Post by Janene on Jun 2, 2009 22:02:09 GMT -5
Most of this I gleaned from the book: Homeopathy for the Herd by Dr. C Edgar Sheaffer, V.M.D. (Available from Acres USA.) I also did more research from a variety of sources to further expand on some of the Homeopathic Definitions.
Oh, there is much more information I’d like to put here….but it is long enough already. Even if you are not at all interested in Homeopathic Medicines, the reading can be fascinating to understand the “why and how” some symptoms/problems arise, seemingly out of the blue. What I have written down here only literally scratches the surface of what homeopathic remedies that are readily available, or symptoms/signs of other bovine health issues. Most of the ones I have here reference to Mastitis issues (I tossed in a few extras that are commonly used for a few other problems). Many, many other issues are covered in the book-order it if your interested in learning more….I am by far any type of expert!
Happy Learning!
Janene
When they talk of 12X, 30C, 30X, 200C, etc…these are the ‘strength’ of the doses. Some dilute the small pills into ½ cup of distilled water and dose orally with a syringe, some just feed the small pills to the patient. Others will put it into the drinking water if the whole herd needs treated.
Buy a standard basic kit for starters....you will find some you will use alot...others not so much. You can order single viles for replacements as needed.
Here is a couple of websites to give you an idea of cost, etc:
www.homeopathyworks.com/index.html (I got this from a member here.)
This second one has a vast index for learning:
www.abchomeopathy.com/
There are two principles of Homeopathy:
1. Any medicine strong enough to cure is also strong enough to cause harm.
2. Any medicinal substance may either suppress or palliate or cure.
Palliation vs. Cure
When a patient is recovering, symptoms will move from the more vital organs to the less vital ones and from the center of the body outward. Vital organs are heart, brain, liver, lungs and kidneys. Less vital are sinuses, skin, hair and extremities
When livestock being treated homeopathically are in a recovery process, the center of the disease will move toward the extremities. It is very common for a horse recovering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD or heaves) to become lame in one front limb due to an inflamed joint or hoof. Likewise, it is common for a cow recovering from pleuritis to develop a sore hoof or an inflamed quarter. If one is not aware of the healing process, suppressive therapy may be instituted which will cause the original disease to reappear (antibiotics, steroids and other anti-inflammatories may do this.)
Several definitions will be helpful at this point. Palliation is the act of relieving suffering without actually curing the patient. The palliated patient will usually take some medication daily over several months.
Suppression is the opposite of healing. The disease moves from a less vital organ to a more vital organ. Until the process is reversed, the patient can never become well.
Palliation may be defined as a temporary relief from suffering. Cure indicates that there is a permanent removal of the disease. Our goal should always be to cure. Only when cure is deemed impossible should we use homeopathic medications for palliation. A suppressed disease will disappear for a short time, only to be manifested in a more life threatening condition later.
A cow is treated with mastitis tubes at drying off. She may freshen without any apparent problem only to develop kidney or liver disease two to four months later. Could it be that mastitis tubes are suppressive? After millions or perhaps billions of intramammary infusions, we are no closer to curing mastitis by this method. As a wise little boy once asked, "Hey mister, don't you see that there's a cow attached to that udder?" Treat the whole patient and your success rate will increase. Treat only parts and problems will likely result.
Mastitis is as big, if not bigger a problem today as it ever was. Antibiotics have been substituted in part for good hygiene and overall individual animal health and soon we had the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and an upsurge of virulent forms of mastitis, which did not respond to conventional treatment.
Time is Required
Additional amounts of time are required when we gain anything new--whether it is a relationship, tool, cow, or medicine. Time is needed to study. And time is needed to practice the knowledge gained. Those of us who daily care for livestock have a choice. The old saying goes, "A stitch in time saves nine." Using homeopathic medicines now will save having difficult problems down the road. We make a choice each time an animal is ill. Between episodes of illness, we should be thinking prevention. A well-chosen homeopathic medication given at the right stage of lactation and during the dry period results in fewer new cases and lowers SCC's (Somatic Cell Counts) during the next lactation. Learning from each other is one of the great benefits of homeopathic medicines. When a farmer gave Ipecac to his cow that had bloody milk in her right front quarter (with only minor swelling) on a recommendation from his farmer friend, the medicine resonated, vibrated, harmonized with the cow's unbalanced condition and the immune system responded by eliminating the illness. This is how we can help one another by sharing what we know.
Treatments
Treatments with nosodes and specific homeopathic medications will boost a cow's resistance; however, we should also be concerned with methods of actually reducing the bacterial invasion levels. Relying on drugs is an approach to prevention somewhat like locking the barn door after the horse has been stolen. We should not wait until tragedy has occurred to begin plans to avert it.
Natural medical methods of treatment and prevention should be utilized throughout the lactation cycle. Treatment of Mastitis case starts before conception. Once monthly dosing of a well-chosen medicine during pregnancy is a good practice. Use these homeopathic medicines during the dry period according to the simillimum: Calcarea carb, Magnesia carb, Silicea, or Calcarea phos. Mastoblast at drying off has been used by quite a few dairy farmers with success.
Supportive Mastitis therapies include:
1. Frequent striping of affected quarters to remove abnormal milk.
2. Fasting; i.e. reduce grain and many other high-protein or high-fat feeds until recovery.
3. Dose with the simillimum--the best matched homeopathic medicine. (Like cures like--simillimum explained in a nutshell!)
4. Give antioxidants and probiotics at the first sign of inflammation. Examples of these are:
a. Vitamin C, 5-25 grams twice daily for a full-size cow
b. Viable acidophilus cultures
c. B-complex vitamins
d. Electrolytes if the cow will take them.
Here are the homeopathic medicines most used for Mastitis (and of course other things) in alphabetical order (Latin name then commonly known name, then the plant/source derived from name if I ran across it):
Aconitum napellus (Aconite)
Aconitum napellus (Monkshood) is also called Aconite. The active principle is a potent alkaloid. Keynote symptoms are: fever, sudden fever after stress, show or shipping, grooming (a haircut/shave). Accompanying the fever there is fearfulness, restlessness, and increased thirst. The pulse is hard and accelerated, and the respiration may be labored. It is best to give Aconite early in the course of disease. Use this medicine first for eye injuries and infections, shipping diseases, laminitis (acute founder) and acute mastitis. The harsh dry cough is a predominant symptom. Symptoms are generally worse at night. Aconite should be strongly considered for the early stages of any respiratory disease. Other possible characteristics are a hot, dry muzzle; hard, dry insufficient evacuations; irregular or suspended rumination. Administer Aconite 12C, 30X, 30C or 200C three or four times daily for three days immediately upon arrival to the farm. Aconite has shown itself to be helpful in preventing illnesses brought on by the stress of shipping.
