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Herbalist

Readers questions answered

Dear Pat,
My 11-year-old German Shepherd Dog has gingivitis and we have had him treated by the vet. However, it hasn't really cleared and we wondered if there were any homoeopathics or herbs that could help him? He's a lovely old boy and we want to keep him going for as long as we can. - J and F Sorenson

Dear Mr and Mrs Sorenson,
There are herbs which can be very useful in clearing this problem. Calendula or hypercal (a mixture of calendula and St. John's wort) can be used as a flush into and around his mouth. It can be added to something liquid which he would quite enjoy; for instance some thinned down gravy or chicken stock. This flush can and should be swallowed. Tea-tree or manuka oil can be dabbed on any sores if you are able to get into his mouth. Also, it is quite useful to give a herbal immune boosting formula as well, for him to take internally.

Secondly, and easier to apply are homoeopathics. One can be chosen by matching it as closely as possible to the actual symptoms. Mur ac is given when there is ulceration on the lips and gums and the condition is so bad that there is noticeable swelling in the lymph glands. Rhus tox is given at the onset of gingivitis - when it is flaring up and you can see the dark red spots appear. Fluor ac can be given if the gingivitis is long-standing. Probably the most common one to use is Merc cor and if you are unsure of the symptoms, this would be the one to start with.

It is probably best to consult a homoeopath or medical herbalist to sort out a treatment regime specifically for you dog. - Pat Hunter at www.animalherbs.co.nz

Dear Pat,
My little golden retriever puppy is about to be spayed in two weeks time. I would like to ease this process for her if I can. What can you suggest? - Sally

Dear Sally,
I would suggest you give her Arnica 30C to take once a day for two days before surgery and for three days following. She should then be all right. But if she has any hormonal or mood upsets I would suggest using Staphysagria 30C. It doesn't happen often but I have treated dogs whose hormones seem to go wild after the op and this homoeopathic settles them right down. I sometimes follow up with Sepia after the Staphysagria if they get depressed. You may like to consider giving her a liver detoxifying herbal tonic to take for a week or so following the anaesthetic. - Pat

Read about hip dysplasia. Go to previous page of Ask the Herbalist.