Q
I have a 1 1/2-year-old miniature schnauzer. Ever since I started taking him out when he was five months old, he has shown a very weird bathroom pattern. When the walk is limited to ten minutes, he releases properly, but if I take him for longer walks, he poos at least eight times until it becomes watery. I talked to three different vets but all said there was nothing wrong and that nothing could be done. Is it possible that scents left behind by other dogs are causing this reaction? He has very weak digestion as well. I have been feeding him natural food for some time, but he is not interested in anything except lamb and chicken. Is there any homeopathic medicine that might help him?

A
From what you are describing, especially with the weak digestion and watery stools, this does not sound like a behavioral problem. Colitis and inflammatory bowel disease are becoming an epidemic in pets, especially young ones. I personally feel that vaccinations have a contributory role, so a word of caution here. Two homeopathic remedies that will address the issue are Diar-Relief by Dr. Goodpet, and Diarrhea Aid by Professional Health Products. About the best supplement I have experienced for intestinal health is Acetylator by Vetri-Science Labs. Another good product is a fermented fish product named Seacure. Also, as mentioned in previous columns, I am currently very interested in the application of Garden of Life’s Primal Defense to veterinary medicine. There are a number of other products available. Of course, make sure to rule out intestinal parasites through your veterinarian.

Q
My 151/2-year-old Lab mix has spinal spondylosis and an enlarged heart. I have been giving her a high potency joint supplement by Dancing Paws, one aspirin, and a tablespoon of Missing Link in her NaturaPet food. She is active and alert, still loves to play and chase things, but the pain in her back is causing her more and more discomfort. I have tried acupuncture but it hasn’t done the trick. She also has a massage every night. I am extremely hesitant to put her on Rimadyl. Can you recommend something else before I go the conventional route?

A
I do not like using Rimadyl, especially since its toxic effects on the liver have been reported specifically in the Labrador retriever. If you ever have to go the medical route, there are other medications your veterinarian can prescribe before Rimadyl. I have had much success using homeopathic and herbal combinations for arthritis in the treatment of spondylosis. Homeopathic combination remedies such as Heel/BHI’s Zeel and/or Arthritis or Professional Health Products Muscle-Joint Drops have worked well. There are numerous herbal combination preparations commercially available that do bring medicinal relief to arthritics. Chief among the ingredient list would be yucca, alfalfa and devil’s claw. I have also had success with some Chinese combination products such as Seven Forests Drynaria 12 and Clematis (especially when damp weather worsens the condition). Professional Health Products also makes a remedy named Spinal Drops which has shown some benefit when the spinal nerves are affected by the condition.

Q
Now that flea season is here, I’m preparing to add fresh garlic to my cats’ diets. I’ve recently seen some information on the web that says fresh garlic causes anemia in cats. I’m concerned as I’ve always thought this was a great natural flea preventative, as well as an overall healthy herb. What is your opinion? Do you recommend fresh, raw garlic for cats? I should point out that my cats have FIP, so their immune systems may not be in perfect health.

A
I also have seen several reports of the toxic effects of garlic on the blood of cats and therefore do not recommend its use (although I have used it in my own cats for decades with no problem, and they all lived until to be at least 19). This would be especially true in the presence of FIP. A multitude of other naturally based products for oral, topical and environmental flea control are available.

Other Questions answered in Volume 6 Issue 4...

Q
Our eight-year-old Lab, Heidi, recently developed a fungus infection on both front paws and in the crotch. Our vet took a culture and determined the proper antibiotic, but after the full treatment, there was no success. We have tried tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide washes and herbal ointments with no significant results. Our Chinese medicine practitioner held out no hope for fungus cures either.

Q
My cat recently had blood work done that indicated elevated levels of amylase (pancreatic problems). His level was 1650, versus the normal of 1200. Is there a holistic remedy to normalize this level?

Q
I have an eight-year-old mixed breed dog that has had a skin condition for years. She used to lose hair, but after switching to a better food her coat has improved. The problem is, she constantly creates bad hot spots because she scratches her skin raw. Every time she is on antibiotics, the condition greatly improves. Instead of long term antibiotics, would colloidal silver possibly work?

Q
My eight-year-old female shih tzu/Maltese mix is having a terrible problem. The vet says she has pimple-warts that are part of her breed and there’s nothing that can be done about it. These are on her back and are quite excessive. They bleed and are very itchy. She just seems to keep getting more and the ones she has don’t go away. She is quite uncomfortable and rolls to scratch her back. Sometimes she seems distressed or anxious and I’m sure it’s the skin problem. I have bathed her in tea tree oil shampoo, and oatmeal itch shampoo, and nothing seems to help. I’ve also put on polysporin and actual tea tree oil, but no success.

Q
I have a male long-haired cat who is about two years old. He has lost about half the hair along the front of his tail and his fur is oily and very matted. The skin where he has lost the fur is flaky and pinkish red. He is continuing to lose more hair and it seems that his tail is sensitive to the touch. What could be the problem?

Q
My golden retriever was recently diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis. I am trying to obtain as much information as possible before I make a decision to put him through a risky surgery.

Q
My 13-year-old cat, Tigger, has discoloration of his paws. The vet recommended steroids, but this was only a temporary fix. Although not always painful, sometimes it is. Any advice would be recommended.