Harbour Seal pools, Eagle flight cage, aviary, intensive care,

INDEX
ABSCESSES ANESTHESIA, ANTIDOTE ANEMIA ARTHRITIS APPETITE BLEEDING BUMBLE FOOT BURNS CATARACT CHILLS COLLAPSE CONCUSSION CONGESTION / NASAL DISCHARGE CONJUNCTIVITIS CONSTIPATION CONVULSIONS CORNEAS,OPAQUE CORNEAL ULCERS DEHYDRATION DIARRHEA DISTEMPER EAR INFECTION EDEMA EUTHANASIA EYE TRAUMA FOREIGN BODIES FRACTURES	HEAT STROKE HERPES VIRUS INFECTION INSECT STINGS KIDNEY LACTATION LIVER NERVE OIL PAIN RELIEF PANCREATITIS PHYSICAL TRAUMA POISON POX PUNCTURES RESPIRATORY DISEASES RETINA, DETACHED RINGWORM SHOCK SPINAL INJURY SPRAINS SURGERY UMBILICAL INFECTION URINARY VACCINATION VOMITING WOUNDS MISCELLANEOUS TREATMENTS

ABSCESSES - HEPAR SULFURIS 6x, 2 times a day will usually bring an abscess to the surface and drain it in two to four days. To stop supporation before it begins, use Hepar 30c and PYROGENIUM 5c, 4 times a day. After drainage of the purulent collection, SILICA 15c, once a day for 4 or 5 days will speed up cleaning and healing. It is not uncommon to observe the elimination of a foreign body which was responsible for the supporation. Be wary of using low potency Hepar for cases that do not drain easily (ears, abdomen, deep build ups, etc.).

ANESTHESIA, ANTIDOTE - If an animal is slow coming round after anesthesia, administer ACETIC ACID 6c every 15 minutes until the animal is conscious. Only resort to this if recovery is definitely too slow. Acetic Acid should be antidoted with a dose of Aconite before any additional remedies are administered.

ANEMIA - CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA 6x, 3 times a day for 2 weeks will stimulate the formation of new blood cells. NATRUM MURIATICUM 6x, 3 times a day for 3 weeks if the animal is depressed with low energy. FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM 3x, increases hemoglobin. Combining all three remedies could be called for.

ARTHRITIS - RHUS TOXICODENDRON 6c, 2 times a day for 10 to 14 days, especially for pain and stiffness that seems to loosen up with movement. BRYONIA ALBA 6c, 2 times a day for one week, when movement seems to aggravate condition, and animal seems reluctant to move. Both remedies should be discontinued as soon as improvement is noted.

APPETITE - Loss of appetite is usually symptomatic of other conditions. If it seems to be caused by grief or fear try IGNATIA 200c, once a day for no more than a week. It is not uncommon for a swan that has lost a mate to stop eating. Ignatia should help. NUX VOMICA is frequently helpful in stimulating appetite.

BLEEDING - FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM 6x, every 15 minutes until bleeding has stopped, or Ferrum Phos. crushed and sprinkled directly on the wound. HAMAMELIS 30c, every 1/2 hour, for open, painful wounds, with weakness from loss of blood. For internal bleeding use Ferrum Phos. 6x or Arnica 30c. Chinese herbal formula YUNNAN PAIYAO will stop bleeding internally and externally.

BUMBLE FOOT - Inflammation and infection in the pads of avian feet is treated with CEH ointment (Calendula, Echinacea, and Hypericum). Clean feet thoroughly, apply liberal amount of CEH and wrap with gauze to keep ointment in place and feet clean. Apply twice a day until feet appear healthy. CEH may be purchased from Quintessence, 608-251-6915.

BURNS - URTICA URENS tincture one part to four parts water, soak gauze in solution and cover burn. Keep gauze in place and keep wet. CANTHARIS 30c, every 2 hours, internally. If burns are deep, KALI BICHROMICUM 6c, every two hours. After effects of burns, CAUSTICUM 30c, 3 times a day.