The mastitis case requiring Aconite would be characterized by a patient who is restless, fearful, worse at night, thirsty and may have an accompanying cough. The temperature may range from 103 to 106 degrees. You may use 30C or 200C every hour for up to four doses. Follow with Sulphur when the temperature is in the 102-degree range; and flakes in the milk and glandular harness persists, consider Calcarea carbonicum. Follow with Nux vomica when there is constipation and the appetite is depressed, or choose Lycopodium if ketosis is present, manure is irregular, and there is sensitivity in the liver region.
Apis mellifica (Honeybee)
Also known as Apis mel--it is indicated for swellings (internal and external dropsy), udder edema, hard quarter mastitis, right sided ovarian cysts, and when manure is watery brown. Affected areas are worse from warmth and external heat and better from washing or moistening affected area with cold water. Cattle will seek shade, but will not drink even thou they need to be rehydrated. One or two doses often will remind them to drink. General dosing is twice a day for three days. For reaction to insect stings, dose every one-half hour to affect.
Apis mellifica from the honeybee is useful for cases of mastitis either before or after parturition. The breast is hard and swollen with edema. The cow prefers cool or cold applications rather than warm and likes shade rather than sunshine. Like Pulsatilla, she has decreased thirst and wants to avoid warm, stuffy buildings.
Arnica montana (Arnica)
Also known as Arnica (Leopard’s Bane), it is the medicine of first choice in any case of trauma of any kind--injuries to soft tissues, worse to touch, trauma to body and mind. Use first in bruising, bleeding, and disorders of muscle and the heart. Concussions, contusions, hematomas, nose bleeds. Oral and topical preparations are available. Patient is better from rest and lying down and worse from work, touch or motion. General dosing: in cases of bleeding, hourly for three doses; in cases of trauma, three times daily for three days. Potencies of 30C and 200C are available in the homeopathic farm kit. With these potencies, withdraw meat zero days, milk zero days.
Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade)
Belladonna is indicated by sudden febrile attacks with delirium and threatened convulsions. Dose every one half hour for two or three doses with 200C to effect relief. Medicines that follow well are Bryonia, Calcarea carbonica, Phosphorus, and Sulphur. Other characteristics are: excessive increase heat of the head, muzzle (with dryness), roots of the horns and glands; quick pounding pulse; hurried, panting, breathing; hard, dry and almost black excrement; bloody urination; swollen glands in the throat. Eyes are bright and inflamed with dilated pupils. Intense thirst coupled with aversion to drink. Uncertain and faltering step; the tail is arched and carried high, and constantly lashing the flanks.
If mastitis occurs early in the lactation period and is accompanied by an increased temperature, hot milk, dilated pupils, dry mouth, sensitivity to light and jarring, give Belladonna. Dose 200C every hour for two to five doses.
Follow this with Calc carb if the udder is hard and firm with less sensitivity. Choose Sulphur if the temperature is lower, but the milk still has flakes. The second medicine may be given morning and evening until the symptoms are gone (usually in one to five days.)
Bryonia alba
The common name for the plant is white hops. In cows, it is indicated when there is painful swelling of the udder that is aggravated by motion. All symptoms are worse from motion. The patient spends much time standing or lying, rarely moving. There will be a dryness of the throat and all membranes with thirst for large quantities of water. A dry hard cough is frequent while the patient tries to be still as possible.
Calcarea carbonica (Calcarea Carb)
Carbonate of lime from the middle layer of the oyster shell has affinity for skeletal and lactiferous tissue in the body. Large, blocky, heavy cows respond well to this homeopathic preparation, especially many in the Holstein breed. This cow is a heavy milker that maintains her body condition even in mid-or late lactation. Cattle prone to milk fever, foot disorders and swollen joints (hocks) call for this prescription. Dose frequently in down cows that do not try to stand after intravenous calcium therapy. Other keynote symptoms are flat warts in heifers, tendency to obesity and illness after change of weather. Patients calling for Calc carb are better from dry weather and worse from cold, wet weather and from becoming chilled.
Calcarea phosphorica (Phosphate of Lime)
Calc phos is indicated in dairy-type cows (lean with rigid fiber and look like a wedge of cheese if viewed from above); young growing animals; active cows; those in lean body condition who do not like restraint or being examined; strong appetite, aggressive within herd; calves tend to be susceptible to digestive upsets; mature cows tend to get decreased rumen movement, diarrhea or constipation. Cal phos is given in dry period to help prevent milk fever; symptoms are better from warm dry areas, but worse from changing, cool, damp weather. Used to treat lameness; rheumatic affections in the joints, exostosis, carries of the bones, carious ulcers. Also indicated for frequent painful and/or difficult emission of large quantities of urine; dark, sometimes burning urine. In females, used for animals that have episodes of anoestrus, ovaries develop slowly, tend to be inactive and may be stuck in the luteal phase of the cycle.
Cal phos is important in the development of cones, joints and teeth. For prevention of stunted growth, does with 12C, 30C or30X weekly. For treatment of limb or dental deformities, dose daily with 12C or 30C for two weeks. Cal phos has an affinity for tissues as related to the growth and repair of cells.
Calendula
Made from marigold flowers and leaves, Calendula is one of the most useful remedies for any sort of ulceration or open wound. It can be obtained in many forms including pellets, ointment, lotion and spray. It is reliable and will bring about healing of tissue as well as promote healthy granulation. Useful in treating wounds of the eyes, especially those from blunt trauma. It is often used with Hypericum when treating open wounds where there is also pain. It is used for calving injuries, topically to treat cracked teats, and as an infusion in cases of metritis (uterine infections).
Hepar sulphuris calcareum (Hepar sulph)
There is a tendency for all wounds to become infected; the patient is very sensitive to touch, pressure, chill and cold drafts of air; mastitis--overly sensitive to nursing, washing and milking; painful hoof infections and attending lameness; all pains better from warm soaks and wrapping up and worse from chill in any form. Helpful hint: with neglected painful wounds--choose Hepar sulph and/or Calendula. Its also useful in cases of Iritis (also known as Uveitis).
