Tips

Ann's Previous Tips fo the Week
What is a Herbal Tincture? How to make a tincture! A tincture is an alcoholic extract of an herb. To make your own, place enough fresh or dried herb in a glass mason jar to fill it 3/4 full. If you use dried herbs make certain that they still retain their colour and scent. Dried herbs lose their strength over a relatively short period of time. Fresh herbs are generally much more potent then they are when dried. The amount by volume of dried herb only seems like a great deal more until you consider the difference in potency between the two. So, again I will stress that when filling the jar - fill it 3/4 full regardless of which form of herb you choose to use. Add enough vodka to the herb to fill the jar completely. Cover the jar with a cloth or loose fitting lid and allow the mixture to stand in a cool dark place for 10 - 12 days. Do not use a tight lid as some less experienced herbalists will try to tell you. Herbs will release gases, especially when fresh. The mixture needs to be able to vent or the build up of gas can break the container. Strain the liquid through a paper coffee filter and discard the spent herb. The recovered liquid should be bottled in a dark glass container. This is the tincture; basically a medicinal brandy. The shelf life is no longer an issue; tinctures will keep for years when properly stored. Red Clover Common name: Red Clover Scientific Name: Trifolium Pratense Red Clover is a herb with many important uses. It is like soy and is high in isoflavones. Red clover is also a very powerful alternative, which makes it ideal for treating skin conditions like eruptions, psoriasis, eczema, sores and acne and for detoxifying. Its expectorant and antispasmodic properties make it useful for coughs, colds fevers and mucous congestion. It has been found to be very effective in the treatment of Kennel cough. Red clover is also used to treat tumours and cancer, and for this purpose, it is often combined with other herbs that also are used for this purpose, such as chaparral, poke root, dandelion root, Echinacea, pau d'arco, sheep sorrel, rhubarb and slippery elm. There is a version of the formula called Essiac that contains red clover and some of the other herbs already mentioned that is used to treat tumours and cancers. Part used: Flower heads Collection: The flower heads are gathered between late spring and early fall. Constituents: Phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, coumarins, cyanogenic glycosides Actions: Alterative, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, nervine, sedative, tonic Combinations: For skin problems it combines well with Yellow Dock and Nettles. Preparation and Dosage: *Infusion:* Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. *Tincture:* Take 2-6 ml of the Tincture three times a day. (Or 10-30 drops.)
Some Plants Can Be Dangerous Most people don't know that many house plants are toxic to their pets. We believe there should be a bright label on all plants that contain poison, but unfortunately we are not always that lucky. Houseplants are frequently ingested by small children and animals. There are things you can do to prevent this from happening. Know the plants in your home and yard. Before buying a plant make the store identify and label the plant. * Keep plant food and chemicals where your pet (or child) cannot reach them. * Keep a quick reference guide on the types of toxic plants. The Plants Listed Below Can Be Toxic A Alfalfa Almond (pits of) Aloe Vera Alocasia Amaryllis Apple (seeds) Apple Leaf Croton Apricot (Pits of) Arrowgrass Asparagus Fern Autumn Crocus Avocado (fruit & pit) Azalea B Baby's Breath Baneberry Bayonet Beargrass Beech Belladonna Bird of Paradise Bittersweet Black-eyed Susan Black Locust Bleeding Heart Bloodroot Bluebonnet Box Boxwood Branching Ivy Buckeyes Buddhist Pine Burning Bush Buttercup C Cactus, Candelabra Caladium Calla Lily Castor Bean Ceriman Charming Dieffenbachia Cherry (pits, seeds, & wilting leaves) Cherry, most wild varieties Cherry, ground Cherry, Laurel Chinaberry Chinese Evergreen Christmas Rose Chrysanthemum Cineria Clematis Cordatum Coriaria Cornflower Corn Plant Cornstalk Plant Croton Corydalis Crocus, Autumn Crown of Thorns Cuban Laurel Cutleaf Philodendron Cycads Cyclamen D Daffodil Daphne Datura Deadly Nightshade Death Camas Devil's Ivy Delphinium Decentrea Dieffenbachia Dracaena Palm Dragon Tree Dumb Cane E Easter Lilly Eggplant Elaine Elderberry Elephant Ear Emerald Feather English Ivy Eucalyptus Euonymus Evergreen F Ferns Fiddle-leaf Fig Florida Beauty Flax Four O'clock Foxglove Fruit Salad Plant G Geranium German Ivy Giant