CATARACT - The following are some homeopathic remedies that could be helpful in the treatment of cataract. CINERARIA MARITIMA, has some reputation in the cure of cataract. It is used externally, by instilling into the eye one drop four or five times a day. This must be kept up for several months. Most effective in traumatic cases. When cataract is just forming use NATRUM MURIATICUM 6x, 4 times a day for several weeks. In the later stages of cataract, give SILICA 6x, 4 times a day for several weeks.

Susan Wynn, DVM reports; "I have had great success with an herbal compound from Wysong called S.C.M. It is an extract of succuscineraria. By the way, if you use SCM, dilute by at least 1/2 with artificial tears, because it stings. Cataracts have typically resolved within 2-3 months."

Richard Pitcairn, D.V.M., suggests carefully applying a dab of EUCALYPTUS HONEY inside the lower lid, once a day for several weeks. Apply with the blunt end of a toothpick or a dropper.

CHILLS - DULCAMARA 30c, 3 times a day, for ailments caused by a damp chill. Birds that have gotten wet to the skin due to poor waterproofing and fawns with diarrhea after a damp cold night will benefit from this.

COLLAPSE - If the animal is cold and barely breathing, or gasping weakly, unable to hold its head up, give CARBO VEGETABILIS 200c, every 30 minutes until improvement. When improvement is noted switch to SULFUR 200c, 3 doses 3 hours apart. Then reduce potency of both remedies to 30c and alternate one every 5 hours for up to 3 days.

CONCUSSION - ARNICA 30c, every 15 minutes for head trauma. Taper off to four times a day. If Arnica 200c is available, use for the first few doses. Arnica will help alleviate shock, reduce pain, swelling and bruising, and will help seal off leaking blood vessels. I use Arnica in place of steroids. Also administer ACONITE 30c for shock and fear of death (common among wild animals suddenly in captivity). CICUTA VIROSA 200c or 30c if head and neck are bent backwards or twisted to one side, body is distorted, cervical muscles are contracted, eyes flick back and forth and spasms in the muscles in the nape of the neck. This is seen often in deer that have been hit by automobiles. Another good shock remedy is Bach flower RESCUE REMEDY. Don't use Rescue Remedy straight from the bottle. Add four drops of the stock remedy to a 1-oz. dropper bottle, 1/3 filled with brandy as a preservative. Add enough spring water to fill the bottle and mix well. Make this dilution in advance of any emergencies. Administer 2 drops every 5 minutes until there is a response, then every 30 minutes. This solution will last indefinately. Since homeopathics and Rescue Remedy are absorbed sublingually, it is safe to administer to an unconscious animal.

CONGESTION / NASAL DISCHARGE - PULSATILLA 30c will effect mucous membranes and help lessen discharges.

CONJUNCTIVITIS - Symptoms that come on after injury or exposure to cold will benefit from ACONITE 30c every hour for up to 10 doses. ARGENTUM NITRICUM 6x, every hour if there is a heavy discharge. Use EUPHRASIA drops with either remedy. The drops are made from 10 drops Euphrasia tincture and 1-oz. sterile water. Apply drops 3 time a day. RHUS TOXICODENDRON may also be useful.

CONSTIPATION - NUX VOMICA 30c, 4 times a day is a good remedy for many digestive disorders. LYCOPODIUM if there is a lot of gas and bloating, especially if there is liver involvement. A harbor seal pup so bloated it could only float on the surface got some relief from one dose of Nux Vomica and abdominal massage. A goldfish floating upside at the surface of its bowl, due to bloating, got complete relief from one dose of Lycopodium.

CONVULSIONS - BELLADONNA 30c often stops convulsions in minutes (not hypoglycemic convulsions).

CORNEAS,OPAQUE - I have had excellent success clearing opaque corneas in harbor seals and birds, using EUPHRASIA 6x, 3 times a day and EUPHRASIA drops made from 10 drops Euphrasia tincture and 1-oz. sterile water. Apply drops 3 time a day. CINERARIA MARITIMA has some reputation in the cure of cataract and corneal opacities. It is used externally, by instilling into the eye one drop four or five times a day. Homeopathic CALCAREA FLUORICA or ARGENTUM NITRICUM may be useful.

CORNEAL ULCERS - RHUS TOXICODENDRON 6c, 3 times a day and EUPHRASIA drops (see opaque corneas). ARGENTUM NITRICUM may be useful.

