Veterinary Homeopathy

Epilepsy in a Labrador

Epilepsy in a Labrador – Gautam Unny

One of the most fascinating aspects of homeopathy is the multifaceted approach it has on the treatment of epilepsy. After having treated this disease for over two decades with conventional allopathy, I was often at my wits end and left frustrated.

Treatment for refractory cases meant progressive increases in dose or adding another medicine to complement it. Often the drugs were impactful on the liver and/or left the patient literally doped all the time. It hurt the owners to see their pets in this state and it sucked out the fun of keeping a pet.

It was here that my tryst with homeopathy proved a boon for my patients. While allopathy has a one shoe fits all sizes approach, Master, Hahnemann had such wondrous remedies depending on symptoms.

I have seen patients with seizures responding to medicines corresponding to seizures with grief as an underlying cause, near new moons, near full moons, with or without tonic clonic convulsions, seizures during sleep, due to anger, seizures in the presence of other dogs, due to bright lights etc. How wonderful was this approach! And for those who call it a pseudo- science all they have to do is speak to my relieved parents of my patients.

Coco the friendly Labrador weighed fifty kilograms with a very healthy appetite.  Extremely friendly she was the apple of her owners’ eyes.  She had  long had cyclical seizures. She had been treated by her previous vet with anti- epileptics like phenobarbitone and potassium bromide. Over a period of time Coco was dozing most of the time and yet her seizures came almost on clockwork precision.

When she first visited our clinic, all parameters including blood work and a routine ultrasound were conducted, as the allopath in me does not die out fully. A detailed history was taken including dietary preferences, thirst, thermals etc.

Being a Labrador, she was obviously very greedy and obese. The cycle of her seizures uncannily was almost always except for an occasion or two very near or on the full moon day.

In Boericke’s repertory:  Nervous System/Brain/ Epilepsy/ (grand mal):Cause/concomitants/ During: Full moon/ nocturnal – a single remedy has been listed as Calcarea Carbonica made from the tituration of the middle layer of oyster shells.

It was also the most suited constitutional remedy and hence selected. It was started at the 3X potency. It was decided to give 4 pills thrice a day and review after 6 weeks. The owner returned after the time period was over and reported that no seizure occurred on the preceding full moon.

No change of potency was introduced and the same prescription was repeated. However, Oenanthe crocata MT or the Hemlock water drop (known poison that causes severe convulsions and even death in its original form) was introduced as a supportive treatment.

These medicines have been given for the last year with only one seizure episode. The allopathic dosages have been reduced but not stopped as of date. The owner is relieved that his pet was on lower doses of conventional medicines.

Her overall physical activity has improved and she is chirpier and brighter. We plan to increase the potency on the next visit and hopefully help her lead a peaceful life without seizures.

About the author

Gautam Unny

Dr. Gautam Unny B.V.Sc, M.I.S.V.S. is a practicing veterinarian in New Delhi, India. He has over two decades of clinical experience. He has recently completed his Post Graduation Certification in Veterinary Homeopathy from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU). He is now treating his animals in a One Animal One Health approach with a combination of Homeopathy and Allopathy. The Amrita Pet Care Clinic - http://drgautamunny.com

1 Comment

  • Our yellow Labrador had siezures, the vet told us to take her off all meat, cause and effect through the next couple of months proved him correct. This was before I knew about the wonderful healing power of homeopathic remedies. This might be helpful for others.

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