An extremely painful quarter in an irritable animal with purulent secretion indicates a need for Hepar sulph, which is best dosed three to four times daily. The pain worsens from touch, pressure, chill and cold drafts of air.
Ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
Ipecacuanha has a strong keynote of persistent nausea not relieved by vomiting. Another general symptom is bright red (arterial) bleeding from any body orifice. Particular symptoms are profuse salivation with a clean tongue, pain in the abdomen around the navel and loose stools that may be frothy or bloody or green. Bloody milk and coccidiosis in all species often respond to Ipecac. Patients are better from open spaces and rest; worse in warm, damp barns.
Lac caninum
This medication is prepared from whole milk of the dog, and has a profound effect on the mammary glands of many species. In lactating livestock, it is useful when mastitis moves from one side or one gland to another. The affected portion of the udder is tender and engorged with milk. Symptoms and pain are made worse from jarring, coughing and sneezing.
Lachesis muta (Lachesis)
Keynote symptoms include: heat intolerance, difficult swallowing, symptoms are relieved by discharges. Problems begin in left side; dark, watery blood, cellulitis; fever; purple tissues, septic mastitis, especially swollen left side; septic metritis, left sided ovarian cysts. Patient is better in open air; worse from rest, sleep, pressure, and warm liquid and in early morning. Has an intolerance to touching, or a constricting sensation around throat, neck chest or waist. Gangrenous mastitis gives a dark brownish-red secretion instead of milk. The udder or breast will become hard and the nipples will turn blue or purple in color. In cases such as coliform mastitis in cattle or sheep, animal improves with hourly milking. Lachesis patients are better from cold drinks, and worse from warm drinks and suppressed discharges.
Lycopodium clavatum (Lycopodium, Club Moss)
Deranged digestion from poor function of liver and kidneys; bloat and gas after eating that is better with belching; patient feels full or satisfied on small portions of food only to be soon hungry again; fears loud noises and being alone, yet avoids crowds; physical symptoms tend to move from right to left. Within a short time after calving there may be indigestion or ketosis from poor liver function.. Kidneys may be compromised, showing red sediment in the urine. Pockets of trapped gas are common and relieved by burping or passing flatus. The patient is better moving about and from warm foods and drinks. She is worse from 4 to 8 p.m., and in warm, crowded barns.
Magnesia carbonica (Magnesia carb)
Calves not digesting milk well call for this medicine and that of Calcarea carb. The gastroenteritis leads to a sour body odor and poor growth so that they are thin and stunted. Heavy pregnant cows that are prone to milk fever benefit from Mag carb in conjunction with Calc carb and/or Calc phos. These may be dosed in combination during the dry period.
Mastoblast and Mastoblast H.P
A combination homeopathic oral product designed to boost the animals’ own immune system to reduce or eliminate invading pathogens. It contains no chemicals which could injure the animal, nor is there any risk of objectionable residues in milk or meat. (They also make Mastocream to use on the teats and udder.)
These are homeopathic combinations manufactured in the US and Ireland for the control of mastitis in organic lactating animals. The original formulation, Mastoblast required 2CC liquid dose given orally. The H.P. formulation recommends a .5CC liquid dose, which may be administered orally, nasally, or in bulk drinking water. It also acts to stimulate a natural healing response in the body, in contrast to classes of conventional drugs, which can be imminuno-suppressive when used properly. The Mastoblast products are medicines that are for pregnant heifers and cows, drying off cows, and all lactating animals.
General dosing should be a.m. and p.m. for the last five days of milking. Individual medicines are often dosed at every 14 days during the dry period for three months. A well chosen milk nosode will compliment the simillimum.
Mercurius corrosivus or Mercuris solubulis (Mercury Salts)
Both of these mercury salts have affinity for the digestive tract, the urinary tract and the central nervous system. Keynote symptoms are: ulceration of the mouth or intestine with diarrhea and straining; thirst with profuse salivation; trembling of limbs; chills and fever with perspiration. Mercury salts are useful in viral conditions and coccidia infections. Mercurius corrosivus has tenesmus (straining) not relieved by stool, or pain in the bladder not relieved by urination. All discharges tend to be dark and mucoid. The diarrhea observed with coccidia, winter dysentery and subacute BVD tend to match well with the keynotes of Mercurius corrosivus.
Nux vomica (Poison Nut)
Digestive upset from overeating rich food; constipation, colic or bloat; straining is a predominant concurrent symptom. Patient is hard working (high producer) and intense; toxemia from conventional drugs, poisons, vaccines and spoiled food; acetonemia (ketosis); deranged digestion with disorders of liver or abomasum. Patient is better from warmth, rest and passing manure; worse after eating, mornings or becoming chilled.
Phosphorus
This crude mineral has affinity for every tissue and organ of the body. Keynote symptoms are: thirst for large volumes of cold water; desire for moist juicy foods; restless, fearful, especially of loud noises and thunderstorms, easily excitable; blood tinged mucous and blood in stool; bronchitis, dry cough and ketosis with loose manure; mastitis with fever and thirst; any illness from eating too much salt. Symptoms are often similar to Bryonia except the patient is more active. Cattle needing Phosphorus will become febrile during or shortly after calving. Other predominant symptoms are excessive bleeding after surgery, nosebleeds, anxiety when alone; relaxed rectum and anus after stool (cannot hold a thermometer), and great weakness after each stool. Complementary medicines are Lycopodium, probiotics, and B-complex vitamins. Reducing the amount of grain in the ration to one or two pounds of oats daily and offering all the clean mixed hay that she can eat will do much to settle the digestive tract.
Phytolacca decandra (Phytolacca)
The Poke Berry plant has a profound affect on the glands, the breast, the bones and connective tissue. A hard, painful udder with moderate fever is keynote; the pain experienced radiates from the breast throughout the entire body; no wonder the cow kicks when we attempt to milk her. Swelling of the parotid glands and tonsils makes swallowing difficult; there is a dark red discoloration to the throat. When mastitis diagnosis results from laboratory confirmation, Phytolacca combined with the appropriate nosode is effective in a high percentage of cases. Patients are worse from wet or cold weather and better from warm, dry weather.