Dumb Cane Glacier Ivy Golden chain Gold Dieffenbachia Gold Dust Dracaena Golden glow Golden Pathos Gopher Purge H Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy Heartland Philodendron Hellebore Hemlock, Poison Hemlock, Water Henbane Holly Honeysuckle Horsebeans Horsebrush Horse Chestnuts Hurricane Plant Hyacinth Hydrangea I Indian Rubber Plant Indian Tobacco Iris Iris Ivy J Jack in the Pulpit Janet Craig Dracaena Japanese Show Lily Java Beans Jessamine Jerusalem Cherry Jimson Weed Jonquil Jungle Trumpets K Kalanchoe L Lacy Tree Philodendron Lantana Larkspur Laurel Lily Lily Spider Lily of the Valley Locoweed Lupine M Madagascar Dragon Tree Marble Queen Marigold Marijuana Mescal Bean Mexican Breadfruit Miniature Croton Mistletoe Mock Orange Monkshood Moonseed Morning Glory Mother-in-Law's Tongue Morning Glory Mountain Laurel Mushrooms N Narcissus Needlepoint Ivy Nephytis Nightshade O Oleander Onion Oriental Lily P Peace Lily Peach (pits & wilting leaves) Pencil Cactus Peony Periwinkle Philodendron Pimpernel Plumosa Fern Poinciana Poinsettia (low toxicity) Poison Hemlock Poison Ivy Poison Oak Pokeweed Poppy Potato Pothos Precatory Bean Primrose Privet, Common R Red Emerald Red Princess Red-Margined Dracaena Philodendron Rhubarb Ribbon Plant Rosemary Pea Rubber Plant S Saddle Leaf Philodendron Sago Palm Satin Pothos Schefflera Scotch Broom Silver Pothos Skunk Cabbage Snowdrops Snow on the Mountain Spotted Dumb Cane Staggerweed Star of Bethlehem String of Pearls Striped Dracaena Sweetheart Ivy Sweetpea Swiss Cheese Plant T Tansy, Mustard Taro Vine Tiger Lily Tobacco Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem, and leaves) Tree Philodendron Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia Tulip Tung Tree U Umbrella Plant V Virginia Creeper W Water Hemlock Weeping Fig Wild Call Wisteria Y Yews--e.g. Japanese Yew, English Yew, Western Yew, American Yew If a poisoning should occur it may be necessary to induce vomiting. Call poison control and your veterinarian immediately. If it is necessary to induce vomiting, give one to two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide orally.

ANAL SAC DISEASE Scooting, licking and smelling could be signs of an anal gland ailment. The anal sacs are located on each side of the anus, just under the skin. They open to the outside by tiny passageways or ducts. Glands within the anal sacs produce a dark, foul-smelling substance. The sacs normally empty as the animal has a bowel movement. Their purpose is unknown although one theory suggests that they were once used to mark territory. Today, however your pet can do well without them. Expressing the Anal Glands Your dog has a set of anal glands placed on either side of their anus. In the wild these glands secrete scent which your dog uses to mark its territory when it has a bowel movement. For many reasons, sometimes these tear-shaped glands get blocked. This means that while more and more liquid is produced, none is being expressed into your dog's stools. Signs of blocked anal glands include bum scooting, bloody stools, strong odour or a swollen anus. Expressing your dog's anal glands is relatively easy. Use one hand to hold up the dog's tail and pull it gently toward the head. Hold a disposable cloth or tissue in the other hand. Place your thumb ( 7 o'clock) externally over one anal gland and your fingers over the other ( 4 o'clock) (see the diagram below for correct position). Press in and apply firm pressure as you pull your fingers posteriorly over the glands. The glands should empty out into your tissue. Normal anal sac fluid should come out slightly yellow or brown in colour. Impacted sacs will be very difficult to express and the material may be pasty and coloured grey or black. Diseases of the anal sacs fall into 3 categories: 1. Impaction: The anal sac fluid is abnormally thick and cannot escape. 2. Infection: Bacteria produce a yellow or bloody pus. Infection may also exist in other areas, such as the eyes, ears, tonsils and/or skin. 3. Abscessation: As a result of infection, a hot, tender swelling near the anus may rupture and discharge pus and blood. Signs of anal sac disease include "scooting" (dragging the anus on the floor), excessive licking under the tail, tenderness near the tail or anus, and/or bloody or sticky drainage from the anal area. Important Points in Treatment 1. Treatment for anal sac disease may include the following: * Manual expression (squeezing) of the sac contents. (temporary relief) * Flushing the sacs and instilling antibiotics into them. (longer remedy to symptoms) * Surgical drainage or removal of the sacs. (This treatment is usually performed if the patient has a chronic history or the sacs have ruptured. Healing can be slow though because of the location.) 