it. Very affectionate, sympathetic and greatly ameliorated by consolation, he is more a leader than a true dominant figure. His need for salt will have him try to lick your sweaty arms and feet with insistence. A hypersensitive character, he reacts violently to some noises and often panics in a storm.

4. Pulsatilla
I have already spent some time describing this affectionate “pain in the neck” with numerous relationship and gynaecological problems.

D. After a panic shock

1. Aconitum
I want to mention this remedy at this point because I have encountered its type in an aggressive dog (mongrel terrier aged 4) that got in this state because of the New Year’s eve fireworks. Abiding by the symptomatic trilogy: Fright, Fight, Flight, this animal became dominant because of a fault made by his owners, and suddenly became very aggressive. He would not let the Mrs get near his bowl, but only groaned to warn her. That he started biting took everyone by surprise. Physically, there was no visible symptom. On a behavioural level, this aggressiveness could be noted whenever he was imposed on. He notably refused to go out and only did so when he could not stand withholding his natural needs.

As he was both domineering and cowardly, Lycopodium was prescribed with an increase in his aggressiveness as the only notable result. Opium in 30CH did not prove any more efficient. It is only when remembering this symptomatic trilogy, that we supposed that the aetiology was not based on a probable fear of the fireworks (which he had heard without noticeable consequences four years in a row) but by the panic he experienced during a bad storm on 26/12/1999. Aconit, also a +++ remedy for the consequences of a fright, like Opium and Lycopodium, is rather more sensitive to wind than Opium and is marked by the suddenness of symptoms, just like Belladonna. After a dose of Aconitum napellus 30 CH, the aetiological “reconditioning” of the dog could be started again.

2. Opium
Opium show a lack of reaction and he is withdrawn, suffers from constant constipation and sullenness and can prove miraculous in having the side effects of an intense fright quickly disappear. One dose in 30CH, or an even higher dilution is generally enough.

3. Ignatia amara
This remedy may also be indicated in this case, but will react more and in a more paradoxical way. He does not like to be consoled but seems to ask for it the way he sighs deeply. Like Nux vomica to which he is rather close, he suffers from hiccups, nausea, retching and other spasms, but he is generally of a nicer nature. His moods may go from very sad to serene, with seemingly no reason. He is capable of refusing a very good meal but will not scoff at highly indigestible stuff. I have also seen this remedy in dogs for whom fear made their nose as runny as an open water tap. Ignatia amara, like Natrum muriaticum, is able to stand a lot of psychological shocks, but he will then somatise and get really ill. He is different from Natrum muriaticum, in that in most cases his behavioural changes were induced by a triggering event which may be dated precisely.

E. Other problem remedies

1. Lycopodium
Weak, hepatic, sensitive to cold and a coward, Lycopodium will put a show on until he realises he cannot remain dominant, which is when he will submit. He feels much more at ease when things are well set and organised and he can play his little boss. Never corner this dog with a fat belly and unsociable look. When he panics he can get dangerous and let his emotion dictate his acts.

2. Natrium muriaticum
Natrum muriaticum offended, withdraws into himself and will soon bear all the world’s problems on his tiny little shoulders. He is actually skinnier on the front and often sulks and broods over his gloomy thoughts. The cause for his resentment however cannot be dated. He is capable of bursting out in anger and will bite aggressively. He suffers great hydration problems, particularly on a cerebral level. He is one of the clumsiest remedies of the materia medica (with Apis). Dry and constipated (and quite seriously so), he feels better at the beginning of a holiday by the sea but gets in a bad state after a few days. He has a great sense for social hierarchy and in a pack is capable of punishing any who do not obey the leader in command. He will also be the first one to bark when a stranger comes near.

F. Hierarchical fights

1. Most common case: domineering attitude
a) Towards humans
More often than not, this is due to a faulty education. Humans may take dogs as a child substitute, and expect similar thinking. Picking up the pieces is a step by step process. All non verbal communication that may be taken for submission signs by the animal will have to be avoided (kisses on the nose, a place in the bed, dinner served on the table or served before the owners’). A real reeducation should be undertaken for months. This is a long and difficult task and there may be relapses after a fright caused by the animal biting his owners.
b) Towards other dogs
The more man interferes, the more he disturbs the situation. The dogs involved may then try to solve the problem behind his back and in a more definite and ruthless manner. Best, let them be until a hierarchy has been imposed. Wounds may be treated afterwards.

G . To get all the attention

1. Chamomilla
This dog is even more than just a pain in the neck. He howls like mad when you’re on the phone or annoys his fellow dog. Anything is good to get your attention. The only time when he does not do stupid things is when he gets stroked in your arms. Think then of Chamomilla and give a single high dilution.

Let by himself: Dog gets dirty again

1. Phosphorus
Phosphorus is certainly not a unique remedy in this case, but it is surely the most frequent in this case. Look out for other Phosphorus symptoms. If you find them give a single high dynamisation.

I. – A Few Interesting Rubrics from The Repertory
It would take me ages to cover all the possibilities given by the rubrics and you would probably be fast asleep by the time I finish. I would however like to quote a few interesting rubrics for a good remedy choice. I have selected the following ones for their precision and for the limited amount of remedies they indicate. Furthermore, these are often aetiological. If need be, do not hesitate to get back to the materia medica of your choice. The following are all quoted in the Synthesis repertory version 7.1.