DEHYDRATION - CHINA 30c, frequent doses, helps overcome the effects of dehydration. Should be used for loss of vital fluids from bleeding, vomiting, and diarrhea.

DIARRHEA - There are many remedies for diarrhea, depending on the cause. The only one to be systematically prescribed as its action covers a wide range of etiologies is PODOPHYLUM 15c, after each stool. Diarrhea caused by damp cold weather, DULCAMARA 30c, 4 times a day. Profuse diarrhea, general coldness of the entire body, cramp-like pains, VERATRUM ALBUM 9c, 2 to 4 times a day. Diarrhea from tainted food or polluted water, ARSENICUM ALBUM 9c, every 3 hours. Diarrhea caused by emotion or stress, ARGENTUM NITRICUM 30c, 2 to 4 times a day. For diarrhea from antibiotic use, NITRICUM ACIDUM 30c or 200c, every 2 hours. If diarrhea persists for any length of time, CHINA to counter the effects of dehydration.

DISTEMPER - In the early stages use DISTEMPERINUM 30x, twice a day. This is a nosode prepared from the distemper virus. ARSENICUM ALBUM is an important remedy in the treatment of distemper. BAPTISIA should also be considered, especially if there are putrid discharges.

EAR INFECTION - MERCURIUS 6c and HEPAR SULFURIS 6c, 3 times a day for infections with a pusy discharge. For harbor seals, treatment continued three weeks beyond disappearance of symptoms. PYROGENIUM 6c may also be helpful.

EDEMA - APIS MELIFICA 6x, every 2 hours.

EUTHANASIA - Used in conjunction with traditional euthanasia methods, ARSENICUM ALBUM 1m, can ease the transition.

EYE TRAUMA - SYMPHYTUM 30c, every hour, for all trauma to the eyeball. HAMAMELIS 6x, every 2 hours, to hasten absorption of intraocular blood.

FOREIGN BODIES - SILICA 6c, 4 times a day will stimulate the body to eject splinters and other foreign matter.

FRACTURES - ARNICA 30c, every hour for 4 doses. After the bone is set, SYMPHYTUM 30c, 4 times a day for 3 weeks will promote faster, stronger union. CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA may be used in conjunction with Symphytum. Symphytum is reputed to be of use for old fractures that refuse to heal. 30c, 4 times a day for 3 weeks will promote faster, stronger union.

HEAT STROKE - Skin flushed and hot, strong rapid pulse, pupils fixed and dilated, BELLADONNA 30c, every 15 minutes. Also, RESCUE REMEDY (see concussion for preparation of Rescue Remedy). Keep this in mind for marine mammals that have been stranded in the sun.

HERPES VIRUS - (preventative treatment for harbor seals) - The following remedies and herbs are immune system enhancers with anti-viral properties. They should be used routinely on all pups for two weeks upon arrival.
HOMEOPATHICS - PYROGENIUM, CHAMOMILLA, CALENDULA. The potency for all three is 1m, and should be administered twice daily.
HERBAL EXTRACTS - ECHINACEA. OSHA, ASTRAGALUS. Ten drops of each extract mixed into tubing formulae, twice daily.
NOSODE - A homeopathic nosode can easily be prepared from the tissue of a dead seal pup. The tissue is macerated and potentized homeopathically to a 30C potency. It can be quite effective and because of the extremely high dilution it does not spread the virus.

INFECTION - Where a wound has turned septic, prostration is profound with much trembling and confusion, LACHESIS 6c, every 30 minutes for up to 10 doses. Septic states with intense restlessness, high fever and slow pulse, discharges are very offensive, PYROGENIUM 30c, twice a day. See also, Abscesses.

INSECT STINGS - Topically apply undiluted LEDUM mother tincture. For wasp and bee stings, internally take LEDUM 30c every 15 minutes, and APIS MELLIFICA 30c, every 15 minutes. For wasp sting, VESPA CRABRO is more specific than Apis.

KIDNEY - See Urinary

LACTATION - To stimulate milk secretion, Urtica Urens 30C, one dose only. To suppress flow, Urtica Urens 1X, every 6 hours.

LIVER - For a sluggish or compromised liver, frequently with jaundice, CHELIDONIUM MAJUS 1m, once a day. Chelidonium is especially useful with harbor seal neonates. Also, NATRUM SULPHURICUM or LYCOPODIUM.