A hard, painful udder with a moderate fever indicates the remedy Phytolacca. Dosing three times daily for three to five days often is curative. Keynote symptoms are pain radiating from breast to other parts of the body (the cow tries to kick or get away), swelling of glands, and frontal headache with desire to clench teeth together.
Pulsatilla nigricans (Pulsatilla, Wind Flower)
In cattle, the animal looks healthy, is friendly but timid and prefers being with the herd; all body discharges are thick, creamy and yellow/green; mastitis is especially common at calving; post-partum metritis with creamy discharge; infertility and anoestrus. Often there is a history of dystocia where the calf was not in the proper position for birth. All symptoms are improved from being outdoors and from fresh air. Symptoms may be worse just before dawn and just before sundown. Pulsatilla has been found useful during the period of parturition in animals; also for abortion; and with Belladonna in inflammation of the udder. Pulsatilla is also indicated when there is sinusitis with bland eye discharge.
If the mastitis occurs after freshening over the course of the day, and the patient is not thirsty, consider Pulsatilla. Keynotes for Pulsatilla are thick, creamy discharges with a timid, emotional personality.
Pyrogenium (Pyrogen)
The animal experiences a temporary increase in mastitis or other septic illness. Sick animals have either a rapid pulse with low temperature or a slow feeble pulse with a high temperature. Discharges, including mastitic milk, are dark and offensive. There may be straining as seen in cases needing Nux vomica and Mercurius corrosivus. History indicates much antibiotic use in the past, including dry cow mastitis tubes. Postoperative incisions become easily infected. In cattle, dose frequently after a miscarriage to help pass the afterbirth. Patients are worse from cold, damp weather and better from warm drinks and moving about.
Silicea (Pure Flint)
Its action is deep and slow and will prevent the formation of scars. Silicea tends to soften scar tissue, especially fibrous tissue of reproductive tract (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus or cervix), and improves the integrity of connective tissue (ligaments, skin, hoof and hair). In cases of the reproductive tract there are often concomitant symptoms such as thin, hidebound condition with poor weight gain in spite of high quality diet. Defects in absorption, digestion and assimilation of nutrients may also be observed. Injuries tend to suppurate for long periods of time. Silicea will help the body expel tiny bits of foreign material and promote hoof growth.
Sulphur
Every animal alive will respond well to Sulphur in one way or another. This is true for people as well. Homeopaths prescribe it when the well-indicated medicine fails to act. Sulphur's diarrhea is often worse in the morning. Concurrent skin symptoms like ringworm, snow scold or lice may be present. All discharges are offensive. However, the patient is hot rather then chilly and prefers cool places. He likes cool drinks and experiences painless diarrhea. Sulphur has been most useful when allopathic or conventional drugs have been previously given to the patient with no success. In cattle with recurrent mastitis, medicines to consider are: Sulphur and/or Lac caninum along with the appropriate nosode.
Nosodes for Treatment and Prevention
There are four different Mastitis Nosodes: E.coli Mastitis Nosode; Mixed Mastitis Nosode; Staph Aureus Mastitis Nosode; and Streptococcus Mastitis and Streptococcus Aglactia Mastitis Nosode.
The definition of nosode is: a product of disease obtained from any affected part of the system in case of illness and thereafter potentized.
Animal Nosodes are homeopathic medicines prepared from the discharges of past patients. The response of the tissue to invasion by bacteria or viruses results in the formation of substances which are, in effect, the basis of the nosode. Mucus (or sputum) from the throat or pharynx, or nasal passage, mixed with distilled water and grain alcohol, will yield a mother tincture. A homeopathically trained pharmacist or veterinarian will prepare in step-wise fashion from the mother tincture a respiratory disease nosode in 30C potency. The 30C medication may be prescribed for either prevention or treatment, along with other carefully prescribed homeopathic medications.
Nosodes and some Acute Care episodes call for natural prescriptions. (Meaning you won’t find Nosodes in your standard Homeopathic kits. Nosodes can only be obtained thru a prescription.) In almost all cases needing a Nosode, a culture (sample) is taken by a veterinarian from the patient to see which one is needed.
Coliform Mastitis
Life threatening situations like acute mastitis and especially coliform mastitis cases demand more frequent dosing of natural medicines and more frequent initiation of support therapy such as stripping the affected quarter. Symptoms of coliform mastitis may include: cold skin, droopiness with head held at half-mast, fatigued muscles and hard quarter. The udder may be hot or cold and is usually painful. The milk may be watery or watery with red-brown blood or it may look and smell like calf scours. Usually not much can be milked out. The remedy Lachesis and Pyrogen should be considered. If the discharge is watery and offensive, choose Lachesis 30C for times a day for two to three days. If the cow has a rapid pulse with a low body temperature, choose Pyrogen 200C three or four times a day for three days. E. Coli nosode once daily along with other homeopathic medicines may be instituted for the following five days, then once weekly for three to five weeks. As support therapy include B-complex orally or by injection once or twice daily, probiotic supplement twice daily, and vitamin C, 5-25 grams, twice daily. Hourly stripping and udder massage using Mastocream or Phytolacca cream should also be instituted.
Watery Mastitis
In cases of watery mastitis, administer Pyrogen 200C every eight hours for three days. Massage udder with Phytolacca ointment and the individual teat with Arnica ointment.
Gangrenous Mastitis
With gangrenous mastitis in lactating animals, alternation of the remedies Lachesis and Pyrogen have proven to save many animals. Because of the intensity and seriousness of the situation, these remedies are repeated every two to three hours. The best potency for Pyrogen in sepsis and toxemia is 200C or higher. The potency choice for Lachesis would be 30C or higher. As in other mastitis cases, institute the complementary measures of stripping the affected quarter hourly, massaging with Mastocream or Phytolacca ointment and administer systemic vitamin C at high levels and probiotics twice daily.
Septic Mastitis
An animal may experience severe septic mastitis, which is characterized by a rapid pulse with low temperature OR a slow, feeble pulse with a high temperature. Discharges, mastitic milk, are dark and offensive. The treatment history of the animal may have included antibiotic use such as dry cow mastitis tubes. Doses with Pyrogen 200C or higher three times daily for two or three days.
