Last year I entered into the realm of pet health by default really. I had already been giving turmeric and black pepper to the campo dogs & cats to keep them worm-free with great results…
The presenting issue with our own pet was a legacy of worrying misdiagnosis’ followed by prescription after prescription of heavy meds from the local Spanish Vet; chosen because of their ability to converse in English. One mind-blowing misdiagnosis was that our Border Terrier had an enlarged heart and was given strong medicine for a couple of months before the Vet realised that the breed has a naturally large heart for hunting and there was nothing wrong with his heart! The erythema was sheer panic being at the vets! Another situation had me giving my dog 8 antibiotic tablets a day for a GI infection that he had picked up from the acequia. Since registering with a holistic Vet in a nearby town and introducing a few Ayurvedic daily practices, our pets have been in really great shape.
Furthermore, our big fluffy British Shorthair cat has also benefitted from a daily dose of turmeric and black pepper in his wet food for his arthritis. When he came to us he had a really bad limp on his front leg, which has since disappeared.
Using our Pets as case studies, and identifying the predominant dosha through things like character traits, their temperament , body build and fur condition, energy levels, eating and sleeping habits, memory indicators, preferences for weather conditions for walks etc. and any past health weaknesses; I ventured into a case back in the UK. The patient was a 10 year old black labrador called Harley owned by a friend of my husband. Harley had been on strong pain medication for some 8 years after being hit by a car. His rear leg had bad arthritis as a result of the trauma, he was very anxious when out walking by traffic and he had recently started to have crusty growths (dog nose Hyperkeratosis) on his nose.
My diagnosis sounded a bit out there at first but the more I looked into it, the more I realised that this science of Ayurveda really does apply to everything living & breathing!
While fewer holistic veterinarians may specialise in Ayurvedic medicine than in modalities such as acupuncture, homoeopathy or Western herbs, for example, it’s an approach that becoming more widely known and used. It can offer effective and gentle healing for many common conditions in dogs and cats.
Here was my case study, diagnosis and feedback on this wonderful animal-Harley.
‘If I apply the principles of Ayurveda to Harley, looking at his photo and digesting his character information & body type etc forwarded by his owner, I would put him as a Kapha dominant energy type. (Kapha lends structure, solidity, and cohesiveness to all things, and is therefore associated primarily with the earth and water elements. Kapha also embodies the watery energies of love and compassion. This dosha is responsible for lubricating all cells and systems, the joints, moisturises the skin, maintaining immunity, and protecting the tissues- When imbalanced, Kaphas become stubborn, resist change and can be generally lethargic in mind & body, joints, cells, skin and internal systems become dry and ache.
Physical signs-
- Kaphas are physically strong, with a sturdy heavy build.
- They have an aversion to cold, damp weather and may have asthma or allergies.
- These animals have the most energy of all constitutions, but this energy is steady and enduring, not explosive.
- Kaphas are slow-moving and graceful
- They have soft fur, a tendency for large “soft” eyes, and a soft temperament.
- They’re often overweight though they may eat little; they may also suffer from sluggish digestion.
- Stools are soft and pale in color, and slow evacuation is typical.
- Kaphas sleep soundly and long.
- They have excellent health, good stamina, and resistance to disease.
- These animals are easy-going, relaxed, slow-paced and happy.
- They may be slower to learn, but they never forget so can be possessive; they have good long-term memory.
- Kapha animals are affectionate and loving, forgiving, compassionate, non-judgmental, stable, reliable, faithful, and are peacemakers.
Therefore, my recommendation for Harley’s current presenting issues are the following herbs (available in tablet form, powders, tinctures and oils, so pick the easiest to insert into meals and treats)
Ayurvedic herbs
1. Ashwagandha (Wilhania somnifera)
Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, is one of the most highly regarded and widely used Ayurvedic herbs, believed to increase energy and overall health as well as longevity. Ashwagandha literally means “to impart the strength of a horse”.
The key constituents of Ashwagandha are called withanolides and play an important role in the herb’s ability to promote physical and mental health. Ashwagandha can be used on a long-term daily basis without the risk of side effects.
2. Boswellia Serrata (Salai, shallaki)
This is one of Ayurvedic medicine’s most potent anti-inflammatory herbs. Boswellia is a promising alternative to conventional NSAIDS, with the added advantage of sparing the GI lining. It is therefore useful for inflammatory disorders of the intestines, respiratory tract and skin. Boswellia significantly reduces the production of prostaglandins E2, cyclooxygenase-2 and prevents collagen degradation.
The most common use is for osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and any inflammatory condition of bones, joints and spine. It is also neuroprotective, analgesic and antifungal.
3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is a perennial herb-rhizome commonly used as a cooking spice. Curcumin is the yellow pigment extracted from turmeric. In Ayurvedic tradition, turmeric is a general tonic and blood pacifier. A potent anti-inflammatory agent with analgesic properties, curcumin’s essential oil has shown antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro studies.
Curcumin also possesses anti-asthmatic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti-cancer activity. It is known to have strong anti-ulcer activity due to its immune-modulating and stimulating properties, thus making it very effective in IBD cases. Curcumin maintains healthy cyclooxygenase-2 (Ld4) activity while supporting prostaglandins, leukocytes and thromboxane metabolism. Like Boswellia, it has neuroprotective properties, so it can be used by neurologists for spinal injury and inflammation.
4. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem has attracted worldwide attention in the medical community due to its wide range of medicinal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. Practically all parts of the neem tree are used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Fresh new leaves are used in concoctions for a variety of skin and other inflammatory disorders. Oil extracts from the leaves and seeds are potent antiseptics and insect repellants. Neem has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is also considered anti-hyperglycemic. Since it is considered a valuable insecticidal, it can be used for external parasites. All parts of the neem plant — leaves, bark and oil-based products — are used for this purpose.
N:B: Just be sure to consult with an integrative or holistic veterinarian before giving Harley any new herbs whilst medications are in the system….and if you do choose to try these, I would love to know any results.’
Feedback from Harleys owner after 8 weeks was that he was showing signs of being calmer when out and about, less agitated with his leg and the crusts on his nose had disappeared!
I recommended continuing with the turmeric and black pepper mix plus ashwagandha and to measure any progress. To date, all signs are very positive and pharmaceuticals are being reduced.
Take A Deep Breath 