2. Medication must be given as directed. 3. Diet: A higher fibre diet can in some cases help slow impaction but check with your vet for your specific pet's nutritional needs. Notify your Veterinarian if Any of the Following Occur: * Your pet is reluctant to eat. * Your pet is depressed or listless. * There is a sudden swelling or drainage near the anus. * Your pet constantly licks its anus. * Your pet vomits. Remember, squeezing the anal gland regularly will help minimize build-up and irritation but some material will undoubtedly still remain in the sacs causing the process to begin again. If you find your pet is always building up matter then you should talk to your vet about one of the other treatments for a longer remedy to the symptoms. Anal Sacs Normally, anal sacs are emptied when the dog defecates. Some dogs with overactive anal glands may require occasional help. Your vet can demonstrate the procedure. A common indication of trouble with anal sacs is "scooting" (dragging the rear on the ground). Impaction: occurs when the anal sacs fail to empty properly. This is more common in smaller breeds. Squeezing the sacs yourself as needed will control the problem. Infection: complicates impaction. There is blood or pus in the secretions, and the dog may scoot (drag its rear on the ground). It may be painful. Check with your vet for an antibiotic you can apply after you empty the sacs. Abscess: Signs of anal infection, with a swelling at the site of the gland. It goes from initially red to a deep purple. You will have to have it lanced and cleaned by the vet. Dogs whose anal sacs become repeatedly infected and/or abscessed will need to have the glands removed. Surgery is uncomplicated, although the dog will have poor bowel control for the next few days after surgery. Try putting a pair of small boy's underpants, with the dog's tail through the third opening, on the dog to contain accidents. has notified the sender that this message has been received.

All About Homeopathy Contributed by Arlene F.Betker vision@intergate.bc.ca This document is copyrighted and publication in whole or part is prohibited except by permission of the author. WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY? Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that is safe and effective for most disorders of the body. It is based on an organized, well proven system of medicine that was established in Germany some 200 years ago and is used in nearly every country/culture in the world today. Countries such as England and France embrace homeopathy throughout their health care and India with about 1 billion people has found it to be a most reasonable and effective form of therapy. Homeopathy is regulated under the "Food and Drugs Act" in most countries and has been accepted for many years. As in all holistic methods, homeopathy is concerned with the treatment of the complete or whole individual, rather than just treating the symptoms of the disease. As a result, when a homeopathic veterinarian recommends a homeopathic treatment, different ingredients might be suggested in different dogs with the same illness. Traditionally homeopathic single remedies have been very specific in particular symptoms, and therefore it has been difficult for a lay person to know which single substance should be used for an illness without the intervention of a homeopath. As a result, when it comes to consumer choice of product, more broadly defined COMBINATIONS of ingredients are employed so that the various possibilities are addressed. This technique is becoming the method of choice, even amongst homeopathic veterinarians in view of the complexities of pinpointing each and every possible diagnostic sign in a dog. HOW DOES IT WORK? It works through a well accepted and time tested pharmacological law, known internationally as the "Law of Simulars" or "like cures like". When Samuel Hahnemann, a brilliant German physician, presented his findings in the 1790's he was considered to be an "extremist", even though the basis of his findings dates back to the ancient Greeks. By 1810, he published his "Organon Of Natural Medicine" which encompassed his new system of medicine which he called homeopathy. Over the years, his concepts have been proven again and again and have been embraced by naturopaths and by holistic medical doctors/veterinarians worldwide, and have become the sole method of treatment of physicians known as "Homeopaths". Dr, Hahnemann's findings clearly proved that the same substance which, in large amounts could