AND:
1 Review the entire nutritional program on your farm.
2 Make sure that protein is not too high in the total ration.
3 Eliminate molds from stored feeds, especially silage.
4 Daily exercise, sunshine and greens are important all year.
5 Test and quarantine all new animals.
Oh, there is much more information I’d like to put here….but it is long enough already. Even if you are not at all interested in Homeopathic Medicines, the reading can be fascinating to understand the “why and how” some symptoms/problems arise, seemingly out of the blue. What I have written down here only literally scratches the surface of what homeopathic remedies that are readily available, or symptoms/signs of other bovine health issues. Most of the ones I have here reference to Mastitis issues (I tossed in a few extras that are commonly used for a few other problems). Many, many other issues are covered in the book-order it if your interested in learning more….I am by far any type of expert!
Happy Learning!
Janene
When they talk of 12X, 30C, 30X, 200C, etc…these are the ‘strength’ of the doses. Some dilute the small pills into ½ cup of distilled water and dose orally with a syringe, some just feed the small pills to the patient. Others will put it into the drinking water if the whole herd needs treated.
Buy a standard basic kit for starters....you will find some you will use alot...others not so much. You can order single viles for replacements as needed.
Here is a couple of websites to give you an idea of cost, etc:
www.homeopathyworks.com/index.html (I got this from a member here.)
This second one has a vast index for learning:
www.abchomeopathy.com/
There are two principles of Homeopathy:
1. Any medicine strong enough to cure is also strong enough to cause harm.
2. Any medicinal substance may either suppress or palliate or cure.
Palliation vs. Cure
When a patient is recovering, symptoms will move from the more vital organs to the less vital ones and from the center of the body outward. Vital organs are heart, brain, liver, lungs and kidneys. Less vital are sinuses, skin, hair and extremities
When livestock being treated homeopathically are in a recovery process, the center of the disease will move toward the extremities. It is very common for a horse recovering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD or heaves) to become lame in one front limb due to an inflamed joint or hoof. Likewise, it is common for a cow recovering from pleuritis to develop a sore hoof or an inflamed quarter. If one is not aware of the healing process, suppressive therapy may be instituted which will cause the original disease to reappear (antibiotics, steroids and other anti-inflammatories may do this.)
Several definitions will be helpful at this point. Palliation is the act of relieving suffering without actually curing the patient. The palliated patient will usually take some medication daily over several months.
Suppression is the opposite of healing. The disease moves from a less vital organ to a more vital organ. Until the process is reversed, the patient can never become well.
Palliation may be defined as a temporary relief from suffering. Cure indicates that there is a permanent removal of the disease. Our goal should always be to cure. Only when cure is deemed impossible should we use homeopathic medications for palliation. A suppressed disease will disappear for a short time, only to be manifested in a more life threatening condition later.
A cow is treated with mastitis tubes at drying off. She may freshen without any apparent problem only to develop kidney or liver disease two to four months later. Could it be that mastitis tubes are suppressive? After millions or perhaps billions of intramammary infusions, we are no closer to curing mastitis by this method. As a wise little boy once asked, "Hey mister, don't you see that there's a cow attached to that udder?" Treat the whole patient and your success rate will increase. Treat only parts and problems will likely result.
Mastitis is as big, if not bigger a problem today as it ever was. Antibiotics have been substituted in part for good hygiene and overall individual animal health and soon we had the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and an upsurge of virulent forms of mastitis, which did not respond to conventional treatment.
Time is Required
Additional amounts of time are required when we gain anything new--whether it is a relationship, tool, cow, or medicine. Time is needed to study. And time is needed to practice the knowledge gained. Those of us who daily care for livestock have a choice. The old saying goes, "A stitch in time saves nine." Using homeopathic medicines now will save having difficult problems down the road. We make a choice each time an animal is ill. Between episodes of illness, we should be thinking prevention. A well-chosen homeopathic medication given at the right stage of lactation and during the dry period results in fewer new cases and lowers SCC's (Somatic Cell Counts) during the next lactation. Learning from each other is one of the great benefits of homeopathic medicines. When a farmer gave Ipecac to his cow that had bloody milk in her right front quarter (with only minor swelling) on a recommendation from his farmer friend, the medicine resonated, vibrated, harmonized with the cow's unbalanced condition and the immune system responded by eliminating the illness. This is how we can help one another by sharing what we know.
Treatments
Treatments with nosodes and specific homeopathic medications will boost a cow's resistance; however, we should also be concerned with methods of actually reducing the bacterial invasion levels. Relying on drugs is an approach to prevention somewhat like locking the barn door after the horse has been stolen. We should not wait until tragedy has occurred to begin plans to avert it.
Natural medical methods of treatment and prevention should be utilized throughout the lactation cycle. Treatment of Mastitis case starts before conception. Once monthly dosing of a well-chosen medicine during pregnancy is a good practice. Use these homeopathic medicines during the dry period according to the simillimum: Calcarea carb, Magnesia carb, Silicea, or Calcarea phos. Mastoblast at drying off has been used by quite a few dairy farmers with success.
Supportive Mastitis therapies include:
1. Frequent striping of affected quarters to remove abnormal milk.
2. Fasting; i.e. reduce grain and many other high-protein or high-fat feeds until recovery.
3. Dose with the simillimum--the best matched homeopathic medicine. (Like cures like--simillimum explained in a nutshell!)
4. Give antioxidants and probiotics at the first sign of inflammation. Examples of these are:
a. Vitamin C, 5-25 grams twice daily for a full-size cow
b. Viable acidophilus cultures
c. B-complex vitamins
d. Electrolytes if the cow will take them.
Here are the homeopathic medicines most used for Mastitis (and of course other things) in alphabetical order (Latin name then commonly known name, then the plant/source derived from name if I ran across it):
Aconitum napellus (Aconite)
Aconitum napellus (Monkshood) is also called Aconite. The active principle is a potent alkaloid. Keynote symptoms are: fever, sudden fever after stress, show or shipping, grooming (a haircut/shave). Accompanying the fever there is fearfulness, restlessness, and increased thirst. The pulse is hard and accelerated, and the respiration may be labored. It is best to give Aconite early in the course of disease. Use this medicine first for eye injuries and infections, shipping diseases, laminitis (acute founder) and acute mastitis. The harsh dry cough is a predominant symptom. Symptoms are generally worse at night. Aconite should be strongly considered for the early stages of any respiratory disease. Other possible characteristics are a hot, dry muzzle; hard, dry insufficient evacuations; irregular or suspended rumination. Administer Aconite 12C, 30X, 30C or 200C three or four times daily for three days immediately upon arrival to the farm. Aconite has shown itself to be helpful in preventing illnesses brought on by the stress of shipping.