A . Anger alternating with affection

1. Crocus
Sudden changes of mood, from rage and attempts to bite, to demonstrations of spectacular affection are remarkably sudden.

B – Consolation (p. 41)
aggravates: arg-n. , arn. , Arsenicum , aur. , Bell. , cact. , calc. , Calc-p. , calc-sil. , Carc. , cham. , chin. , coff. , graph. , Hell. , Ign. , kali-c. , Kali-p. , kali-s. , kali-sil. , kalm. , Lil-t. , lyc. , merc. , NAT-M. ,nitricum acidum , nux-v. , Plat. , sabad. , sabal. , sabin. , SEP. , Silicea , staph. , sulph. , Syph. , tarent. , thuj. , visc. ,

sympathy agg: ars. , Bell. , cact. , Calcarea , coff. , hell. , Ign. , kali-s. , nat-m. , Plat. , sabal. , sep. , Sil. , sulph. , syph. ,

Consolation amel : asaf. , calc-p. , camph. , caust. , gels. , Hell. , kali-s. , Phos. , Puls. , sil. , staph. , syph. ,

C – Grief, (p. 125)
complaining with: caust. ,

offenses, long past offenses from: calc. , Cham. , Ign. , Op. , Staph.,

Silent grief : adren. , ail. , aur. , aur-m. , bell. , cal-p. , carc. , Cimic. , CoffCycl. , dig. , Gels.. , Iber. ,Ign. , ip. , lyc. , mag-m. ,Mur-acNat-m. , nux-v. , petiveria tetandra , Ph-acPuls. , sal-ac. , sep. , sulph.

Indignation withColoc. , staph

Love, from disappointed : Ign. , Nat-m. , Ph-ac. , phos. ,

Submissiveness, with : Puls. ,

Turbulent : nat-m. ,

undermining the constitutionPhos. ,

D – Ailments
Disappointment : (honour ; scorned ) (p. 4 ) : alum. , Aur. , cocc. , IGN. , kali-c. , Lach. , Lyc. , merc. , Nat-m. , Nux-v; , Op. , Ph-ac. , plat. , Puls. , sep. , STAPH. , verat. ,

NewIGN.

Old : NAT-M.

Honour wounded : As a vet, it is difficult to distinguish disappointment and ailments from mortification or wounded honour. If You hesitate just add the remedies missing in the other rubric:: bamb-a. , cham. , nat-s. , pall. , or prefer Mortification, ailments after.

Homesickness, from (p. 5)Caps. , Clem. , eup-pur. , hell. , Ign. ,, mag-m. , Ph-ac. , senec. ,

E – Looked at, cannot bear to be (p. 154) :
ambr. , Ant-c. , Ant-t.Ars. , bamb-a. (= Bambusa arundinacea), calc. , Cham. , Chin. , Cina , hell. ,Iod. , kali-br. , lyc. , mag-c. , merc. , Nat-m. , nux-v. , puls. , rhus-t. , sil. , stram. , sulph. , tarent. ,Tub. ,

F – Rest cannot when things are not in proper place (p. 182) :
anac. , Ars. ,

G – Restlessness, bed
driving out of bed (p. 184) : arg-m. , Ars. , Ars-i. , Bell. , Bism. , bry. , carb-an. , Carb-v. , caust. , cench. , Cham. , china, chinin-ars. , chinin-s. , con., dulc., Ferr. , ferr-ars. , ferr-p. , Graph. , Hep. , hyos. , Lyc. , Mag-c. , mag-m. , merc. , nat-c. , nat-m. , nat-sil. , nicc. , nit-ac. , nux-v. , phos. , puls. , rhod. , Rhus-t. , sep. , sil. , tarent. , ther. ,

go from one bed to another; wants to (p. 184) : Ars. , Bell., Calc. , cham. , cina , Ferr. , Hyos. , merc. , mez., Plb. , Rhus-t. , sep. , stram. , Tarent. , verat; ,

H. – Yielding disposition (Synthesis) p.234:
alum., apis , bambusa-a., calc-sil., cann-s., carc., Cori-r., Croc., ign., kiss., lil-t., Lyc., murx., nat-m., nux-m., Nux-v., petr., ph-ac., Puls., sep., Silicea, staph.

About the author

Jacques Millemann

Born April 27th, 1935, Jacques Millemann received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the National School for Veterinary Surgeons (Alfort, France) in 1960. He settled as a rural area veterinary surgeon in Soultz-sous-Forets (France), catering to pets and cattle. Disappointed in mainstream medicine he began experimenting with homeopathy and published his first clinical cases in 1976. Fluent in German and English, he became a tutor for the French Homoeopathy Society and joined the International Association for Veterinary Homeopathy. He tutored in Switzerland, Germany, Austria etc.
Jacques retired from practice in 2000 and now, as member of the IAVH, is coordinating the writing of the first International Veterinary Materia Medica, which includes clinical cases, using the research of internationally renowned veterinary practitioners. The first volume was published in France and Germany and the second in Germany. He also collaborated with Dr Philippe Osdoit in writing L"™homeoopathie Veoteorinaire-de la theoorie et de la pratique (Veterinary Homoeopathy "“ Theory and Practice), published by Marco Pieotteur in Belgium and Sonntag in Germany.

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