NERVE - For injuries to nerves, especially nerve endings, crushed toes and injured claws, HYPERICUM 30c, 4 times a day.

OIL - An oiled bird will benefit from PETROLEUM 200c, 4 times a day for up to two days.

PAIN RELIEF -

ARNICA - For all physical trauma, use Arnica. After an injury or surgery, Arnica will reduce pain, reduce inflammation and help control bleeding. It is a good idea to pretreat with Arnica before surgery. Dental extractions benefit a lot from Arnica.

HYPERICUM - a great remedy for injuries to nerves, or parts of the body rich in nerves. Use Hypericum for injuries to fingers, toes, claws, tongue, etc, especially crushed finger tips. Helps relieve surgical pain and may be used in conjunction with Arnica. Relieves pain from lacerated wounds. Use for nervey, shooting pains. After mouth or dental surgery, rinse with a solution of Hypericum and Calendula tinctures.

LEDUM - for pain from puncture wounds. Injuries from nails, barbed wire, fish hooks, talons or animal bites will benefit from Ledum. Ledum is also known to help prevent tetanus.

SYMPHYTUM - for wounds penetrating to the perineum and bones. Symphytum stimulates callus formation in fractures and helps with non-unions. Should not be used until bone is set. For pain in the eye after a blow from an obtuse object and for all traumatic injuries of the eye, no remedy equals this.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON - for pain and injuries to joints, tendons, ligaments and fascia. If movement relieves some of the stiffness and pain, Rhus Tox is the correct remedy.

STAPHYSAGRIA - will reduce pain from lacerated tissues, especially pain following abdominal surgery.

PANCREATITIS - IRIS VERSICOLOR 3x, every 3 hours during an attack, then less frequently as symptoms improve.

PHYSICAL TRAUMA - ARNICA 200c followed by 30c, every 15 to 30 minutes. Arnica reduces swelling, seals off leaking vessels and helps reabsorb blood. Also may be followed with HAMAMELIS 6c, every 2 to 4 hours for reabsorbing blood, including intraocular. LEDUM is useful if there is much bruising.

POISON - From spoiled food, ARSENICUM 6c, every 4 hours. For sources unknown, with herons and owls, I have used NUX VOMICA 10m, twice a day. Lead poisoning, PLUMBUM 30c, twice a day. I use Plumbum with Bald eagles that are suspected of having lead poisoning, before blood tests confirm the toxin and during Ca EDTA treatments. Warfarin Poisoning, the following remedies have a great affinity for stopping haemorrhage; Millefolium 3X, especially if the blood is bright red, Trillium 3X, Crotalus Horridus 6X, especially if the blood is watery and dark. These are remedies that must be on hand and used promptly in repeated doses.

POX - VARIOLINUM 30C, once per day for three days, is a nosode made from small pox, and may be useful to treat and prevent other strains of poxvirus. ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM 6C, twice a day for one week, has been found to be effective in the early stages of cow and goat pox, so who knows what other species might benefit. The pustular stages may be treated with THUJA 6C, once per day for ten days.

PUNCTURES - For pain from a puncture wound such as from a fish hook, talon or bite, give LEDUM 30c, 4 times a day. Ledum may also help prevent Tetanus.

RESPIRATORY DISEASES - For the earliest stages of respiratory disease, ACONITE 6c, every 1/2 hour for four doses. Lung congestion, labored breathing, possibly frothy saliva and a mucousy cough, ANTIMONIUM TARTARICUM 30c, 3 times a day for 3 days. Coughing from deep in the chest, quick shallow respirations and possibly rust-colored sputum, PHOSPHORUS 200c, every 3 hours for 4 doses. Difficult breathing on slight exertion, combined with coughing. Few symptoms when animal is at rest, but distress on movement, indicates the use of BERYLLIUM.

RETINA, DETACHED - Early symptoms (fluid seeping between retina and choroid), APIS 6c, every 15 minutes for up to ten doses. If not stabilized in two hours, GELSEMIUM 6c, every 15 minutes. DIGITALIS and NAPTHA are said to be beneficial for detached retina.