The mastitis case requiring Aconite would be characterized by a patient who is restless, fearful, worse at night, thirsty and may have an accompanying cough. The temperature may range from 103 to 106 degrees. You may use 30C or 200C every hour for up to four doses. Follow with Sulphur when the temperature is in the 102-degree range; and flakes in the milk and glandular harness persists, consider Calcarea carbonicum. Follow with Nux vomica when there is constipation and the appetite is depressed, or choose Lycopodium if ketosis is present, manure is irregular, and there is sensitivity in the liver region.
Apis mellifica (Honeybee)
Also known as Apis mel--it is indicated for swellings (internal and external dropsy), udder edema, hard quarter mastitis, right sided ovarian cysts, and when manure is watery brown. Affected areas are worse from warmth and external heat and better from washing or moistening affected area with cold water. Cattle will seek shade, but will not drink even thou they need to be rehydrated. One or two doses often will remind them to drink. General dosing is twice a day for three days. For reaction to insect stings, dose every one-half hour to affect.
Apis mellifica from the honeybee is useful for cases of mastitis either before or after parturition. The breast is hard and swollen with edema. The cow prefers cool or cold applications rather than warm and likes shade rather than sunshine. Like Pulsatilla, she has decreased thirst and wants to avoid warm, stuffy buildings.
Arnica montana (Arnica)
Also known as Arnica (Leopard’s Bane), it is the medicine of first choice in any case of trauma of any kind--injuries to soft tissues, worse to touch, trauma to body and mind. Use first in bruising, bleeding, and disorders of muscle and the heart. Concussions, contusions, hematomas, nose bleeds. Oral and topical preparations are available. Patient is better from rest and lying down and worse from work, touch or motion. General dosing: in cases of bleeding, hourly for three doses; in cases of trauma, three times daily for three days. Potencies of 30C and 200C are available in the homeopathic farm kit. With these potencies, withdraw meat zero days, milk zero days.
Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade)
Belladonna is indicated by sudden febrile attacks with delirium and threatened convulsions. Dose every one half hour for two or three doses with 200C to effect relief. Medicines that follow well are Bryonia, Calcarea carbonica, Phosphorus, and Sulphur. Other characteristics are: excessive increase heat of the head, muzzle (with dryness), roots of the horns and glands; quick pounding pulse; hurried, panting, breathing; hard, dry and almost black excrement; bloody urination; swollen glands in the throat. Eyes are bright and inflamed with dilated pupils. Intense thirst coupled with aversion to drink. Uncertain and faltering step; the tail is arched and carried high, and constantly lashing the flanks.
If mastitis occurs early in the lactation period and is accompanied by an increased temperature, hot milk, dilated pupils, dry mouth, sensitivity to light and jarring, give Belladonna. Dose 200C every hour for two to five doses.
Follow this with Calc carb if the udder is hard and firm with less sensitivity. Choose Sulphur if the temperature is lower, but the milk still has flakes. The second medicine may be given morning and evening until the symptoms are gone (usually in one to five days.)
Bryonia alba
The common name for the plant is white hops. In cows, it is indicated when there is painful swelling of the udder that is aggravated by motion. All symptoms are worse from motion. The patient spends much time standing or lying, rarely moving. There will be a dryness of the throat and all membranes with thirst for large quantities of water. A dry hard cough is frequent while the patient tries to be still as possible.
Calcarea carbonica (Calcarea Carb)
Carbonate of lime from the middle layer of the oyster shell has affinity for skeletal and lactiferous tissue in the body. Large, blocky, heavy cows respond well to this homeopathic preparation, especially many in the Holstein breed. This cow is a heavy milker that maintains her body condition even in mid-or late lactation. Cattle prone to milk fever, foot disorders and swollen joints (hocks) call for this prescription. Dose frequently in down cows that do not try to stand after intravenous calcium therapy. Other keynote symptoms are flat warts in heifers, tendency to obesity and illness after change of weather. Patients calling for Calc carb are better from dry weather and worse from cold, wet weather and from becoming chilled.
Calcarea phosphorica (Phosphate of Lime)
Calc phos is indicated in dairy-type cows (lean with rigid fiber and look like a wedge of cheese if viewed from above); young growing animals; active cows; those in lean body condition who do not like restraint or being examined; strong appetite, aggressive within herd; calves tend to be susceptible to digestive upsets; mature cows tend to get decreased rumen movement, diarrhea or constipation. Cal phos is given in dry period to help prevent milk fever; symptoms are better from warm dry areas, but worse from changing, cool, damp weather. Used to treat lameness; rheumatic affections in the joints, exostosis, carries of the bones, carious ulcers. Also indicated for frequent painful and/or difficult emission of large quantities of urine; dark, sometimes burning urine. In females, used for animals that have episodes of anoestrus, ovaries develop slowly, tend to be inactive and may be stuck in the luteal phase of the cycle.
Cal phos is important in the development of cones, joints and teeth. For prevention of stunted growth, does with 12C, 30C or30X weekly. For treatment of limb or dental deformities, dose daily with 12C or 30C for two weeks. Cal phos has an affinity for tissues as related to the growth and repair of cells.
Calendula
Made from marigold flowers and leaves, Calendula is one of the most useful remedies for any sort of ulceration or open wound. It can be obtained in many forms including pellets, ointment, lotion and spray. It is reliable and will bring about healing of tissue as well as promote healthy granulation. Useful in treating wounds of the eyes, especially those from blunt trauma. It is often used with Hypericum when treating open wounds where there is also pain. It is used for calving injuries, topically to treat cracked teats, and as an infusion in cases of metritis (uterine infections).
Hepar sulphuris calcareum (Hepar sulph)
There is a tendency for all wounds to become infected; the patient is very sensitive to touch, pressure, chill and cold drafts of air; mastitis--overly sensitive to nursing, washing and milking; painful hoof infections and attending lameness; all pains better from warm soaks and wrapping up and worse from chill in any form. Helpful hint: with neglected painful wounds--choose Hepar sulph and/or Calendula. Its also useful in cases of Iritis (also known as Uveitis).