cause a disorder within the body, in minute doses could cure the same disorder. Examples of this are: * Coffee, consumed before bedtime often causes insomnia and yet in homeopathic doses, induces sleep. * An ingredient such as nitroglycerine will cause throbbing headaches, but in minute doses (homeopathic doses) will cure that type of headache. The general thinking of western style (allopathic) medicine is that the symptoms are caused by the illness. By using strong drugs, the patient should be cured and if a positive outcome does not occur (which can be an artificial result) increasing the dose should achieve the desired result. This approach has caused side effects or even dependency, all to often. The symptoms are also often masked. Homeopathy views the symptoms as signs of the body attempting to fight the illness and it is, in part, those symptoms that tell the homeopath which substances will solicit actions by the body's own natural healing forces of recovery to achieve the desired result, without the "heavy" assaults of drugs. IS SAFETY A CONCERN? Absolutely not! The amounts of substance used in homeopathic medicine are so small they are certainly safe and do not cause toxicity. However, contrary to western thinking, substances in such small quantities can do a lot of healing. They can be used along with other medications without concern of interaction. USING HOMEOPATHICS 1/ The traditional method of taking homeopathic remedies is in "granule" form. Granules are tiny balls or pellets on which the medication is impregnated. These are NOT to be touched but should be dispensed into the cap of the package or into a clean spoon and then placed directly under the tongue. By not handling the granule, you are assuring the purity of the medicine. This is important in doses as minuscule as those used in homeopathy. 2/ The mouth should be clear of food. It is best not to administer homeopathics directly before or after food or liquid. The general rule is to administer them at least 1 hour after eating (anything) and not to feed anything for 1/2 hour after administering them. 3/ The granules are to be dissolved in the mouth, not swallowed or chewed. This avoids much of the neutralization that could take place in the digestive tract. Having to administer homeopathics "sublingually" to a dog can present a few problems. Granules are easier as they dissolve rather quickly, I will put them in the side pocket of the dogs mouth and gently hold their mouth shut for a few seconds. With tablets I cut the corner off of a clean envelope and place the tablet in the corner and "smash" it with a small hammer until it is powder. Then I pour the powder into the side pocket of the dogs mouth and it dissolves instantly. You can also dissolve a tablet in a sterile container using a small amount of spring water and administer by syringe under the tongue. 4/ Once the desired results are obtained, immediately stop administering the homeopathic. It is not necessary to take the medication until the bottle is empty. To continue can aggravate the condition. 5/ Dosages are as follows, please remember this is ONLY a guide as each dog is an individual. CRISIS: 1 tablet or 3-4 granules, every 3-30 minutes. ACUTE: 1 tablet or 3-4 granules, every 30 min to hourly, decreasing to 3-4 times a day. CHRONIC: 1 tablet or 3-4 granules, 1-3 times a day. The dosages are the same if you are treating a Chihuahua or a Great Dane. HOMEOPATHIC SOURCES The majority are made from extracts of botanical sources, but some are also made from minerals and extracts of animals. The substances of each of these classifications contain an essence or energy that is the force behind homeopathy. Homeopathic substances have varying strengths which are indicated by the number of times they are diluted. A 1 dilution (1X) is weaker than a 5 dilution (5X). The higher the number, the stronger the medication. Homeopathics can be produced into a variety of forms such as granules, tablets, liquids, ointments, nasal sprays, suppositories, etc. **Here is a list of excellent books available on Veterinary Homeopathy. Homeopathic First-Aid Treatment For Pets, by Francis Hunter Homeopathy In Veterinary Practice, by Dr. K. J. Biddis Homeopathic Treatment Of Small Animals, by Christopher Day Homeopathic Treatment For Birds, by Beryl M. Chapman The Treatment Of Horses By Homeopathy, by Dr George MacLeod DOGS-Homeopathic Remedies, by Dr George MacLeod CATS-Homeopathic Remedies, by Dr. George MacLeod A Veterinary Materia Medica and Clinical Repertory, by Dr. George MacLeod PLEASE! remember that it is very important to consult with you Veterinarian whenever you dog is ill.