RINGWORM - BACILLINUM 200C, two doses at two week intervals. TELLURIUM 30C, twice a day for one week, especially when lesions tend to be equally distributed on either side of the body. CHRYSAROBINUM 6C, three times a day for five days, when disease has progressed to a crusty stage.

SHOCK - From physical injury, ARNICA 200c followed by 30c every 15 minutes alternating with ACONITE 30c, every 15 minutes. RESCUE REMEDY is also an effective shock remedy (see "concussion" for preparation).

SPINAL INJURY - ARNICA 200c followed by 30c, every 5 minutes for up to ten doses. Then, HYPERICUM 30c, every 4 hours for up to 3 days. NUX VOMICA 1m, one dose every other day for two doses if there is disc involvement. CICUTA VIROSA 200c or 30c if head and neck are bent backwards or twisted to one side, body is distorted, cervical muscles are contracted, eyes flick back and forth and spasms in the muscles in the nape of the neck. This is seen often in deer that have been hit by automobiles.

SPRAINS - ARNICA 30c, every 1/2 hour for up to 10 doses. Follow with RUTA GRAV 6c, 4 times a day, if tendons, ligaments, or periosteum are involved. Follow Arnica with RHUS TOX 6c, 4 times a day, if muscles are torn, joint is swollen, hot, or painful but feels better with movement.

SURGERY - Before surgery, ARNICA 30c, 4 times for 1 day. ACONITE 30c, may be used before surgery for fear of death. After surgery, ARNICA 30c, every 1/2 hour for up to 10 doses. Arnica may be followed by STAPHYSAGRIA 6c, for lacerated tissues. BELLIS PERENNIS is a good remedy after major, deep tissue surgical work, especially pelvic organs.

UMBILICAL INFECTION - STREPTOCOCCUS 30c, once a day for 5 days, or PYROGENIUM 5c, twice a day and ABROTANUM 30c, twice a day. I have also created a homeopathic nosode by collecting umbilical pus and diluting and potentizing it to a 15c remedy.

URINARY - For acute cystitis and other urinary upsets, CANTHARIS 30c, every 4 hours for 4 doses. I once cured a rabbit with a chronic erection with Cantharis. Nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys, CANTHARIS 30c or ARSENICUM 30c. If there is edema or retention of fluid, APIS MELLIFICA 30c, every hour. Nephritis with suppression of urine may benefit from Apis Mellifica. Apis has been known to promote copius urination.

VACCINATION - Ill health following a vaccination, THUJA 30c, every 12 hours for 3 doses.

VOMITING - IPECAC 3x, every hour for 4 doses, should be the first choice. If unsuccessful, FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM 6x, every hour for 4 doses. If vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, especially from spoiled food or overripe fruit, ARSENICUM 6c. If vomiting continues for any length of time, CHINA will help alleviate the effects of dehydration.

WOUNDS - Clean wounds with HYPER-CAL lotion, which is a mixture of HYPERICUM tincture, CALENDULA tincture and water, 1 to 1 to 9, (Avoid using tap water). CEH salve (see bumble foot), is a great topical anti-infectant and healing salve to apply after HYPER-CAL. To promote faster healing and granulation, ground COMFREY ROOT may be added to CALENDULA ointment or CEH. For pain from a puncture wound, give LEDUM 30c, 4 times a day. Ledum may also help prevent Tetanus. HYPERICUM 30c, 4 times a day, is the remedy for injuries to nerves and nerve endings. Pinched or crushed toes, claws, and nail injuries will obtain relief from Hypericum. Prolonged sensitivity in an amputated digit and painful lacerated wounds are relieved by Hypericum. For infected wounds see Abscesses.

MISCELLANEOUS TREATMENTS - All fish mash tube mixture containes Spirulina and Echinacea tincture. Echinacea should be discontinued after two weeks or may produce lethargy.

Wounds and abscesses are flushed with a tincture of Hypericum, Calendula and water, 1 to 1 to 9.

Homeopathic Chamomilla was given to most seal pups and is a great general remedy for infants.

Alfalfa herb was given to pups with poor appetite and insufficient weight gain, and a general failure to thrive.

All animals treated with antibiotics are also given acidophilus to help replace intestinal microorganisms.