An extremely painful quarter in an irritable animal with purulent secretion indicates a need for Hepar sulph, which is best dosed three to four times daily. The pain worsens from touch, pressure, chill and cold drafts of air.
Ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
Ipecacuanha has a strong keynote of persistent nausea not relieved by vomiting. Another general symptom is bright red (arterial) bleeding from any body orifice. Particular symptoms are profuse salivation with a clean tongue, pain in the abdomen around the navel and loose stools that may be frothy or bloody or green. Bloody milk and coccidiosis in all species often respond to Ipecac. Patients are better from open spaces and rest; worse in warm, damp barns.
Lac caninum
This medication is prepared from whole milk of the dog, and has a profound effect on the mammary glands of many species. In lactating livestock, it is useful when mastitis moves from one side or one gland to another. The affected portion of the udder is tender and engorged with milk. Symptoms and pain are made worse from jarring, coughing and sneezing.
Lachesis muta (Lachesis)
Keynote symptoms include: heat intolerance, difficult swallowing, symptoms are relieved by discharges. Problems begin in left side; dark, watery blood, cellulitis; fever; purple tissues, septic mastitis, especially swollen left side; septic metritis, left sided ovarian cysts. Patient is better in open air; worse from rest, sleep, pressure, and warm liquid and in early morning. Has an intolerance to touching, or a constricting sensation around throat, neck chest or waist. Gangrenous mastitis gives a dark brownish-red secretion instead of milk. The udder or breast will become hard and the nipples will turn blue or purple in color. In cases such as coliform mastitis in cattle or sheep, animal improves with hourly milking. Lachesis patients are better from cold drinks, and worse from warm drinks and suppressed discharges.
Lycopodium clavatum (Lycopodium, Club Moss)
Deranged digestion from poor function of liver and kidneys; bloat and gas after eating that is better with belching; patient feels full or satisfied on small portions of food only to be soon hungry again; fears loud noises and being alone, yet avoids crowds; physical symptoms tend to move from right to left. Within a short time after calving there may be indigestion or ketosis from poor liver function.. Kidneys may be compromised, showing red sediment in the urine. Pockets of trapped gas are common and relieved by burping or passing flatus. The patient is better moving about and from warm foods and drinks. She is worse from 4 to 8 p.m., and in warm, crowded barns.
Magnesia carbonica (Magnesia carb)
Calves not digesting milk well call for this medicine and that of Calcarea carb. The gastroenteritis leads to a sour body odor and poor growth so that they are thin and stunted. Heavy pregnant cows that are prone to milk fever benefit from Mag carb in conjunction with Calc carb and/or Calc phos. These may be dosed in combination during the dry period.
Mastoblast and Mastoblast H.P
A combination homeopathic oral product designed to boost the animals’ own immune system to reduce or eliminate invading pathogens. It contains no chemicals which could injure the animal, nor is there any risk of objectionable residues in milk or meat. (They also make Mastocream to use on the teats and udder.)
These are homeopathic combinations manufactured in the US and Ireland for the control of mastitis in organic lactating animals. The original formulation, Mastoblast required 2CC liquid dose given orally. The H.P. formulation recommends a .5CC liquid dose, which may be administered orally, nasally, or in bulk drinking water. It also acts to stimulate a natural healing response in the body, in contrast to classes of conventional drugs, which can be imminuno-suppressive when used properly. The Mastoblast products are medicines that are for pregnant heifers and cows, drying off cows, and all lactating animals.
General dosing should be a.m. and p.m. for the last five days of milking. Individual medicines are often dosed at every 14 days during the dry period for three months. A well chosen milk nosode will compliment the simillimum.
Mercurius corrosivus or Mercuris solubulis (Mercury Salts)
Both of these mercury salts have affinity for the digestive tract, the urinary tract and the central nervous system. Keynote symptoms are: ulceration of the mouth or intestine with diarrhea and straining; thirst with profuse salivation; trembling of limbs; chills and fever with perspiration. Mercury salts are useful in viral conditions and coccidia infections. Mercurius corrosivus has tenesmus (straining) not relieved by stool, or pain in the bladder not relieved by urination. All discharges tend to be dark and mucoid. The diarrhea observed with coccidia, winter dysentery and subacute BVD tend to match well with the keynotes of Mercurius corrosivus.
Nux vomica (Poison Nut)
Digestive upset from overeating rich food; constipation, colic or bloat; straining is a predominant concurrent symptom. Patient is hard working (high producer) and intense; toxemia from conventional drugs, poisons, vaccines and spoiled food; acetonemia (ketosis); deranged digestion with disorders of liver or abomasum. Patient is better from warmth, rest and passing manure; worse after eating, mornings or becoming chilled.
Phosphorus
This crude mineral has affinity for every tissue and organ of the body. Keynote symptoms are: thirst for large volumes of cold water; desire for moist juicy foods; restless, fearful, especially of loud noises and thunderstorms, easily excitable; blood tinged mucous and blood in stool; bronchitis, dry cough and ketosis with loose manure; mastitis with fever and thirst; any illness from eating too much salt. Symptoms are often similar to Bryonia except the patient is more active. Cattle needing Phosphorus will become febrile during or shortly after calving. Other predominant symptoms are excessive bleeding after surgery, nosebleeds, anxiety when alone; relaxed rectum and anus after stool (cannot hold a thermometer), and great weakness after each stool. Complementary medicines are Lycopodium, probiotics, and B-complex vitamins. Reducing the amount of grain in the ration to one or two pounds of oats daily and offering all the clean mixed hay that she can eat will do much to settle the digestive tract.
Phytolacca decandra (Phytolacca)
The Poke Berry plant has a profound affect on the glands, the breast, the bones and connective tissue. A hard, painful udder with moderate fever is keynote; the pain experienced radiates from the breast throughout the entire body; no wonder the cow kicks when we attempt to milk her. Swelling of the parotid glands and tonsils makes swallowing difficult; there is a dark red discoloration to the throat. When mastitis diagnosis results from laboratory confirmation, Phytolacca combined with the appropriate nosode is effective in a high percentage of cases. Patients are worse from wet or cold weather and better from warm, dry weather.
A hard, painful udder with a moderate fever indicates the remedy Phytolacca. Dosing three times daily for three to five days often is curative. Keynote symptoms are pain radiating from breast to other parts of the body (the cow tries to kick or get away), swelling of glands, and frontal headache with desire to clench teeth together.
Pulsatilla nigricans (Pulsatilla, Wind Flower)
In cattle, the animal looks healthy, is friendly but timid and prefers being with the herd; all body discharges are thick, creamy and yellow/green; mastitis is especially common at calving; post-partum metritis with creamy discharge; infertility and anoestrus. Often there is a history of dystocia where the calf was not in the proper position for birth. All symptoms are improved from being outdoors and from fresh air. Symptoms may be worse just before dawn and just before sundown. Pulsatilla has been found useful during the period of parturition in animals; also for abortion; and with Belladonna in inflammation of the udder. Pulsatilla is also indicated when there is sinusitis with bland eye discharge.
If the mastitis occurs after freshening over the course of the day, and the patient is not thirsty, consider Pulsatilla. Keynotes for Pulsatilla are thick, creamy discharges with a timid, emotional personality.
Pyrogenium (Pyrogen)
The animal experiences a temporary increase in mastitis or other septic illness. Sick animals have either a rapid pulse with low temperature or a slow feeble pulse with a high temperature. Discharges, including mastitic milk, are dark and offensive. There may be straining as seen in cases needing Nux vomica and Mercurius corrosivus. History indicates much antibiotic use in the past, including dry cow mastitis tubes. Postoperative incisions become easily infected. In cattle, dose frequently after a miscarriage to help pass the afterbirth. Patients are worse from cold, damp weather and better from warm drinks and moving about.
Silicea (Pure Flint)
Its action is deep and slow and will prevent the formation of scars. Silicea tends to soften scar tissue, especially fibrous tissue of reproductive tract (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus or cervix), and improves the integrity of connective tissue (ligaments, skin, hoof and hair). In cases of the reproductive tract there are often concomitant symptoms such as thin, hidebound condition with poor weight gain in spite of high quality diet. Defects in absorption, digestion and assimilation of nutrients may also be observed. Injuries tend to suppurate for long periods of time. Silicea will help the body expel tiny bits of foreign material and promote hoof growth.
Sulphur
Every animal alive will respond well to Sulphur in one way or another. This is true for people as well. Homeopaths prescribe it when the well-indicated medicine fails to act. Sulphur's diarrhea is often worse in the morning. Concurrent skin symptoms like ringworm, snow scold or lice may be present. All discharges are offensive. However, the patient is hot rather then chilly and prefers cool places. He likes cool drinks and experiences painless diarrhea. Sulphur has been most useful when allopathic or conventional drugs have been previously given to the patient with no success. In cattle with recurrent mastitis, medicines to consider are: Sulphur and/or Lac caninum along with the appropriate nosode.
Nosodes for Treatment and Prevention
There are four different Mastitis Nosodes: E.coli Mastitis Nosode; Mixed Mastitis Nosode; Staph Aureus Mastitis Nosode; and Streptococcus Mastitis and Streptococcus Aglactia Mastitis Nosode.
The definition of nosode is: a product of disease obtained from any affected part of the system in case of illness and thereafter potentized.
Animal Nosodes are homeopathic medicines prepared from the discharges of past patients. The response of the tissue to invasion by bacteria or viruses results in the formation of substances which are, in effect, the basis of the nosode. Mucus (or sputum) from the throat or pharynx, or nasal passage, mixed with distilled water and grain alcohol, will yield a mother tincture. A homeopathically trained pharmacist or veterinarian will prepare in step-wise fashion from the mother tincture a respiratory disease nosode in 30C potency. The 30C medication may be prescribed for either prevention or treatment, along with other carefully prescribed homeopathic medications.
Nosodes and some Acute Care episodes call for natural prescriptions. (Meaning you won’t find Nosodes in your standard Homeopathic kits. Nosodes can only be obtained thru a prescription.) In almost all cases needing a Nosode, a culture (sample) is taken by a veterinarian from the patient to see which one is needed.
Coliform Mastitis
Life threatening situations like acute mastitis and especially coliform mastitis cases demand more frequent dosing of natural medicines and more frequent initiation of support therapy such as stripping the affected quarter. Symptoms of coliform mastitis may include: cold skin, droopiness with head held at half-mast, fatigued muscles and hard quarter. The udder may be hot or cold and is usually painful. The milk may be watery or watery with red-brown blood or it may look and smell like calf scours. Usually not much can be milked out. The remedy Lachesis and Pyrogen should be considered. If the discharge is watery and offensive, choose Lachesis 30C for times a day for two to three days. If the cow has a rapid pulse with a low body temperature, choose Pyrogen 200C three or four times a day for three days. E. Coli nosode once daily along with other homeopathic medicines may be instituted for the following five days, then once weekly for three to five weeks. As support therapy include B-complex orally or by injection once or twice daily, probiotic supplement twice daily, and vitamin C, 5-25 grams, twice daily. Hourly stripping and udder massage using Mastocream or Phytolacca cream should also be instituted.
Watery Mastitis
In cases of watery mastitis, administer Pyrogen 200C every eight hours for three days. Massage udder with Phytolacca ointment and the individual teat with Arnica ointment.
Gangrenous Mastitis
With gangrenous mastitis in lactating animals, alternation of the remedies Lachesis and Pyrogen have proven to save many animals. Because of the intensity and seriousness of the situation, these remedies are repeated every two to three hours. The best potency for Pyrogen in sepsis and toxemia is 200C or higher. The potency choice for Lachesis would be 30C or higher. As in other mastitis cases, institute the complementary measures of stripping the affected quarter hourly, massaging with Mastocream or Phytolacca ointment and administer systemic vitamin C at high levels and probiotics twice daily.
Septic Mastitis
An animal may experience severe septic mastitis, which is characterized by a rapid pulse with low temperature OR a slow, feeble pulse with a high temperature. Discharges, mastitic milk, are dark and offensive. The treatment history of the animal may have included antibiotic use such as dry cow mastitis tubes. Doses with Pyrogen 200C or higher three times daily for two or three days.
AND:
1 Review the entire nutritional program on your farm.
2 Make sure that protein is not too high in the total ration.
3 Eliminate molds from stored feeds, especially silage.
4 Daily exercise, sunshine and greens are important all year.
5 Test and quarantine all new animals.